Ledford Students Need a Make-Over

     Ledford High School has traditionally been considered a good, solid school; a desirable place to teach and a place parents sent their students with pride and confidence.  While this is still partially true, Ledford is not the place it once was and the image of it's students has changed.  Ten years ago you could walk down the halls of Ledford and be impressed with what you saw.  The building was clean, not overly crowded, and the students were neat and well dressed.  A first impression would have been very positive.  What a difference ten years can make.  The changes have been gradual, yet the cumulative effects of the changes in student appearance have been significant.  In 2011 when you take a walk down the hallways of Ledford, here are some of the things that you may see:

• Students that appear to be dressed in their pajamas, looking like they may have just rolled out of bed
• Students with sagging pants that expose their boxer shorts or undergarments
• Students wearing t-shirts with inappropriate images or expressions
• Female students that are over exposed, particularly when warmer weather arrives
• Students in all black, dressed more appropriately for a Marilyn Manson concert than for school
• Students whose attire make you wonder whether or not they are gang members

     There are still many students walking around the hallways of Ledford that look very nice and promote a very positive image; however, there are far too many students falling into the categories mentioned above.  In my opinion, this contributes to an overall decline in school pride and has a negative impact on the attitudes and the behaviors of our students. 
     First impressions, image, and appearance are all very important factors that affect a school's culture, school pride, and a sense of unity and belonging within the school community.  The recent transformations that have taken place at High Point University are a prime example of the importance of image and appearance.  It is no coincidence that many of the first steps taken to transform the University involved campus beautification and facility improvements.  The polished, professional appearance of the campus is expected to carry over to the student body having a positive impact in many different areas.  The photo below taken from the High Point University Magazine is an example of the image that is the new standard at HPU.

     Ledford High School is in need of a transformation similar to the one that took place at High Point University.  Money is not availabe to make the major campus improvements that have occured at HPU; however, one area that can be improved with very little financial impact is the appearance of our student body.  The school needs to seriously consider the adoption of a very strict dress code policy or a Standard Mode of Dress.  I believe the benefits of SMOD for Ledford would far outweigh any negative issues or concerns, these include:

• Students would treat each other and their teachers with more respect
• School pride and a sense of community would increase
• Students living in poverty would feel more comfortable at school
• Discipline problems and referrals related to dress code would eventually decline
• A professional appearance would have a positive impact on student performance and student effort
• Many parents would support the idea of a uniform policy for financial reasons
• Distractions related to clothing would be minimized

        Appearance is not everything, but it is important.  Ledford needs to take the step to move from good to great.  SMOD would be an excellent step towards transforming the image of Ledford students and improving the overall culture of the school.

References

Ledford High School.  Ledford High School Homepage.  Retrieved July 10, 2011, from Ledford High School:  http://www.Ledfordhigh.com

High Point University.  High Point University Homepage.  Retrieved July 10, 2011, from High Point University:  http://www.highpoint.edu/documents/MAG-fall-2010.pdf

Money strapped parents ask for school uniforms . (2009, August). Retrieved from   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiJGFMgy2G0