Warm weather heats up dress-code rebellion

Schools are asking parents -- especially at this time of year--to help enforce proper clothing choices for teens.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Skimpy continues to be trendy for teenage girls. Skimpy continues to be discouraged by school dress codes.

As spring brings warmer weather, the clash is often greater than polka dots and stripes.

Oh wait, that works now, doesn't it?

As long as it's skimpy.

But not in school.

"To be fashionably dressed is not necessarily to be appropriately dressed," said Bert Smith, principal at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School in South Carolina.

"Our buildings have air conditioning. There is no reason to dress in such a manner that would be detrimental to their schoolwork."

Allowing girls to go to school with skirts that are too short and shirts with straps too thin creates a disruption and distraction, officials say.

"We are in a position where we want to be positive and uplifting to students," said Jane Crawford, principal at Chapin Middle, also in South Carolina. "How can we do that if we have to cite them for a dress code violation?

"Parents can help us. Use us as an excuse to say 'no.' That would put us in a position where we can focus more on teaching and learning."

Indeed, sometimes the school dress code can be a parental ally, said Betsy Goodale, mother of a daughter at South Carolina's Irmo High.

"I like using the school dress code as an excuse to not buy some of the clothes that I feel are not appropriate," Goodale said.

While that's a great side benefit, dress codes exist "so that students can focus on an educational environment, and not each other," said Dixon Brooks, principal at Fulmer Middle School, also in the palmetto state.

That's why schools implore parents -- especially this time of year -- to help enforce dress codes.

"You're the parent," Smith said. "You tell them how to dress. If [you] think it's probably not appropriate, don't let them wear it."

If it's a close fit, change clothes.

"Please do not send them with the statement, 'I hope you don't get caught,' " Crawford said. "That sets us up to be the bad guys."

Many schools say skirts and shorts can't be shorter than a child's fingertips if they stand with their hands flat against their sides.

Don't let your daughters tug and pull down their shorts and skirts, and then lift shoulders to get away with shorts or skirts that are too skimpy.

In fact, have them lift arms, wiggle, squirm, sit and then stand before you measure.

"Put their book bags on their backs," Brooks said. "That affects it."

Also, check what's under jackets or sweat shirts.

Dress codes vary by district, and individual schools and teachers have leeway on how the rules are enforced. At some schools, students are sent home and told to change into appropriate clothing. And at one school, at least, students are given scrubs to put over the clothing in question.

In most cases, parents are notified of their child's dress code violation.

While many popular trends -- such as short denim skirts -- encourage skimpy, moms say girls can dress fashionably without violating school dress codes.

"There are plenty of great-looking clothes and styles that don't break dress code," said Linda Fulmer, a middle school teacher and mom.

In fact, pretty, feminine dresses are "in" this season. As are knee-length shorts.

"I'm glad to see the plaids and Bermuda shorts back," said Dolly Patton, whose daughter is in elementary school. "The Bermuda short length is perfect for the dress code."

Capri pants are stylish as well. Girls can save the short skirts and midriff-baring tops for the weekend.

"It is certainly more difficult when it comes to shopping, since the department stores carry the 'skimpy' clothes that are in style, but it can be done," Goodale said.

And if the kids want to argue? Just mention two words:

School uniforms.