Dress codes ease social pressure

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
August 30, 2007

Students at most Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City have limited choices in styles and colors when it comes to getting dressed for school in the morning.

Gehlen Catholic students in Le Mars are wearing different outfits this year with the institution of a new dress code.

"I was in awe when I saw the students the first day of school wearing the green, gold and white colors of our school," said parent Cheri Herbst, dress code committee member, Gehlen graduate and new teacher. "We are so lucky to get the opportunity to show our school pride not only through our words and actions, but also through our appearance as well. Now we can show everyone that we are proud to be attending Gehlen Catholic School."

The dress code includes short and long sleeve polos in white, green and gold and walking shorts, capris, skorts and pants in tan, navy or black. Students can also wear hooded Gehlen sweatshirts in white, gray, black, gold or green. Gehlen Catholic's new dress code is tailored to fit boys and girls in a variety of sizes and price ranges.

"Gehlen Catholic believes the new dress code will enhance the perceived equality among students, as students will no longer be worried about whether they fit in due to attire," said Lori Nussbaum, TK-6th grade principal at Gehlen.

She said that students could focus on their academics and activities and less about what they wear.

The previous dress code was navy, black or khaki walking shorts, capris or pants, Gehlen Catholic sweatshirts and shirts for students in grades 7-12 had to be collared. Seventh through 12th also had to wear belts and all students had to have their shirts tucked in.

Eighth grader, Stephanie Rohe, said the new dress code saves money since they only have to buy a few shirts.

"We know what we are going to wear," said Eric Oetken, an eighth grader. "We don't have to waste a half hour in the morning looking for something to wear."

The new dress code came about because of parental input more than 15 months ago. As fashions have changed, families indicated it was difficult to find items that fit into the previous dress code. Parents wanted a dress code that was simple and hassle-free.

Father Kevin Richter, president of Gehlen Catholic, invited all parents to share their opinions on the school's dress code in May 2006.

After soliciting input from local retailers, the Gehlen Catholic School Board approved the new dress code in August 2006.

Not only does Gehlen have a dress code, but so do the other seven Catholic high schools and 10 of the Catholic grade schools in the diocese.

"These are dress codes that would be very specific and more of a uniform dress code," said Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese. "Dress codes can be thought of in three parts. Uniforms would be as strict as the definition that everyone is wearing the exact same pant, shirt, etc. from the same company."

At the schools in the diocese, the students are required to wear a certain kind of pant and a certain color or style of shirt but not the same brand or from the same company.

"In Sioux City, the pants cannot have any kind of patch pockets on them. The shirts have to have collars on them - polo or button down - that can be tucked in," said Vickery. "That is a very restrictive dress code."

The dress code for K-8 students at Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools (BHCS) is blouses/shirts with collars in solid dark navy, light blue or white, solid plain sweaters in navy blue or white, BHCS sweatshirts without a hood, plaid skirts, khaki, plaid or navy blue skorts, khaki or navy walking shorts and khaki or navy dress slacks, pants or cords.

The BHCS high school students can wear short or long sleeved shirts with collars (oxford or polo) in white or dark navy, dress slacks or pants in khaki or dark navy, skirts or skorts, plain sweaters in gray or dark navy and Bishop Heelan sweatshirts or jackets in navy blue, gold, white or gray.

Some of the smaller elementary schools have a less strict dress code. There are limitations on how short shorts can be, the appropriate kind of top that can be worn and what things can be on a T-shirt.

"The most important reason for using a dress code is that it allows everyone to come to school and feel like they are on a level playing field," said Vickery. "You don't have that competition of feeling like you have to have spent more than what you can to be in the in crowd. It also allows students to focus on what is important - the building of community and the learning that takes place in the school."

At Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, the uniform guidelines are outlined in the student handbook. The girls have the choice of skirts, pants and shorts and the boys can decide between pants or shorts. Both boys and girls can choose colors of shirts and sweaters.

Prior to having uniforms, Garrigan students followed a dress code.

"Switching to the uniform has made it a little easier to enforce," said Mike Stence, principal at Garrigan. "The students don't have to compete against one another to wear the latest fashion to school. That is definitely one of the advantages."

Students at St. Edmond School in Fort Dodge wear white shirts and khaki pants for the most part. They have the option of navy blue or black pants as well.

"We are trying to eliminate the competition in dress among the students," said Chuck Elbert, principal at St. Ed's. "We are trying to promote the unity and equity that we have regardless of their social, economic status."

He said that it sets the tone for the school and a good first impression. The dress code at Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll is navy, black or light khaki pants, shorts (with a 7-inch inseam for grades 4-12 and 5 inches for pre-kindergarten through third grade), red or white polo shirts (with or without school logo) and Kuemper sweatshirts (no hoods).

"We don't allow any kind of team jackets or any apparel that would only be reserved for a select group of students," said Penny Miller, Kuemper High School principal. "The sweatshirts can only be those which everyone would have had an opportunity to purchase."

She said there are four main reasons why Kuemper has a dress code. They are:

- A dress code promotes an environment conducive to studying without distractions.

- It shows school pride to be dressed in colors that represent the school.

- A dress code allows students to focus on things other than economic status and balances out the playing field.

- It is affordable for parents.

Vickery said, "It provides them with opportunity of knowing that they are properly dressed, especially for middle school and high school students. In today's society it is so important, as a parent, to know that you don't have to wonder whether your child is appropriately covered. You know they are going to go to school looking suitable and presentable."