Updated 09/05/2008 07:10 AM
Schools happy with new dress codes
Counselors at Smith say the new dress code has eliminated a huge source of peer pressure.
HIGH POINT -- There's a new look this year at six public schools in Guilford County.
The campuses have established dress codes, joining 30 others that set up similar rules last year. Schools call the dress codes SMOD, or, Standard Mode of Dress.
It's up to each school to make the call on what students will wear and principals say reaction to their new dress codes has been good.
"I've had a number of parents come to me and say how well the students look," said Dr. Bryan Johnson, principal at Parkview Elementary School.
That's also been the reaction at Smith High School in Greensboro.
"The reason we had real easy buy-in is that the students were part of that decision making in going to SMOD, and their parents," said Dr. Noah Rogers, the school's principal.
Smith High is phasing in the new rules, beginning with ninth graders last year and 10th grade students this year.
"Our ninth grade students wear white polo shirts, khaki pants or black pants," said Rogers. "Our 10th graders wear dark, black polo shirts or black pants or khaki pants with dark shoes.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
"The girls can also wear a pleated dress, which is also khaki or they can wear pants like the young men wear.”
Counselors at Smith say the new dress code has eliminated a huge source of peer pressure.
"From a child's perspective who may not be able financially to wear certain brands or certain types of clothing, that kinda eases the stress level for them," said Kanesha Richardson.
And school administrators say a dress code instills a sense of pride.
"They all seem proud to come in wearing a collared shirt and ready to come to school like there's a different purpose," said Johnson.
Johnson says if there's a downside to the new dress code, he's not aware of it.
"We've had great support from the community, from the parents and from the teachers," said Johnson. "We have a clothes closet that some of the local churches and businesses have made donations to."
"Our CIS coordinator has worked very hard to get donations and things, so, I really do not see a downside to the SMOD," he said.
Smith High is accepting donations from churches, businesses and other organizations to help pay for school clothes for students whose families are financially challenged.
Donations can be made by calling social worker Terri Sims-Warren at (336)294-7300, extension 4715.