For the 2008-2009 school year there will be no changes to the dress code. Students are free to dress as they did this past year so long as they conform to the current dress code. However, the administration wishes students take the opportunity to purchase shop T-shirts or sweatshirts and conform to the pants standards many shops currently have in place.

As many students and parents are aware of, DCTS is in the process of looking at gradually moving towards a professional dress policy for our students. This type of policy is currently in place, in differing forms, at many technical schools in the mid-state. To iterate, professional dress DOES NOT mean khaki pants and ties! It could be as simple as jeans and their shop shirt.

Students, staff, and parents have all had the opportunity to take part in surveys addressing this potential movement towards professional dress. These surveys have yielded data which is listed below. In addition to the data, the most frequent comments or concerns will also be posted from each group.

***The next phase in this process is to form a committee which will consist of various educational stakeholders including students and parents. This committee will be meeting several times during the months of September and October. If you are able and willing to participate in this committee that will further explore the issue of professional dress for our students, please send an email with all your contact information to Mr. Blanch at nblanch@dcts.org

You do not have to state your position on the issue at this time. However, please understand that there will be differing positions on this issue and we all need to be respectful of these various opinions. Please respond to this request no later than 8-15-08. Those selected to be on this committee will be notified by phone.

Sincerely,

DCTS Administration

SURVEY DATA:

Students:

85% were in favor of, or indifferent to, the idea of moving towards professional dress
15% were opposed to this idea

Student comments/concerns (generalized): They are opposed to being forced to wear school colors; satisfied w/ professional dress so long as hair, jewelry, and other standards remain unchanged; No Ties!!!; blue jeans/industrial pants/khakis should be the preferred pant wear dependant on shop; many students suggested colored shirts by grade levels;
T-shirts should include the DCTS logo and shop name; students should have input into their shop uniforms/daily school wear.

Staff:

94% of staff respondents were in support of a policy promoting professional dress

Staff comments/concerns (generalized): Student individuality issues; believe this would improve overall quality of the school environment; overwhelmingly believe student self-esteem would increase; reduce competition amongst students based on their dress; try to use same supplier for clothing items; this would improve the school image; be sure parents are well informed; DCTS and/or shop logos should be present on any type of shirt being worn.

Parents:

63% of parental respondents were in favor of or indifferent to professional dress
37% opposed to professional dress

Parental comments/concerns (generalized): Students need their individuality; students should assist in developing their shop uniforms; cost concerns, particularly for low-income families; unsure if safety is an issue;