Parents: Enforce Current Dress Code (DOCS)

Update at 7:45 a.m. on Friday

The full PowerPoint presentation from Thursday evening's forum has been added to the gallery.

Original Story (Thursday at 1:18 a.m.)

"Enforce the dress code already on the books."

That was the message from the majority of the 50 or so parents who attended Thursday night's public forum on the for .

Some two-thirds of the parents who spoke said they were either against or "on the fence" about the PTO/PTA Advisory Subcommitee's dress code proposal.

This is in contrast to the earlier this year, in which close to 70 percent of parents who responded said they would be in favor of such a policy.

The subcommittee's handout from Thursday night's meeting — which includes specific information as far as the dress code specifics, code implementation and how the district would handle non-compliance issues — has been scanned and posted in the gallery that accompanies this article.

Proposed Dress Code

During Thurday night's talk, East Haven school officials reviewed the proposed dress code policy.

For tops, the proposed dress code would limit appropriate attire to solid colored navy blue, white or burgundy Polo shirts, T-shirts, crew necks or turtlenecks.

For bottoms, students would be allowed to wear khaki or navy blue cargo pants, wind pants, Capris, Bermuda/cargo shorts, as well as skirts/jumpers. Also, the length of shirts/skirts must be no higher than 2 inches above the top of the kneecap.

Sweatpants may be worn for physical education and/or medical accommodation. However, they would have to be colored navy blue or burgundy.

In addition, outerwear such as sweatshirts and sweaters — including "hoodies" — would not be permitted to be worn in the school building during school day.

Footwear would have to be "sneaker-type" or flat shoes, and would have "to be properly fastened at all times." Shoes would be required to be rubber soles only, and no slippers, sandals or flip-flops would be allowed.

And accessories such as backpacks, purses and handbags would have to be stored during the school day.

Current Dress Code

Although a handful of parents did speak in favor of the proposed dress code, most parents said they were against it or unsure.

And many of those against the proposal said if the district were to more strictly enforce the current dress code, there would be no need for a new policy.

According to the 2011-12 Joseph Melillo Middle School Handbook — which is also posted in the gallery — the district's dress code is as follows:

"The following clothing styles are specifically prohibited:

• Black-soled shoes, boots or sneakers which mark the floor;
• "See-through" style and/or mesh style shirts, blouses or midriff tops;
• Flip-flops or thong style sandals
• Slippers
• Underwear worn as outerwear
• Pajamas or lounge-wear and lounge pants
• Jackets, coats or boots normally worn as outerwear
• Hats or caps, except those worn pursuant to established religious customs
• Short shorts, athletic shorts, cutoffs and short skirts;
• Tank tops/muscle shirts
• Spike bracelets, necklaces, heavy chains and chains that adorn clothing
• Spandex pants
• Sunglasses
• Shagged Pants

Shorts and skirts will be permitted as long as they are mid-thigh length and of appropriate fit. Clothing worn in physical education shall not be worn in other classes or parts of the school nor shall clothing worn in regular classes be worn in physical education. Sunglasses are not to be worn in school at any time."

East Haven Patch will have additional reporting on Thursday night's public forum — including video and the talk's full PowerPoint presentation — to follow.