New Dress Code Policy
Alexis Johnson
Each Year, students anticipate to read the new dress code policy, hoping to be less restricted and be presented with the opportunity to express themselves more freely among their peers.When students read “ Apparel, dress, or grooming that is potentially disruptive of the educational process shall not be permitted,” we often wonder what fits such a description.Every student has a different way of presenting themselves among others. For many, it is difficult taking advantage of learning opportunities when you’re uncomfortable in your learning environment while trying to meet the school’s narrow requirements.The new dress code consists of students now being permitted to wear jackets,solid button down shirts,apparel that represents any college, and clothing that can now be solid red,gray,blue,black and white. Although the dress code policy has been altered, we would like to see more modifications being made, while still remaining school appropriate.
An OHS student taking advantage of the new dress code policy, wearing
a button down shirt with a tie.
Our dress code makes it easy to narrow down what to wear everyday, but it sometimes makes me feel bored as if I’m “going through the motions.” I also think our dress code does not comply with every season. OHS junior Alicia Montgomery suggested that she would “let us be able to wear shorts in warmer weather,” if given the opportunity. “I would let us wear school t-shirts,” stated Kailee Shelton, a senior at OHS. More students would like to wear spirit shirts because they are more comfortable and an easy way to show owl pride! Also, students would like to see administrators implement length appropriate shorts and capris into the dress code because it tends to get very hot and humid, especially at the beginning and end of the school year.
The faculty of OHS are also in agreement with dress code policy requests made by students. Mr.Briggs, an English and Bible studies teacher at Ooltewah also said that students should “be able to wear shorts in the summer.” Teachers agree that although the new dress code policy has not met all of the students demands and expectations, it has somewhat resolved the continuous dress code violations being made by stubborn students willing to test the policy and makes students feel more comfortable in class. “It has created a student population that buys into what we are trying to do her at Ooltewah, while feeling the staff has met them halfway on some key issues.” states Mr.Carpenter, a familiar face in the halls of OHS. It shows students that the administration is acknowledging central issues found by students. Both Mrs.Briggs and Mr.Carpenter report students are responsive to the new dress code without testing boundaries. Mr.Carpenter states it has “fostered a more productive educational experience for everyone involved.”
I think the administration should get input from seniors concerning dress code because they have spent some time at this school and have been through the various dress code changes in the past and would like to help rising OHS students feel comfort at school. Students should be able to somehow share input about the dress code as long as it is appropriate and benefits most students. Some rules within the dress code are puzzling and should be explained to students such as no skirts or striped apparel. We students want to improve our school in any way we can and should work together to meet the needs of both students and teachers in OHS.
Two OHS students enjoying the new dress code.