Why Have a Dress Code?
In a recent article by Dana Carman, who advises people heading to job interviews on how to dress, she states:
"Dressed in certain clothes, we feel perfectly suited to the task at hand, whether it's attending a black-tie
function or leading a business meeting. How we look can make us feel fabulous and awful - sometimes on the
same day."
When we dress up, we feel special. When we dress in our "scruffies", our behavior reflects how we
feel. This is also very true for children. When children are dressed up, they will behave differently
than when they're in their play clothes. It also may effect how children treat each other.
Also, a dress code levels the playing ground from family to family. Some may be able to afford fancy
clothing and others, very simple clothing. Children should not have to deal with noticeable differences that
may cause teasing and name-calling.
The administration of Life Academy has established a dress code to promote
the highest quality of academic atmosphere. We feel it prepares students for their
attention to learning. It hopefully decreases the attention to what they're wearing
(which has become too much of a major concern among our youth) and places it on what they are doing
(learning).
It also prepares students for spiritual growth. One of the basic principles of
Christianity is submission to God's authority. We won't always understand the "why" of what He asks of
us; but if His Word declares it, we must follow it.
If a child learns to be submissive to rules and standards, he will find it that much easier to be
submissive to God. We also feel that a dress code prepares students for their future in
the work world. Many jobs require strict adherence to a dress code, even uniforms (i.e. the armed services,
medical field, policemen, firemen, and even many restaurants and fast-food chains, as well as entertainment
establishments such as Disney World).
It is our intention to have a code and uniform that is based on modesty, cleanliness, and sobriety
(all Biblical standards). We have no qualms about establishing Biblical standards, inasmuch as
we are a Christian school (not just a private school). We realize that we do lean to the conservative end of
these standards. We certainly are not trying to change the personal beliefs and standards of our school
families, and we respect your opinions on these matters. However, inasmuch as our church is a very
conservative one, and inasmuch as this school would not survive without the support (both financially and
physically) of this church, and inasmuch as this church treats Life Academy as a ministry, we ask for your
cooperation in complying with this code. We feel it promotes unity between the church and school, and thus a
greater opportunity to provide for the needs of both.
In explanation of why we have chosen to request no jewelry or makeup (except for the stated
exceptions), we have found through experience that it is much easier to enforce an abstinence policy than one in
which we have to make daily judgments on acceptable appearance. This also applies to the policy of
requesting girls to wear uniform skirts instead of pants. There is a fine line between what might be
feminine and modest and what might not be acceptable. We all know that children will push the rules to the
limit and will constantly test our tolerance levels. We do not want to have to continually judge on these
matters, and therefore we have adopted the following policy and uniform. (Please see Boys' Daily Uniform & Dress Code or Girls' Daily Uniform & Dress Code)
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