“School is your job until you have one.” This phrase is a favorite among parents and teachers, especially as the weather warms up. While I do agree coming to school somewhat polished and not half-dead asleep is always a plus, I can’t imagine 985 kids or so running around the hallways wearing black pencil skirts and button-up skirts on the daily. Unless you’re seriously committed to the whole business-casual thing, I think you can rock whatever you want – ripped jeans, high-waisted shorts, crop tops, etc. The administration, however, does not think you can rock whatever you want.

According to the Student Handbook, “The purpose of the Ledyard High School Dress Code is to help maintain a safe and orderly environment, free of distractions and disruptions” (27). From a girl’s perspective, I’ve never once suddenly stopped filling out a worksheet or giving a presentation in school because I’d seen a girl wearing a strapless dress. I might’ve thought, “Wow that’s a really cool pattern on her dress,” but never, “Oh my God, I can’t even concentrate on my school work; her shorts are so short.” Out of the eight rules listed in the handbook, not many pertain to boys that I can speak to. Also, who’s just staring at their classmate for 83 minutes and at their clothes? I briefly walk in, maybe notice what other people are wearing, I never really care, take my seat, and stare at a whiteboard. I don’t even think I’d have enough time to get distracted.

The only instance I remember a teacher telling a student to cover up was in my freshman year Biology class. A few minutes before class started, our teacher walked over to a girl, who I’ll call “Sally,” and quietly told her to cover her shoulders. She was obviously flustered and embarrassed, but she came back with a pink cardigan on. What is more distracting – a teacher or staff member calling attention to the problem, pausing class, or minorly shorter shorts? If all else fails, crank down those shorts as you step off the bus, maybe blame it on your freakishly long arms and legs, or just downright cry.

Leah Sheltry, Features Editor

Junior Leah Sheltry is Features Editor for the 2014-2015 “Colonel”. She is Vice President of YUGA club and is on the swim team.