Dress Code Dilemma

When the weather gets warmer there is always the issue of dress codes in Seattle Schools, mostly especially in high school.

Apparently, this has been quite the issue at Garfield where several readers let me know that students - almost entirely girls - have been ambushed while coming to school by administrators.  One issue that gives the girls much unhappiness is that boys are able to use the field without shirts on while girls have to cover up.


I recall that Principal Howard had brought Steve Harvey, game show host/comic, to Garfield a few years back.  There was an uproar because Mr. Harvey, in his talk to students, singled out girls:

"Everything God made of value, he made hard to get," Harvey said at the assembly.  "All you girls here who have what these boys want: Why do you think God put it where he hid it?  You girls are sitting on a gold mine! You can't pass it off like it's candy."

It was never clearly explained why Mr. Harvey was selected as an inspirational speaker but I wonder, in thinking of the latest unhappiness over student attire, that Mr. Howard seeks to define young women in a certain manner.

But again (and again) is this issue of principals as kings of their fiefdoms.  It seems like, especially for high schools, principals really do go their own way with little oversight or interference from JSCEE.

One beacon of hope?  Trenna Treena Stark, the principal at Eckstein who found her own way to meet this dress code challenge (bold mine).  I appreciate that she makes it about what is appropriate, not about how an item fits a student's body.
Dear Families,

It is spring, and it is hot outside and sometimes even hotter in the building! This means that students are donning their summer clothing. This of course brings up issues and discussion of what is school appropriate and what is more appropriate for weekend wear or at the beach. As a mother of two teenage girls, this is a difficult topic as I am aware of issues around body shaming and concern that dress code objectifies students in a way that unfairly shifts the blame onto them. I also want to spend my days inspiring learning and improving teaching, not enforcing dress code. That said, I also believe that there is a need for some clear boundaries about what is not appropriate in the school environment.

Below, is our current dress code. Parents are asked to help students choose school appropriate clothing. I also encourage students to bring their thoughts, ideas and concerns to their Associated Student Body Representative (ASB) in their Home Room and utilize our Student Government to impact change. This is a proactive way for our students to learn how to advocate for change to rules and policies that impact them. My message to students is that just like in the 'real world,' there are policies that we do not agree with and it is our civic duty to make our voices heard through these systems.

On Thursday, our ASB met and had the first of a series of conversations on this topic and are working to find consensus in their recommendations for policy change. Please do encourage your student to participate through this venue. I am listening!

It is also my expectation that staff, when addressing concerns around dress code, do so in a way that is private, respectful and does not shame students. I know that it is developmentally appropriate for students to be exploring who they are and expressing this through clothing. I also appreciate that students are highly sensitive to being identified in front of their peers. It is my intent to minimize this and address it without value judgments or attention.

DRESS CODE

At Eckstein, we establish an atmosphere focused on learning. To maintain a school appropriate environment, all students should select clothing for the purpose of school with weather considerations. It is always a great idea to have appropriate weather gear in case we were to need to evacuate the building. Eckstein staff will work to privately intervene and approach students who violate the dress code.

Unacceptable clothing choices:

     * Free from offensive language or images

     * All parts of undergarments (underwear, bra, boxers, etc.) should be concealed without need for constant adjustment

     * Shorts are expected to have a 3-inch inseam minimum (width of a post-it). Skirts should fall mid-thigh.

     * All parts of torso (front and back from the shoulders to mid-thigh) should remain covered regardless of position of arms

     * Hats (beanies and brimmed) are allowed in the hallways and outside as long as the student's face is visible. Classroom expectations will be shared by the teacher.

     * Hoods covering the head are not permitted.

     * Gang related paraphernalia, including bandanas or gang-identified logos

Thank you for your help and partnership, as always.

Treena Sterk

Principal, Eckstein Middle School

#principalsterk

Ensuring the academic, social and emotional growth and success of each student.

#GoodjobPrincipalStark