The Saint Francis High School administration has been gradually increasing the enforcement of skirt length policies due to an increase of complaints from students, parents and community members.
This does not come without opposition. Dress code enforcement had been relatively relaxed until this school year.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I think that on the first day of school, I remember showing up, and one of the teachers– I don’t recall who– was just pointing out people (saying), ‘Roll down your skirts!’”.
Senior Darlene Eugenio explained how an increase in dress code enforcement has caused an increase in detentions this year.
“Detentions used to be in (the) Dean’s office, but since there’s so many detentions (for uniform violations), they now hold detention in the gym,” Eugenio said.
Another student, who did not want to be named, said that less warnings are given out as detentions become the norm.
“Some of my friends . . . don’t even get a warning for when their skirt is (at a short) length. They’re, like, unaware that their skirt is that short and (teachers are) still cracking down on them.”
However, Cynthia Cost, the Dean of Students, said otherwise.
“The enforcement hasn’t been a whole lot stricter than it was at the beginning of last year. It’s just we tried to be more upfront,” Cost said.
According to Cost and the Student-Parent Handbook, any uniform violation, including skirt length, after the first 10 days of school results in a detention. The administration has not changed the uniform policies to be stricter; only the way those policies have been enforced has changed.
Generally, uniform policies and guidelines are decided upon by the Uniform Advisory Committee, which meets periodically, but the committee has not made any major changes to uniform policies for the 2024-2025 school year.
In reference to the uniform policies, Heather Moloney, the Assistant Vice Principal for Underclassmen, said, “The only thing that (changed is that) all students (can) wear backless shoes, just not flip flops . . . Last year, I think it was just for seniors. This year . . . it’s for everybody.”
The push to bring more awareness to the dress code comes from complaints. These complaints have gradually increased from 2021, as the school reopened that year after closure due to COVID-19, resulting in a gradual increase in uniform enforcement.
Cost said, “It is mostly complaints that drive . . . the enforcement . . . (Complaints come from) students, parents, staff members, the community, and other schools where our students are representing.”
Julie VanHouten, Assistant Vice Principal for Upperclassmen said, “I’ve given out more detentions this year for . . . solely skirt length, and largely because we’re hearing from parents . . . from (our) community, or even hearing from other students that the skirts are really too short . . . So we’re making a concerted effort this year, especially with the length of the skirt, to enforce it.”
On the topic of complaints, Dean Cost said that school administration received many complaints last year from students who did not know the dress code policies. In order to combat this, Saint Francis administration put more effort into informing students about uniform guidelines at the beginning of this school year.
Cost said, “…We spent the entire first 10 days reiterating (the dress code), sending emails, making daily announcements… going out into the community multiple times a day, warning people, talking to people (and) letting them know (to) get (their) skirts lengthened.”
While dress code policies have remained uniform, students’ opinions on dress code vary.
Bela Deol, a senior at Saint Francis, said the dress code has impacted her schedule and the outfit she decides to wear each day. Deol said, “I live very far away, so it kind of makes me late sometimes when I have to think about how long my skirt has to be . . . I’ve now switched to pants, even in the heat, because I’m scared I’m gonna get dress-coded, (but) I feel like that’s the easier solution”.
Other students have different opinions on the dress code. Yaqueline Zavala, a junior, said the uniform guidelines give her variety in what to wear, as skirts are not the only option for students.
Zavala said, “I feel like it’s good that (the administration) give(s) us the choice, like with the skirts and with pants…I don’t think it’s strict. It’s just that (the administration) make(s) it seem like (the dress code is) strict, because there’s so many people that don’t follow the dress code, so that’s why they’re always speaking about it.”
Regardless of student opinion or enforcement, Moloney, VanHouten, and Cost said that the purpose for uniforms is not to be strict, but for career preparedness.
“. . . You know, there’s a time and a place for certain attire when you go into the workforce. As a school, we have a duty to prepare you for life after high school,” said Moloney.
St. Francis High School Dress Code
The students of SFHS have the honor of wearing a uniform to school. An important goal of a uniform dress code is to teach students that, in the larger arena of life, different types of dress codes are appropriate for different settings. Ever-changing styles of clothing and grooming, the different values of parents and students, and individual interpretations of what is acceptable school dress make judgment in such matters subjective.
The school reserves the right to regulate against fads or fashions.
Parents who send their daughters to SFHS, and choose the SFHS experience, accept the judgment of the Administration as final in matters of school policies, including the dress code for a high school college preparatory environment. Students are to be in the required uniform while on campus or for official SFHS events. Students must wear their uniforms during finals review and finals.
Regular and random dress code checks will be conducted during the school year. If the article of clothing is not listed below, it is not acceptable to wear to school:
● Shirt: White or red polo with the SF logo in short or long sleeves. The SF uniform shirt with a logo must be worn at all times, even under the uniform sweater, sweatshirt or jacket. Only a solid white shirt may be worn under the polo.
● Skirt: SF checkered box pleat skirt. It is to be buttoned and zipped and not rolled at the waist. The skirt must extend (at a minimum) to the fingertips of the student. Skirts must be clean, have no adornments (pins/ribbons, etc), and not written on.
● Pants: Black or tan khaki “Docker” style pants (no flared, cotton, corduroy, denim, sweats, or pajama-style pants.) Pants must fit properly, and have no cargo-style pockets or drawstring waist.
● Sweater/Fleece: SF red pullover, fleece, or vest only.
● Shoes: Shoes or backless sandals (i.e. Birkenstocks and crocs) may be worn by all classes. Flip Flops are not allowed. (backs to sandals must be manufactured with the shoe, not handmade). 58Shoes must be worn at all times. No over-the-knee boots or high-platform shoes. Laces must be tied, and straps worn properly. This also applies to modified dress days unless specific permission has been given by Administration.
● Socks/Tights/Leggings: Tights or leggings are skin tight (not loose) and must be black, navy, gray or white and must be solid. No patterns or netting allowed. (Flared pants/sweats/pajamas etc.. are not leggings) Socks may not be above the knees. Socks do not have to be worn with sandals.
● Sweatshirt: Required SFHS red sweatshirt (gold lettering). Every student must have at least one SFHS red sweatshirt with gold lettering. ○ Optional SFHS black sweatshirt (with red/gold lettering) NO OTHER SWEATSHIRTS may be worn.
● Layering: Students may layer with St. Francis uniform items only. The top layer must be a long-sleeved uniform sweatshirt, a long-sleeved uniform sweater, or a long-sleeved uniform fleece.
● Jackets: Only an SFHS uniform jacket may be worn.
● Undergarments/shorts: At no time may a student wear anything under her white polo or oxford that can be seen through the shirt, including, but not limited to, colored or patterned bras, sports bras, t-shirts, etc. Students are strongly encouraged to wear close-fitting shorts under their uniform skirts. If students need to change out of their free dress or uniform, only restrooms or locker rooms should be used.
At no time may a student disrobe anywhere outside these locations. At no time should students “sunbathe”(raising skirts/shirts) in their uniform or free dress while on campus.
