Parents,
It has been suggested that I post a notice on flash addressing a somewhat sensitive topic. Not infrequently since school started, I have been asked to talk to several female students about the way they are dressed.  Exposure of too much skin below the neck is the biggest concern. Obviously, low necklines are in style and have been for sometime. We had this problem at Central when I was the school nurse there four years ago. As I have told the students who have been sent to me, I would take the students at Central into a huge storage area full of used clothing. They had to choose something to change into or put over their top or they would be sent home.

It would be helpful if you could please make an effort to oversee what your daughters are wearing to school. Although adolescent ladies do not like to believe so, there are solutions to low necklines. Camisoles or tank tops can be worn under the top. After calling one mother to bring her daughter a change, she has decided to keep extra camisoles at school in the event this is a problem in the future.

The teachers who have sent students to me improperly dressed have explained the situation. They stand at the front of the class overlooking their classroom. Every time a student bends over with a top that has a low neckline, virtually everything is revealed. Unconsciously, eyes gravitate to areas that are not usually exposed. This is true for both male and females. Not only is it a big distraction when a teacher is trying to instruct, but it can be a real embarrassment as well. There can also be very negative consequences for unconsciously looking at an area that has so many profound connotations.  One female student argued that some males wear far more revealing shirts than she had on. That maybe true, however that is a very different situation.

ASD policy mandates that students dress appropriately for school. Any attire that is so revealing that it makes others feel uncomfortable is not appropriate. In addition to this notice, I have typed a note for the advisors to read at their advisory group meeting.  If you have constructive suggestions that might be beneficial, please feel free to contact me. As one of our teachers recently said, this is not the way a professional would dress in the work environment. Steller certainly is a professional work environment, however students may not feel that they have to dress professionally as a student. Nonetheless, we want our students to learn habits that will help them be a success when they ARE working as a professional in a professional work environment.  Thank you for your assistance with this.

Sincerely,
Nurse Anne