CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
You might be familiar with some recent fashion trends: short shorts, short skirts, low-cut tops and low-riding jeans. These trends will not be seen at Chambersburg Area Senior High School this year.
Chris Bigger, Director of Curriculum and Technology in Secondary Schools, said there has been a school-wide effort this year to improve the appearance of students overall by enforcing the dress code.
According to Bigger, the idea is not to punish students, but rather to educate them about having pride in themselves and to present themselves in a way that won't create a distraction.
Last Thursday, when school administrators started enforcing possible violations, 64 students out of 2,284 were sent to the auditorium. Last Friday, 38 students were sent. According to the school, in each instance there were no consequences handed out, just options for the students to change.
Bigger said students can go home with parent permission, call parents to bring in a change of clothes, or change into something provided by the school when there is a violation.
"We felt it was our obligation to educate them first, and then give consequences only if we absolutely have to later," he said.
He said it is important to note that only a small percentage of the student body has violated the dress code.
"In a high school of 2,200 students, that is not a lot of students that are purposefully trying to violate it," he said.
He added that this is about students raising their standards.
"We know they are going to feel better about themselves when they don't have to worry about what people are wearing or looking at things they shouldn't have to look at," he said.
