Base youth discuss school uniform policy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vesta Anderson
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 2007-2008 school year is steadily approaching and some parents have already begun to enroll their children. With this years supply list in hand, parents head to stores for the traditional sprint down school-supply shopping lanes. As the shopping cart fill with goodies and the children's excitement grow, parents are encouraged to remember one more stop before checkout; the clothing department. 

Last year, students and parents noticed a change in the dress and appearance regulations after the Bay County School District started a new school uniform policy that states specific requirements for student attire. 

According to the revised Student Uniform Policy 7.303, which became effective Aug. 1, 2006, the policy was implemented in order to promote safety, personal hygiene, academic well-being, and moral development. 

"It's the School Board's way of trying to create a better environment for schools," said Brittney Weis, a twelfth grade student at Rutherford High School in Springfield. "When you look at the policy in that perspective it can be appreciated." 

Weis has been attending Bay County schools for nine years. The policy was introduced at the beginning of her junior year at Rutherford High School; the 2006-2007 school year.
Each school in Bay County has slightly different dress code requirements from shirt colors to the acceptable length of shorts and skirts worn. In addition, there are also exceptions to wearing the uniform and disciplinary actions for policy violators. 

Bay County schools seem to be on the same page with certain standards. Each school is enforcing their own school colors as the designated colors for uniform shirts. 

Rutherford's student uniform requires collared shirts in the solid colors of black, yellow, white, or gold. Shirts must be unaltered with no more than three buttons. 

"It doesn't bother me much," said Weis. "There are still ways to be different and show your personality, but it's a little harder." 

Tyndall Elementary uniform policy states that student shirts are to be solid colors of blue, red, or white. 

For Jazmine Bell, a Tyndall Elementary fourth grade student, the new uniform is welcomed with open arms. 

"I like wearing the uniforms," said Bell. "My favorite outfit is my skirt and red shirt."
Rosenwald Middle School shirt colors are light blue, maroon and white. 

For more detailed information on the policy, parents and students of Bay County schools can locate the Student Uniform SB Policy 7.303 on the Bay District School website at www.bay.k12.fl.us/schools/ or may contact their specific school directly.