In “Voorhies clarifies misinformation regarding dress code enforcements,” Principal Jamie Voorhies said, “There’s [a] code of conduct for every [job]. If you go into Chick-fil-A not in your uniform are they going to let you work for the day? Nope.”

While that might be true, this statement does not apply or support dress code violations at our school. To quote Voorhies, “There is a code of conduct for every job.” But the honest truth is school is just not a job. 

Dress code has always been a topic that has arisen throughout the high school atmosphere. But that is what it is–a school atmosphere.

Starr’s Mill is part of the Fayette County Public School System, not the workforce. Students are not being paid to go to school, we are not required to wear a uniform, so why are we still getting dress-coded for not meeting the requirements?

In the Student Code of Conduct, students are expected to dress in a “neat and clean” way. But what does that mean?

Fayette County Public Schools gives a very vague description of what is expected of their students. Someone’s definition of neat and clean could very much differ from your own opinion. 

Just because I am not in business attire clothing does not mean I am any less productive or any more distracting. Dressing in comfy clothes might actually make you more productive.

Studies have shown that enhanced physical comfort could improve productivity and focus. Tight and uncomfortable clothing could lead to distractions and agitation. While comfortable clothing could enhance your learning experience, business attire could lessen your education.

In clothes of your own choice, students can feel more safe and confident. Even in sweatpants and a hoodie, a comfy combo might bring a sense of security to the student. As long as you feel “neat and clean” that is all that matters.

For eight hours a day, a student slaves at a desk, constantly learning and working. Students at least deserve the right to dress how they want. 

We deserve the right to dress in something we feel comfortable and safe in. In school, all that matters is if you get your work done. If you are completing your work and furthering your education, why can you not wear comfy clothes in the process?

You absolutely can wear whatever you feel the most comfortable in at school. At a place like high school, sometimes being comfortable is the one thing that can get you through a stressful day. 

Comfortable clothes are like a warm hug. It brings so many positive impacts on mental and physical health. Everything goes right when you are comfortable and confident.

All signs point to comfortable clothing. At the end of the day, school is not your job, so dress however you want.

One who says, “It’s just school. Why does it matter how I dress?” overlooks and forgets why we are here at school. This is your job.

Dress for the job you want. Athletes should practice out on the field for the positions they want, and students should prepare for the level of academic success they want.

You come to school to learn and actively participate in the process of learning. If you disagree and say you come to school to play games on your phone or Chromebook or socialize with friends, let me enlighten you to one fact: There are much more comfortable and enjoyable places to do those things than the molded plastic seats at Starr’s Mill High School.

School is work. The quality of that work is indicated through the grade earned. The higher the quality and effort and engagement, the higher the grade.

This compares to earning promotions or raises at work. If you show up, participate, work hard, and do the things that need to be done, you are rewarded. Perhaps you might even progress up the economic ladder.

Similarly, the better grades you earn here at school, the more likely you are to progress through the grade levels and advance to perhaps college or some other post-secondary option.

I understand the appeal of being comfortable and relaxed. We are not saying that we should implement school uniforms, or that girls should be in ball gowns and boys should be in suits and ties.

I, too, enjoy being relaxed and comfortable, but that does not mean that I simply roll out of bed and stroll into the classroom in a pair of slippers, pajama pants, and a hoodie, despite how comfortable those things are.

The idea of just rolling out of bed and strolling right into the classroom already sets students up for a hurried nonchalance where they are constantly pressured by the clock and do not care until the last minute or even after the last minute has passed.

Those who have spent time in my classroom know that I enjoy discussing ways not to reduce stress and anxiety, but to eliminate them from the start. That begins with a present awareness in the current moment.

An upright, attentive posture also indicates that you are presently present not just in the room, but in the current moment.

Research indicates that a slouched posture or a head down on a desk negatively impacts performance, particularly academic performance. The opposite is also true. Research indicates that an upright posture, not rigid but an upright posture of attentiveness, indicates that one is alert and ready.

If you choose to show up, be where you are. You are at school, and school is your job. Dress the part, be an active participant in that part, and watch as your experience transforms.

You might earn better grades. You might become more open to new opportunities and new possibilities for yourself now and for your future. I will go so far as to say you might even find yourself enjoying the work.

When we enjoy the work, it is no longer work. This begins by accepting that school is your job, so dress accordingly.