Parent survey leads to school dropping uniforms

Published 9:55 am Friday, May 27, 2022

Students at Pickering High School in Vernon Parish will be not be required to wear their khaki and polo shirt uniforms when they return to classes this fall, according to school officials.

According to a letter sent out to students and parents this week, in a recently-returned parent survey, parents “overwhelmingly” voted to do away with the school’s uniform policy and instead go with the standard dress code created by the Vernon Parish School Board.

The letter reads that the dress code policy prohibits attire that could be considered distracting or disruptive at school and in class, or that “creates a safety concern or possibly creates a health concern”.

“Students are expected to dress in a neat and appropriate manner at all times. Clothing should be clean and in good taste. Extremes in style, fit and grooming will not be permitted,” the letter reads.

School officials also said the school principal will have the final say in what is considered proper or improper dress.

The school board’s dress code guidelines, which can be found on the district’s website, detail the acceptable parameters for students’ clothing and hair.