In addition, what are we teaching them about themselves?  To make a statement by dressing sloppily with holes in the knees and butt, midrift showing, and deep cleavage?

What are we teaching them about modesty, professionalism,  and , yes, conforming to the dress code where they work?

It appears to me that women object more than men to having dress codes and complain, “That isn’t me.  They’re squashing my personality.”

I work parttime at a deli.  I must wear a shirt of a color that isn’t my best and has the store insignia.  I also must wear a cap or hair net.  These aren’t something I feel are “me.”  We also cannot wear jeans.  In order to have the job and the income, I “conform” to the store dress code and state health regulations (cap or hair net).

I’m probably not the only one who feels that if a person doesn’t care about their appearance, they, in all likelihood, don’t care enough about their work to do a good job.  This may not be the case, but it is the thought that occurs to many people.

The old adage is true, “You only have a few seconds to make a first impression.”  Let’s teach our daughters, and sons, to make a good first impression…in appearance and actions.

What do you think?

Relevant Post:  Because I’m a Woman Don’t Tell Me How to Dress!

(Amy Butler patterns image at Amazon)

Post from: Blisstree

What Are We Teaching Daughters About Dress?

My first thought is, kids can refuse in-school suspension? Since when did a suspension become option?

My second thought is, surely this school has better ways to spend their money rather than ordering 82 blue prison coveralls for offending students to wear.

I’m not necessarily against dress codes. I can almost see the thought behind the theory that some offensive clothing can distract students and hinder learning. Almost. But I think Gonzales High may be taking their dress code a little far.

My kids’ school has a dress code too. They are required to wear shoes. They cannot wear hats during school time. Their clothing cannot promote drugs, alcohol, sex, profanity, gangs, or any message that is disruptive to the education process. Guys cannot wear muscle shirts or sleeveless athletic shirts and the straps on a girl’s top need to be at least 1″ thick. Girls also need to wear shirts that cover their midriff when their arms are at their sides. Neither sex can show their undergarments. And wallet chains must be shorter than 12″ and must be attached to a wallet (or watch) or they will be considered weapons. This seems like a reasonable dress code to me.

What is prohibited by the Gonzales High School dress code? Spaghetti-strap tank tops, extra baggy pants, miniskirts and anyone in clothes that shows their underwear. It also includes boys with earrings or facial hair and may soon include cargo pants and t-shirts. The school wants students to wear shirts with collars. Is this a public high school or an exclusive country club? Boys with earrings or facial hair? Seriously? My brother would have spent his days in these coveralls because he has a full beard…even as a teen (which was just three years ago for him). I can’t stand the baggy pants movement, but is it hindering learning? I seriously doubt it.

I think this school is totally missing the point here. School Board President Glenn Menking says “the idea was to put students’ attention on education, not clothes,” but I have a feeling they may be doing the exact opposite. Making kids wear prison garb will certainly draw attention to clothes and away from education. Students are already talking about rebelling. They are threatening to purposely wear offending clothes and purposely refuse in-school suspension just so they can wear the coveralls. Some are talking about buying their own coveralls. I guess prison coveralls can become this schools uniform. How nice.

What are your thoughts? Does your child’s public school have a dress code? Would you be ok with your child walking around looking like a prisoner?

Post from: Blisstree

Treating High School Students Like Prisoners

There are plenty of other reasons why parents and school administrators love the idea of uniforms, including:

PROS

• Reduces the incident of inappropriate fashion statements (short shorts, inappropriate statements on tshirts, spaghetti straps, etc.)
• School uniforms generally cost less than designer fashions and reduce the pressure on kids and families to be wearing the latest trends and designer brands.
• Helps decrease the development of cliques based on who’s wearing the cool clothes.
• Reduces crime related to stealing designer clothes
• Uniforms emphasize membership and group identity, fostering a community spirit.
• When students are similarly dressed it makes it easier to detect a school intruder or identify students on school outings.
• Helps kids realize that you are more than your clothes.

CONS:

• Hampers self expression and promotes conformity.
• Uniforms can be expensive.
• Uniforms do not entirely prevent the formation of cliques or gangs.
• Inappropriate views by students can still be expressed in other ways.

So what is your view? Are school uniforms good or bad? Take a moment and vote, then leave a comment and let us know! Joe at Thinking Forward is talking about this, too.

Post from: Blisstree

School Uniforms