I've had a few opportunities since the beginning of the school year to meet with parents who have had questions surrounding the changes made to the dress code. It was suggested that I share those reasons in the newsletter to provide further clarification and to answer any remaining questions.
1) Why were there changes made to the dress code this year?
- The previous dress code was written with too many unclear guidelines, leaving a lot of grey area for parents and teachers to provide consistency to the dress code expectations. The handbook policies of a private school serve as the "Constitution" of the school, outlining the rules and expectations of that school. The previous unclear expectations in the uniform policy led to inconsistency in upholding the dress code by the SLA staff, and made it unclear to parents what to provide for their children to wear. The new clear guidelines allows our teachers to spend the majority of their time on teaching and building relationships with the students instead of questioning if the student is in approved uniform attire. It also streamlines the process for parents to provide uniform materials for the students because the guidelines are very clear what is and is not permitted.
2) Why do we even have a dress code policy?
- Our goal in enforcing a dress code is to provide an outward appearance in our school's unity, solidarity, and community with one another because the students are all wearing very closely the same things. It also allows students to increase focus on their academics instead of what they are wearing, and lessens judgements on student economic status based on their clothing. Additionally, depending on what research you read, there is a positive academic and behavioral impact as a result of wearing school uniforms.
3) Do you think the school is being too picky when it comes to things put in the dress code policy, like what kind of socks to wear? What does it matter?
- I understand that perspective. However, anything can be considered "too picky" depending on your perspective. At SLA we expect all students to keep their shirts tucked in at all times. Some may think that is "too picky". We believe that these simple things, like keeping their shoes tied as another example, are things that all students can do with exceptionality. It is a standard of our culture we want to have by expecting and encouraging all students to do the simple things really well. We want students to be intentional in writing their name on their paper well, in turning in their papers the right way, in lining up in the correct order, in being quiet in the hallway so other students can have the benefit of a learning environment. If we can encourage all our students to do all the simple things well, then we will be a lot closer to doing the bigger things well. Looking at a students socks may be trivial, but it is a simple thing we believe the students can do well, and we believe helping form this mindset will set them apart from others in society when they graduate from SLA.
As a reminder, here is the current dress code:
Fleece sweaters: are to be of the following solid colors: gray, navy blue, or black. The fleece sweater must be full zip, without a hood, and may be worn in the classroom from October 15-March 31 only.
Also, beginning November 1, the following changes are made to our dress code, per the handbook.
Skirts and Jumpers: Should touch the tops of the knees when standing. The backs of the skirts and jumpers should also touch the knee crease in the back of the leg while standing. Please consider the growth of a child over a school year when hemming or buying uniform skirts or jumpers. If shorts are worn under the jumper or skirt, they may not extend below the skirt or jumper. Rolling of skirts at the waist is a violation of the dress code. Skirt and Jumper may be the following colors: Khaki or navy blue.
*Tights or leggings must be worn under a child’s skirt/jumber beginning November 1-March 31.
Tights/Leggings: Girls may wear only tights with feet with their jumpers and skirts. Tights of various materials are allowed: fleece lined, cable knit, etc. Leggings must be worn during the school day with jumpers or skirts between November 1 and March 31. Leggings are to be plain in color – red, white, navy blue, and black. Please consider temps for outdoor recess.
Find the complete dress code in the Parent Handbook beginning on page 39.
