Westminster’s standardized dress program has recently been updated with the addition of long-sleeved polo shirts. Keeping in mind the recent sentiment of both students and parents, this addition does not come as a surprise.

“This decision was made as a result of the recent parent survey we conducted regarding Westminster’s standardized dress program. Many parents commented that their students need more warm clothing choices now that winter is here.  We hope this addition will give students more options for layering in the colder weather,” said Becky VanValkenburg, Executive Assistant to the Head of School.

This decision is clearly a positive one for students.

“I would definitely wear a long-sleeved polo since the other shirts are a little thin for winter weather,” said Violet Kouzes, junior.

As well as taking requests for additions to the standardized dress program, the recent parent survey also assessed families’ overall satisfaction with the dress code. Results show that, overall, about sixty-three percent of the Westminster community is very satisfied with the Lands End standardized dress.

“The results from the recent survey are very encouraging and even surprising. After just a few months with the standardized dress program in effect, I’m grateful to hear that such a majority of our families are satisfied with the changes,” said Jim Marsh, Head of School.

In addition to the positive response that was communicated through the survey, there were also a few issues raised, which are currently being considered.

“Affordability seems to be an issue, and we are aware of this. We are hoping to provide the opportunity for families to sell or trade in used uniform items at the end of the year after they’ve been outgrown or are no longer needed,” said Marsh.

Though this involves the dress code items themselves, there are also concerns regarding the dress code policy and enforcement.

“The length of girls’ skirts was the most mentioned critique throughout the survey. Though the issue hasn’t been resolved, we are aware of the concerns and are currently working on a resolution to this problem,” said Marsh.

Overall, the Westminster Administration’s main goal is to accommodate the needs of the school community through providing a practical and affordable dress program.

Recently, there has been one more thing on students’ minds in regard to the dress code: spirit week.

“From my discussion, students will have the opportunity to dress creatively during spirit week,” said Sara Keeton, upper school English teacher and spirit week coordinator.

As long as students continue to be modest and appropriate with their clothing choices, dress-up days will continue to be a part of spirit week.

In the end, the new standardized dress program has been a success thus far, and any further concerns will not go unaddressed.