Photo Credit: KAYLEE OBERFIELD
BY JESSICA WEAVER
With the amount of times we are reminded to abide by the dress code, you would think that the point would be drilled into our minds. Yet, there are students who still refuse to listen. These students who blatantly disregard the rules risk not only the success of themselves but of the school. The dress code is not meant to prevent self-expression or limit style but to aid the school in presenting a positive, successful atmosphere that allows students to focus on learning.
Students constantly complain about the dress code and continue to defy it. Even though they’re allowed to wear finger length shorts, they must break the rules by wearing shorter shorts. The students who constantly abuse the dress code are oblivious to the fact that it could be even stricter. Many schools, such as Western High School, have considered uniforms in order to keep their school focused. In fact, the Department Of Education has encouraged schools to go further than just a dress code and adopt uniforms. Students should be thankful that they are able to wear what they choose and have only a few restrictions to abide by, instead, most abuse the little freedom they are given.
The dress code not only keeps students focused, but it also helps to uphold our schools “A” image. In return for attending such an excellent school we should portray ourselves as successful students. Dressing as though we are about to go to a party not only misrepresents us as students but also misrepresents the seriousness of the school. We are a hard working school and we should dress the part of hard working students. Sagging pants, hats, shorts, and tank tops presents an image that says students are not serious about learning. Imagine if a teacher came to school wearing short shorts and a backwards hat. Students would most likely consider that teacher and the class as a joke. Cooper City High School and its staff aren’t a joke, they all work extremely hard and that dedication should be reflected in the image of the students. According to the National School Board Association, a majority of educators have reported a decrease in violence, fights, and improved student achievement when dress codes have been implemented. Overall, the dress code creates a better learning environment for everyone and without it the distractions and problems would make it hard for us to uphold our title as an ‘A’ school.
In high school we are preparing for the future. If students dress as though they don’t care, they are learning a bad habit that will hinder their progress. When adults go to a job interview or even to work, they dress for success. They must dress professionally in order to be taken seriously, no exceptions. This is something students should be exposed to at an early age in order to prepare them for their future. Even those who work at McDonalds must wear a professional uniform. Abiding by the dress code in high school might seem annoying to students, but what they must realize is that they will be told what to wear throughout their life. Therefore, the dress code is only giving students a taste of the stricter dress code they will face in the work force.
Students can continue to break dress code and ignore the rules, but in the end they are only hurting themselves. Besides perpetuating a negative personal image, they are damaging the reputation of their school. As a successful school, we need to uphold a certain image. Dressing successfully shows we care about that image. Even if students feel is not a good enough reason to follow the rules, they should think about what the dress code could be as well as the dress code they will have to follow in the future.
