Since the beginning of this school year, Marist administration and staff have been increasing their enforcement of the dress code policy. Being in proper uniform has become the new focus for teachers and staff. 

Despite these rules already existing in the Marist student handbook, enforcement on specifics seem to vary by year. For the past few years, Mrs. Dunneback has been reinforcing rules on skirt length for girls. 

Marist girls will not be the only students that have to worry about dress code this year. Marist boys will now have to shave and wear belts. Tucking in shirts will also be mandatory amongst all students. 

Teachers are reminded regularly during morning announcements to look out for students breaking uniform rules. Deans, teachers, and other staff are on the lookout during passing periods as well. Marist deans have also threatened to implement disposable razors for male students who refuse to shave. 

“I think it’s becoming way too big of a deal and we should focus on more important issues,” says a Marist student who asked to remain anonymous. 

Although Marist students have mixed feelings about this year’s dress code enforcement, some students feel confident that there has not been a rise in detentions. 

Senior Mia Day says, “I personally have not gotten a detention yet or seen any given out for dress code.”

Coach Joseph Pettinger, who has recently taken the role of attendance liaison, has also been helping Dean Inzinga and Dean Pirkle with dress code enforcement. 

“In terms of the dress code, there are expectations. Our goal is not to be punitive, but to have students meet expectations that we think they are capable of meeting,” says Pettinger. 

Pettinger reasons that students who have trouble showing up to school in uniform will be aided by administration to reach this goal. Marist staff understands that some students have their own personal situations that may hinder them from being in uniform everyday. Making sure students have a fair opportunity to be in the dress code each day is very important to administration. 

Marist administration believes that if students can successfully be in dress code, it can help prepare them for future schooling and also professional life. 

One positive change from last year that students have been excited about is the opportunity to wear gym shoes if they are presentable and professional. 

Marist senior Finn Daly says, “The ability to wear gym shoes to school made last year very comfortable.” 

Marist boys are also encouraged to wear a shirt and tie on mass days.