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Randall Jeppesen and Sarah Dallof reportingAre middle schools failing students by focusing more on social development than education? That's what a study done by the Washington D.C., based Thomas Fordham Institute found. Ever since, many schools have been trying to eliminate outside distractions and bring class back to the books.
At Dixon Middle School in Provo tonight, the focus was on the fashions students may be wearing next year. A committee of parents at Dixon Middle School came up with a proposed dress code that even district spokesman Greg Hudnall says is strict. "This would be the most restrictive dress code we have in our school district," he said.
Atunaisa Pale, a student, said, "I think the shirt and everything looks nice."
Jordan Tanner said, "It's uncomfortable. It's all tight."
The suggested new dress code would allow for no denim, no logos, no super short, super low or extra baggy clothes. Instead, the policy would require solid-colored pants and collared shirts.
"Our society has continued to allow students to wear, you know, anything that they want to school, and I think these parents are just trying to crack down," Hudnall said.
Principal Rosana Ungerman said, "Our job as educators is to provide a safe learning environment and one where students can focus."
The structured dress code is being voted on tonight, following a push from a committee of parents. They were concerned about students wearing provocative clothing and gang paraphernalia.
"At Dixon, I feel like we have a safe school, but we have students who shop and wear the gang attire," Ungerman said.
The final decision goes to the parents, with one vote per household.
Julie Holman voted in favor of it. She says, "I think it raises the standard. I think it raises the bar for our kids."
Karen Uhl, who voted against the dress code, says, "I like the idea of a dress code, but I feel like this was way too restrictive."
Voting will be over May 2; students will then know what to shop for next year.
To see the entire proposed dress code, click the related link.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com