Dress Code--Stephanie Juarez and Jennifer Olsen

The dress code at Merit Academy has caused quite a bit of controversy. Opinions on dress code are usually very passionate, whether it’s for or against. Right now the dress code consists of collared shirts, no jeans, and close-toed, solid colored shoes. Since students are allowed various colors and styles, the overall goal isn’t to make everyone look the same, it’s to keep everyone looking, and more importantly, acting, professionally.
Although it took some getting used to, many students who originally disliked the dress code have come to love it. Freshman Kassidy Powell appreciates the high standard of dress. She said, “The school dress code is a great way to keep the students on track and focused. I love the feeling of being all dressed up and ready to go. Keep it up Merit!
One of the biggest reasons for the dress code is that it keeps MCPA keeps students and teachers focused. Some of Mr. Pyeatt’s math classes conducted the same quiz on two different days, one day with free dress and one day with dress code, and the scores proved what the board and staff already believed: students perform better when they’re dressed better.
Since the dress code allows a lot of flexibility, students have taken it upon themselves to add personality to their outfits. Some even look at it as playing dress up every day. Girls dress in cute skirts, blouses, dresses, and creative accessories. Boys look better, not to mention more attractive, when they are in dress code. When they dress in nice pants and classy collared shirts, they look like they care more about themselves and their hygiene.
Another benefit of the dress code is that people can be judged less on their clothes and more on what matters. Junior Natasha Taylor agreed saying, “I like the feeling of not having cliques because of the clothes people wear. I feel we are all equal with the dress code.”
The biggest reason students want the dress code to stay the same for upcoming years is because both students and teachers look professional. It makes our school unique and higher class.