DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Spring has sprung and kids are shedding outerwear. A change in weather requires we go through closets and wardrobes, pack away boots and bulky sweaters, and plan appropriate school attire for the rest of the year. In addition to following school dress codes, kids need to wear functional, practical, and comfortable clothes.

Dress your kids so they are able to play on the playground safely and feel comfortable in class. Save the absolutely adorable outfits for picture day. Unencumbered appropriate clothing also has a positive affect on student behavior and even grades. A child’s dress expresses his preparedness, which contributes to better scholastic performance. So, let’s boost our boys’ and girls’ education with these, easy-to-follow, rules of thumb.

Hats – not in class (unless, of course, it’s crazy hat day!) If your child has a favorite baseball cap, have him tuck it in his backpack during school hours. Hats for chilly mornings should stay with the jacket; tucked in a pocket or sleeve.

Shirts – Make sure they are not too big or too tight, and for junior high girls, make sure everything that needs to be covered is covered. Certain colors, slogans, or images may be prohibited, so check with school before spending your hard-earned cash on new, “cool” shirts.

Light Jackets, Sweaters and Hoodies – are essential for the occasional windy or rainy day. Print your child’s name (not just initials) on an inside tag in case they get misplaced. Hoods are off in class.

Pants – not too tight, and not too loose. Junior high boys, pull them up! No revealing boxers please! Belts are the perfect solution. Also, make sure the pockets are empty of any distracting objects, toys, or candy.

Skirts/dresses – again, not too tight, too short, or too fancy. Shorts or tights can be worn underneath to ensure comfort and security.

Shoes – no open-toed shoes, flip-flops or high heels. Gym shoes are ideal. Also, check the laces. We often see kids tripping over 10-foot long filthy, and tattered shoestrings. Velcro for the little ones is a wonderful option.

Hair – We enjoy seeing our students’ bright smiling faces, so if your son or daughter has long hair, please have it pulled back from their face so it is not a distraction to them or anyone else.

Accessories – Keep it to a minimum. No big chains or dangling earrings. They are dangerous and distracting. Keys should be pinned to a jacket or kept in a zipped pocket in the backpack. If your child is responsible enough to carry a cell phone, it should remain in their lockers or back packs, turned off during school hours. Any other electronic games or devices should be left at home.

One last tip, put outfits together in the closet or have the kids put out their clothes the night before. This saves time and headaches in the morning.

With school guidelines and these practical tips, your child will be dressed for school success! So enjoy the spring and your good-looking, well-dressed kids.