Although many students tend to complain about having to wear specific clothes and follow tedious rules regarding their outerwear, they’re often thankful to have a dress code to follow. At Saint Joseph High School, there has been various dress codes implemented over the years.
Before the 1990’s, there was no dress code (or at least a very minimal amount of rules pertaining to clothes) which gave students free rein to wear whatever they pleased. A lenient environment was constructed, but there seemed to be a sense of competition between students and the clothes they wore.
Times have changed since then. Over the years, a dress code has been made on nearly every piece of clothing except socks and shoes. Each student is required to wear khaki pants or shorts with a Saint Joe polo, quarter-zip, zip-up or sweater. Sprit-wear sweatshirts or jackets are not allowed even if they are representing Saint Joe Athletics, Clubs, Theatre..etc. Students have found that having a uniform takes pressure off of their mornings because they aren’t stressing to find a different outfit each day.
I spoke with Principal Kennedy about the positive effects of applying a dress code. Kennedy explained “The uniform and dress codes we have created bring Unity amongst the students because they are all wearing the same thing. Having a uniform not only makes the students lives easier, but also the teachers. Teachers and students have one less thing to worry about in regards to what they are wearing which relieves pressure for both parties”.
