Nicolet has more pressing issues than a dress code. They are so top heavy with administration, with a superintendent, principal, 4 assistant principals and the list goes on. This school needs to get rid of the Principal and Dr. Snowden most of the problems will go away with them.

We can't make rules about everything. I think there are too many parents who prefer this so they can blame the school rules rather than stepping up to the plate and being a parent. We have to give our children rules and guidlines then trust them to make the right decisions.

Girls that young shouldn't be showing of their midriffs anyway. Plus it can't create a very good environment for learning for young men in the same class as extreme cleavage or other exposed female body parts.

I'm a student at Nicolet, and I think the dress code is absolutely ridiculous. Parents DO need to be parents, and stop relying on everyone else to do their jobs for them. Before you go pointing fingers at me saying I must be one of the students that dresses so 'inappropriately', I'm not. I'm always covered up, so that's not why I'm against it. When you grow up around boys whose pants don't exactly fit on their hips, and girls who have always worn spaghetti straps, you don't notice it anymore. The only people it's bothering are the parents and administrators. In all reality, by the time your kid gets into high school, you should be able to trust them to make the right decisions, to put their life where it needs to be. However, if you haven't taught your children to make said good and proper decisions, then you have no one to blame but yourself. You can't rely on the school district to fix where you have faulted. It's your fault you've failed in that regard.

I think they should go one step further and require UNIFORMS!!! My generation had them in private school and we survived to become very productive citizens.

I don't think it's government owned institutions business defining teenagers morality. Its up to themselves, their parents, and if they have it in their lives, their religious creed to determine that. The school exists to provide knowledge and facilitate creativity and awareness, not to judge or to serve as a bastion of proclaimed "common morality" or "decency" because everyone's definition of these things tends to vary greatly. We can agree on following the law and the constitution. Anything more is personal discretion.

We need to protect our kids from the children of other parents who don't know how to raise their kids. I don't think that adolescent males stuck in a classroom seeing exposed thongs, midriffs, or just too much skin in general are going to be concentrating on lessons. Society bombards young women with the acceptability of exposing themselves. I think we need to set some guidelines to do what the kids can't do themselves. It is the role of parents to help shape but not stifle kids.

This is a good idea but one that probably loses steam when teachers find they have better things to do than enforce these rules. Like most things at Nicolet, it will be the pet project for the abundance of administration, who will enforce the dress code the same way they have always enforced it, based largely on political considerations or ethnicity. As for the students, they all seem to be in an uproar (at least the females) about government intrusion and such arguments but none work very hard describing the benefits of showing cleavage or lots of leg in the classroom, mostly because those benefits are noneducational.

It is an excellent idea; I'm surprised the school board had the backbone to address this issue. A learning environment is different from a beach or one's backyard. Don't let the foolish discussion accept "freedom of expression" arguments for people wearing the kinds of clothes described in the news article.

Oak Creek HS has a similar dress code, but showing cleavage hasn't been addressed. I never allowed my daughter to go to school wearing anything too revealing. I taught her from an early age that the more you show, the less respect you receive. Schools need to have dress codes, as too many parents don't take charge of their childrens' attire. Businesses have dress codes, so why not schools?

Problems in life are not caused by the duds we wear, but by the deeds we do!

So let me see if I have this right, boys get zip ties and no phone call home while girls miss class and wait for clothing to arrive. Looking at the options out there today, if it is hot out, and it can certainly be at Nicolet in September, what are the girls going to wear - basketball shorts? 95% of the shorts and dresses are shorter than just above the knee. I am all for limiting the cleavage, skinny straps and the bare middle with legging look, but please let parents be the ons to guide their kids. How about requiring a gym uniform too as the athletic shorts the girls will wear may be too short also.

Becca: Nicely stated. You make a compelling argument and you seem to have the writing skills to present your side. I just wish some of the adults and parents who blog had the communication skills you have.

Also, as a teenaged boy, I am always irritated with the prejudging by parents who assume that we are incapable of seeing an more than an inch of skin without loosing our focus. In all honesty, If I am going to be attracted to a young woman, It's not going to be because she wears skimpy clothes in front of me, it's going to be who she is, what she likes to do, thats what is interesting to me. Plus, I think its safe to say all boys have at some point in high school found a classmate attractive, and that does not require an inch of skin. And if that is distracting, I'm not sure what to tell you, if it bothers you then you have to separate males and females in school

It's a shame that parents can no longer be trusted to guide their children to make good judgements. Pajamas and blankets in school? What is going on? If parents can't be trusted, the school must intervene.

Well done. If the parents aren't going to teach their kids how to earn respect by simply dressing appropriately, somebody should do it. A school's job is to teach kids and that doesn't just mean reading and arithmetic. It means preparing them for their future, beyond school. Whether we like it or not, appearance is and always will be at the forefront of hiring decisions. If your child doesn't learn these good practices now, then when?

I'm thrilled!!! And I think I'm a pretty good parent.

This whole situation is actually quite hilarious. Half of the things that Nicolet is "just now enforcing" have already rules; its just that no one followed them and no one punished the people who didnt follow them. Overall this just shows the lack of control of the student population at Nicolet. This spot light should really be turned away from the students and our behavior and be turned to the people who are supposed to keep us in line. Also, I would like to say we are productive citizens no matter what we wear. The clothes don't make the person. Uniforms are just going to make us revolt and be more mad than we already are. This whole situation is a waste of time and I think the school board should tackle things that really affect the students at Nicolet High School, like the teachers that "teach" (ha, yeah, teach in quotes because I dont think you can call what they do teaching.) If anything, that is more important than what we wear.

I COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR STAND ON OUR SCHOOL KIDS DRESS CODE. IT"S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE TOOK ISSUE WITH THE WAY THEY WALK AROUND, NOT ONLY THE SCHOOLS, BUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT"S ALMOST AS THOUGH PARENTS HAVE LOST ANY SENSE OF WHAT IS APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR THEIR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN. THANKS FOR A CHANCE TO SOUND OFF. WHERE IS THE MORALITY THESE DAYS......LETS TAKE BACK SOME AUTHORITY AND HOPE PEOPLE WILL ACT IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.

I can't believe you are just addressing this now! The board is correct to protect staff and students from sexual harassment suits and placing teachers in uncomfortable situations. If our society wasn't so eager to sue and blame the other guy we would not need some of these protections.

Absolutely not. I graduated from Nicolet 3 years ago, and have a younger sister there now, and can say that the way we dress has no affect on how our school days progress. This new dress code is absolutely ridiculous and has no reason to be in existence. Nicolet is one of the tamest schools when it comes to students in revealing clothes. Most of the time they all wear some form of pajamas, polos, sweats, or jeans. Parents know what kind of clothes their children own, why should the Nicolet School Board find it necessary to deem that all of these parents are allowing their children to dress inappropriately? It makes no sense. It's like a major backhand in the face to all Nicolet parents. The Board has gone much, much too far yet again. Nicolet is still a top school in Wisconsin, they still receive high scores in state testing, and their graduates are highly successful- and the students do it in what they currently wear. Don't try to fix what's not broken. Nicolet is not a private school. It is public. And students have the right to wear what they want, as long as its decent. And Nicolet students are some of the most modest around.

The update in dress code really only constrains a student in their freedom of expression and would not benefit the students in any way. I, a male student at nicolet, am not disadvantaged by other people who choose to express themselves by means of dress. I am not distracted by the way people dress because I choose not to be. If someone is distracted by how someone chooses to express themself, then isn't it their fault for not being focused on what they have to do? In addition, dress codes are really a violation of the first ammendment. This does not mean that people shouldn't have enough decency to dress conservatively, but it really is their prerogative to choose what they wear. If you are against children expressing themselves by means of dress as a parent, then enforce it as a parent, because it is just innapropriate to impede on a peron's rights to expression.

Yes, I do support it. It is very apparent that some students do not have sufficient good taste or judgment to make appropriate decisions. Why allow them to embarrass or distract other students?

Yes, I do support it. It is very apparent that some students do not have sufficient good taste or judgment to make appropriate decisions. Why allow them to embarrass or distract other students?

Good for Becca!

Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have to be kidding me? Tax dollars going to schools that insist on dress codes? That isn't what I want the administration worrying about...Get a grip! If you want to have "rules" like a dress code...then start your own school...or give the tax paying families a choice of where to send their kids. You seriously think that provocative dress is a "new" issue? It is not government's/public institution's role to tell people what to wear. If you have something private...then set a dress code...but until then, do your job...which is essentially babysitting for teen's so that in this instannce 75% of them can go to college. What a waste of time and money! I'm sure the style of the administration and parents involved is so outstanding that they can actually judge what is deemed appropriate. Send your kids to a private school! Stop using the public school system as a slush fund for you to make judgements on "appropriate" dress. Not for you to worry about!

I applaud the dress code and Nicolet for getting it done. I hope other high schools follow suit. I hope all the stores that sell our young girls clothes that could pass for stripper outfits and poll dancing jobs get wind of it. It's time parents demand some change in what is available to our kids to buy. It is all too sexual and revealing at such a young age. I also believe that this idea of peircing your parts and tatting up your body before your 21 ought to be considered as well. i don't appreciate when teachers wear more than just 1 pair of earrings or let a tattoo show to students. It makes our job as parents tougher. And furthermore, young men cannot go to a job with there pants hanging down below there buttocks therefore they should not be in school dressed that way either. Excellent job Nicolet.

I applaud the dress code and Nicolet for getting it done. I hope other high schools follow suit. I hope all the stores that sell our young girls clothes that could pass for stripper outfits and poll dancing jobs get wind of it. It's time parents demand some change in what is available to our kids to buy. It is all too sexual and revealing at such a young age. I also believe that this idea of peircing your parts and tatting up your body before your 21 ought to be considered as well. i don't appreciate when teachers wear more than just 1 pair of earrings or let a tattoo show to students. It makes our job as parents tougher. And furthermore, young men cannot go to a job with there pants hanging down below there buttocks therefore they should not be in school dressed that way either. Excellent job Nicolet.

I totally applaud Nicolet and the dress code. Its a great thing. In our "everything goes" world it's nice someone gets back to the basics and plain old common sense. Girls I realize don't have much to choose from on the fashion fore front unless of course they are going to work as a pole dancer or a stripper. And young men can't usually wear their pants down below their private parts at most jobs so why should they do it at school. I think Nicolet has done an excellent job and I for once feel my taxes are going towards something that makes deep commom sense. Parents - wake up!! Girls shouldn't look so sexual in high school and boys should have to wear pants that cover their fanny's and boxer shorts. It's just common decency- which our society seems to be missing a lot of these days. And I don't want to hear any thing about how kids can't express themselves completely - thats nonsense. There were certain things we couldn't do in high school and for good reason, which we now as adults understand. I couldn't be happier the school has addressed this issue. Thank you as I will have a student there again in the future.

I think Nicolet School Board should update it's dress code. They all should have some respect when it comes to the public. We must give them rules or they will do want ever they want to!!!!!!!!11

Schools need to get back to being about teaching and learning and not about kids hanging out with their friends and showing off. They can do that after school and on weekends. Just be glad they don't have uniforms. But I believe this should go both ways. Boys with their pants lower than their waists should have to change as well and I'm sure there are other things. Unfortunately kids these days have little to no self respect and common sense so the administration has to set the rules for them.

to: Studnet; (I hope that was a typo and not a Freudian slip)...what a terrific post from the minority of young men who actually can look at young ladies and not be completely distracted by females, scantily clad or otherwise. I agree with the other posters that it is the parent's responsibility to enforce dress codes, starting at home. But lets face it, some parents are simply unable or unwilling or oblivious to address this and other discipline issues. We all think that all parents will do what is best for their children, like we do, but we as parents are just people, fallible.

As a former high school teacher and parent of Nicolet students - I couldn't agree more!! It is an excellent idea; I'm surprised the school board had the backbone to address this issue. A learning environment is different from a beach or one's backyard. Don't let the foolish discussion accept "freedom of expression" arguments for people wearing the kinds of clothes described in the news article.

It's about time. Getting rid of top administration will do nothing to educate the students about inappropriate dress. Let them wear their pajamas at home.

Dear Nicolet School Board, Hang on a second. Dress code does not lead to “Oh, I suddenly see how I should be respecting myself”. Dress code leads to angry Facebook groups, misinterpretations of the First Amendment, and the immediate thought: “I have to rebel against this new policy!”. Remember how high school is a “learning process”? You really do have to let high schoolers figure things out on their own. We’re stupid, and it takes us awhile (think back to when you were a teenager) – but we are learning! I’m fairly confident that if these teenagers were told they were going a job interview tomorrow, they would show up dressed appropriately. It’s just that with the kind of stuff Bayshore is selling/the media, everyone knows high school is a time to show some skin (but if you track down these kids in five-ten years and they are still showing butt cracks and cleavage, then I wholeheartedly bless this policy). Now one more whiny teenage viewpoint: In communities like Nicolet (or Whitefish Bay), we don’t feel like we have any freedom. Our parents are insane (if you just got offended at that, you are a classic helicopter). And if you look at the honors classes, there is a definite vibe of “get into Harvard on full scholarship or you are a failure”. Is the dress code really necessary? Well. You have just given us one more reason to hate you. Sincerely, (can’t leave a name – too embarrassed) P.S. This is under the assumption the dress code will actually be enforced…ha. Good luck with that.

Metro Nashville Public Schools started "Standard School Attire" which consists of a polo shirts and khaki pants. Most would call it uniforms, but it seems to have been effective addressing so many possible issues with what students wear today.

I think the dress code is a necessary evil. Before you judge the parents (although I do question their judgement sometimes) realize that many students may leave the house in different clothes, just as they do when they go to dances, and change along the way. I do believe that the public schools should take a stand on clothing. Our job is to teach the children, and teaching them about acceptable limits when it comes to clothing is part of what we do. Somewhere they should be getting the message that exposing their bodies, or their boxers, is beyond the limit. Certainly the media aren't projecting this message! As long as the administrators are truly going to enforce the rules, then this is a good move.

LONG OVERDUE

It is about time to put a proper discipline. Kids were out of control for a very long time. GOOD NEWS!!!

I think it is an excellent template for a dress code for any school. Schools are places of learning and not a fashion show.

Nicolet should be strict on those SPOILED LITTLE RICH KIDS

To whitefish bay student nice one. Although I do not fully agree with everything you have said, you are one of the only people to leave a realistic and intelligent response here. To parents, I ask why exactly is it that the things this new code intends to ban are so evil, why they are so distracting from the learning process, why do they bother you so? Why do people dress the way you say is immoral, unhealthy, and improper? Please, I'd really like to hear your answers to these questions. I have already stated my opinion previously and given good reason for it.

Love it!! Every other highschool should follow their lead. I am sick of looking at slopoy-dressed kids, showing what shouldn't be shown except in private. I can't imagine parents that let their kids out of the house looking like they do. sick of seeing their underwear, too. Whatever happend to modesty and good taste??

Twenty years ago, Nicolet High School was getting complaints. Then, it was an unannounced drug bust. Predictably, the complainers then, were drug users. This time the complaint is poor attire, and the complainers are guaranteed to be the ones walking around in unacceptable clothing. This is an excellent move and positions Nicolet for the future. Sadly, students like Becca don't understand that spaghetti straps and pants riding nine inches below the waist, are fashions that are often associated with areas that boast high crime and drug use. Although Becca states that students "should" know better, they obviously do not. And growing up around these deficient fashions doesn't excuse them, or make them acceptable. Nicolet has a reputation for producing a high number of college graduates who are not just prepared, but well prepared for post-secondary education. Who cares if kids have to toss out gangster pants and tube tops? How is this a problem? Who are the people complaining about this? Because some kids insist on dressing like thugs and meth addicts, the school has decided to rule out those fashions. Good for Nicolet. Those who don't like it could always pick a lesser school to attend, so that they could enjoy the fashions that are apparently more important than their education.

This is necessary since so many parents insist on being their child's friend, instead of laying down the law at home! I think this will enable the teens to learn and not focus on what the other students are wearing- school is for learning.........not for display!

They are on the right track! The public school children in Panama City, FL don't have to wear uniforms but they do have a dress code: red, white, or blue shirts with jeans or khaki skirts, shorts, or pants. Since a lot of the kids are from Tyndall Air Force Base located in Panama City, it's no surprise! AND separation of church and state has no meaning there. Prayers are said by the principal before assemblies and special school events.

I find it interesting that the new dress code policy primarily addresses women's clothing issues (other than sagging pants, I suppose - exposed undergarments would apply to both male/female). Do the male students not have issues with how they dressing for school? That surprises me (although I recall something about pajamas??).

Although I am not one that is for added regulations in general, I also fully understand how boys think. The boys do not have the ability to control what those girls parents do or don't do as parents. I don't think the point of this is to punish the girls as much as it is to create an environment that has fewer distractions. The school is supposed to be a place of learning, not sex and fashion. I guarantee that there is a certain amount of distraction for these young men.

In the DFW metroplex all schools (public and private) rely on uniforms to assist in this matter. Honestly, I think uniforms are an excellent solution. No one has to worry about name brands, latest trends, feeling left out because their single parent can not afford to keep up with the Jones'. Allowing kids to dress in tube tops etc. for school is simply ridiculous. I don't dress that way for work, nor do I condone hoochi-mama dressing at any other time. Sorry folks, it isn't a matter of first amendment rights, it is a matter of getting your head out of the clouds and focused on what is being taught in the schools. Get over it "students"; even as "adults" you will be told what to do, what is acceptable and what is not. This isn't your first amendment right to express yourself, this is your right to an education. Period, end of story.

I think the dress code is right on. If not for the girls, then it at least address the boys who wear their pants around their ankles. Its a different time, these days, the parents are often not home to see how their children dress for school.

It is the right call!

The dress codes are right on! Good Job! School is for academics and studying! Not showing off your body parts. Hope other north shore high schools follow in the same foot steps.

Now give me a study Christian from arizona, a statistic, anything that directly links spaghetti string tops to drug use. Give me one piece of hard evidence suggesting that your position on the matter is correct but do not claim to know correlations that do not exist. You are right. Nicolet is a school of high academic standing. And it didn't get to be like this by excessive regulation and repression. Nicolet students are some of the most open minded, thoughtful, and explorative students I know of. I should know, I am one. We are receiving an amazing education from some incredible teachers, and some not so incredible teachers. But any way you swing it we are doing well. We are thinking, something that many people seem not to be doing when it comes to this issue. We are talking, we are debating and we want nothing more than a little respect. Every parent, teacher who refers to us like we are little half people or little miscreants waiting to misbehave at any given moment is insulting us, our school, and the abilities our excellent education has given us. We do know what we want, and we do know what is healthy for us and what is not. We know what feels right and what feels wrong. And we want you to help us and guide us, we do not want you to strangle us, we do not want you to decide for us, we want you to be partners we want to love you and we want you to be proud and we want you to above all, understand. And right now most of you are not demonstrating this. My email address is zipppo6@juno.com, feel free to email me any opinion anything, I want to discuss this and I am totally willing to compromise but I want to have our voice heard and taken seriously. I want the voice of reason and maturity to override all of the juvenile swearing you have been hearing on some of the message board. We are not all like that and we want to be heard.

I agree with some of the dress code points but think it goes too far. Parents need to take a more active roll in paying attention to what their kids walk out of the house wearing.

Yes,Yes,Yes. It is about time kids learn how to dress for the occasion.

Yes, I think uniforms would be a great idea, takes pressure off parents and kids to spend money on the latest fashion, prevents those who do not have the resources from feeling left out and avoids discipline issues related to clothing.

It's possible that this dress code could actually attract families to move into the Nicolet District, since this dress code is so defined and conservative. I would be very interested to hear if families would actually consider leaving the school district over this. The proposed changes would not have made any difference to my children's clothing choices based on what they bought and wore to NHS when they were there. I think our school district needs new ways to attract solid families with the traditional family values that built the communities of Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale and River Hills. I think you can only "give up and give in" for so long before you lose your way in family, life and politics. I don't want to see our communities and our schools feel just like Milwaukee or other suburbs. We are different I'm very impressed with the administration and school board for "pushing back" and setting some standards and expectations for protocol and educational environment. The school administration is supposed to take over a parents role when we drop our kids off at the door. I'm very impressed that the current administration takes their role seriously.

If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it. ~Albert Einstein Bravo to all the students who are able to come her ane make their voices heard with logical arguments. That is a teatament to their education - not their clothing. Christian from AZ - I know who Becca is. She is not one "complainers are guaranteed to be the ones walking around in unacceptable clothing." Shame on you for making a judgement like that! Becca is all about blue jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, and social freedoms. Good for her.

Christian who are you to say that i must not know spaghetti straps are linked to drug use? I on occasion wear spaghetti straps, and I would never touch drugs... not a day in my life. And Chris from Mequon, sure, some students at Nicolet are spoiled and come from money. But I'll be the first to say it, I'm not. I have my own job, and I buy all my own things. So before you judge me, or anyone, based on the school I go to, be sure you know who I am. Mel, my mother is my friend, and guess what! I still know what is appropriate and inappropriate to wear. She has raised me well.

I predict that this new dress code will be enforced for about two weeks at most. In order to enforce this strictly, administrators must focus on students' clothing instead of more pressing matters, like how to administer the school bureaucracy. Eventually, the administrators will give in because of actually important issues.

Also, to any of you who say its distracting to our education, why don't you go through this forum again.... look at the students who have written. Every single student who has written in has had an intelligent argument, mostly correct grammar usage, and they know how to debate. So don't tell me that we aren't getting a good education by dressing this way. Because you know where you learn all of that? A school. You're really going to tell me, a student who has taken 1st place in German State Speaking competitions two years in a row, as well as a student who has taken 1st place in German State Speaking competitions once that we're distracted by our clothing? Nice try.

While there have been some good points, how much of this was overkill from rumors? What about follow through, saw the news last night and did not look like there were many students there. If it was that big of a deal more people would have actually fought it.

i think all the students should arrive on the first day of school wearing 911 truth t-shirts, if your going to rebel with your fashion do it with something that has substance rather than a way in which the images on television tell you to dress

I've been in the building and I've been shocked by some of the clothing choices but the fact of the matter is this dress code has nothing to do with students or learning. The Journal of Educational Research conducted a meta-study that showed no positive effects on attendance, behavioral problems, or academic achievement. This isn't about the students, it is about the adults. The adults are shocked but they are the ones that need to get over it. Why waste time and school resources enforcing more rules instead of just simply accepting the students for who they are.

I thinki the dress code is ridiculous. After all, once the students graduate, their future employers will let them dress exactly as they want. Oh no, wait, they'll have to wear uniforms to flip burgers or serve customers. School is for learning, not for fashion shows.

They should have gone to uniforms. Students have no issues wearing uniforms to play sports! School should not be a fashion show, but a place where one gains distinction by academic achievement, artistic creativity and merit. As far as I am concerned, the dress code should also apply to teachers and administrators.

Like it or not, it follows the guide lines of most workplace dress codes(that I am aware of). The whole purpose of school is to educate and prepare our kids for work, so it makes sense to require them to have a dress code to follow. If the kids or parents don't like the rules of the school, they always have the right to choose another school or to home school their children.

Good for Nicolet. Unfortunately, some parents either don't care or are unaware of what their children are wearing to school, so the school has to step in and monitor. School is for learning, it's not a fashion show. Hopefully, the parents who are so upset about their child's statement are equally concerned regarding their child's academics in school.

The rules should be even tougher. The school was out of control for a very long time.

It's about time. School is about learning, not showing off your tats, piercings and buttons.

"Nicolet should be strict on those SPOILED LITTLE RICH KIDS" said Chris, who is in Mequon where real estate prices are the highest in the state. You think Nicolet is all spoiled little rich kids? Go to University School or Marquette High School and look around- some of the parents of those kids wouldn't even allow their kids to go to Nicolet. Teen aged boys think about everything BUT the class they're in every chance they get as it is- it's really not a bad idea to take away one of the many distractions they already have. While it's true that the parents should provide the vast majority of their kids' discipline, it can't stop as soon as they walk out the door. Adults can't control their actions and lives as it is- what makes anyone think kids in high school will be better able to control themselves in an atmosphere where everyone dresses as if they're in an MTV video? For those who think parents need to pay attention to what their kids wear when they leave- open your eyes! just leaving the house that way doesn't mean they won't have other clothes in their locker or some other place, that they'll change into so they can be as cool as everyone else (which is still a huge part of what high school is all about). Anyone who thinks this way is in denial- I hope you know your kids better than it seems.

Rules such as this are always going to be subjectively applied as each person's determination of appropriate is different. What is too short, too tight, or too revealing? If you want to control students dress the only way to fairly do so is via a uniform. I never wore one but that being said I also would not see any major objection to having to do so. Uniforms are not cheap, but that being said, you do not need nearly as many of them to have a school wardrobe that is complete. So in the long run it probably would be a net savings to many parents.

Check out sucessful professionals in NY, London or in Milwaukee's best jobs. The new rule doesn't go far enough. They should be required to wear coat & tie & knee length skirts/dress pants. Alllow business casual on Fri.

How is it possible that we have teachers and students posting here with so many spelling and other grammatical errors? I may be overly picky about this but there's no reason for people who graduated from high school to NOT know the specific uses for there, their and they're, They should know by 4th grade that they're different words, even if they sound the same.

While I agree with Becca from Glendale that policing appropriate dress behavior falls first and foremost on the parents, in the absence of such action, it therefore falls upon the schools to set the rules for appropriate dress behavior. I also agree that such rules need to be addressed with both boys and girls alike. The fact that mid-riffs, etc. have become unnoticed really doesn't hold water. What image do you exactly desire to promote with your friends? Also, just wait until you enter the workplace where such attire is extremely forbidden (unless your a waitress at Hooters, of course). Employers have far more stringent rules on acceptale fashion. Are they out of place simply as well? Wearing proper attire isn't a bad thing. If the parents aren't going to take a stand, then surely this falls to the schools. That's not making this a mountain out of a mole hill, that's doing the right thing.

I think kids should cover up. Im only 28 years old and I have a small child. I dont want my child growing up wearing tight fitting clothes or loose fitting pants. I think its a distraction and inappropriate. I think students minds should be on school and achieveing goals.

MPS should have the guts to do the same thing, but parents need to be parents and set the limits for their offspring and not depend on someone else to do it for them. Boys must like looking like two year olds with a full diaper-that's exactly what they look like with their waistband around their thighs (sometimes their knees). They won't be able to dress this way when (if) they go to work so they may as well learn what is proper and what isn't now. They can dress the way they want on their own time.

It's about time a dress code is in effect. Now, what about exercise, art and music?

Why is this such a big deal? In most every school the dress code is that skirts are to be knee length, pants cannot show underwear or be sagging, midriffs cannot be showing, if wearing a tube top need a top to cover i.e. like a sweater, etc. This is all common sense which should had been enforced by the School District a long time ago. I dont understand what the uproar is about. This is just going to be an updated version of what the school already has in place. The issue is "Is the school district going to enforce this new policy or be lax about it as they are now?" They can update the policy as many times as they want but until students, parents, and school adminstrators acutally enforce this, nothing is going to happen.

No I feel that school is not a place to show off that mush of you skin for girls and young men need to pull their pants up and be respectful.

I am glad that School has taken the right step. School is a place of learning and not a place to exibit to expose .......The dress code give a student a pride and afeeling of togethrness.

FOR MANY GENERATIONS OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE FOR ONE THING OR ANOTHER AND IT SEEMS IN TIME ALL HAVE SURVIVED. MAY THE ISSUE BEEN HAIR, CLOTHING, ECT, THE MAIN POINT OF FOCUS SHOULD BE, LEARNING. NOT JUST EDUCATION, BUT LIVING AND WORKING TOGETHER. THE SCHOOL DOES NOT HAVE PARENTAL RIGHTS, LET THE STUDENTS WEAR WHAT IS WITHIN THE STANDARDS OF THE LAW, PERIOD.

The should be glad they don't have to wear uniforms.

Wow! so many students on the attack as we would expect. I was once a student and at one point I would have agreed that its part of our freedom of expression and who we are. But as I grew wiser as you all will in time. You will all realize that it's all about discipline and being a good citizen in your bright futures. It's to promote good work ethic and respect everyone around you. Yes your freedom of self expression is taken away. But it is school and from what I've learned. Though we as young adults we are often tempted by the current fad and our hormones don't mind the everyday invitation of a cheap thrill.I admit I liked it when I was young and still do. But think! How many adults do you see go to work with there pants held up by crotch and there breasts sticking out as far as the eye can see. These people are looking mostly for the wrong attention. And usually end up nowhere. Its all about being acceptable. Regardless of how smart you may be. No one is going to hire someone that carries a personality and image of that demeanor. This is not what we want our society to be. Save it for the weekend parties.

Good for the Nicolet administration. It's time for a reappearance of modesty and behavior conducive to the educational process.

In many large cities, kids have to wear uniforms of sorts.. dark pants.. white shirts... and this is in public schools. I think it is a great idea. I am 35, getting ready to start a family, and ready to PARENT... if my kids have to wear a uniform to school- great- they are there to learn, not for a fashion show. In the long run, it saves parents money. Schools have completely lost control of the kids... educators need to get control of the classrooms again.... controlling the dress code is part of that.

I'm on the fence with this one. My daughter's HS has a policy as far as dances go. Girls cannot wear dresses with spagetti straps and boys must wear actual dress shirts and a jacket. No jeans or jogging pants may be worn for dances and if you come dressed inappropriately, even though they've paid for the ticket, they can be turned away at the door. I think it worked wonderfully for the first few dances but then later on, I saw spagetti straps. As far as the school day, I think tight clothing is worse than sparse clothing.

To Jim in Glendale; I enjoyed your split infinitive and improper comma usage in your rant about poor grammar.

I applaud Nicolet - it's unfortunate that school admin/teachers have to once again take on the role of "parents" again. It seems to me that many parents are just plain aloof and lazy from what I've observed during my day to day summer activities. Even in wintertime - I see kids in shorts walking to school!?! That is just another example of poor idiotic parenting!

NO KIDS NOW NEED TO HAVE RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES... NOW I WISH ALL SCHOOLS WOULD ENFORCE THAT RULE... THEY ARE TRYING TO GROW UP WAY TOO FAST!!

I agree with the dress code. School is a place to learn-not make social statements. Tax dollars are set aside for Math, English, etc., not for Social Dress Statements 101. As for relying on parents to hold their kids accountable for their dress in lieu of a dress code as some have stated, I think it is fair to say in these times that many parents unfortunately cannot be trusted to do what is best for their own kids. Thus, poor choices of some parents should not negatively affect other students who are at school to learn-not make social statements that only serve to distract.

How about uniforms? Sounds like a plan. Let them wear whatever they want - outside of school.

Dress codes in Wisconsin schools are long overdue. All schools, public and private, should require uniforms. If the parents, or students, don't comply, suspension. No exceptions, no excuses, PERIOD

Typing in ALL CAPS = ignorance. Please stop.

I find the "rallying cry" of the high school students to oppose this quite amusing. When you guys and gals grow up you'll realize that there are much more serious issues than your clothing attire. Classrooms are for LEARNING, not socializing or flashing gang signs. Time to grow up a little faster than normal and accept this new policy.

If the kids can't use common sense when they show up for school, then the administration has to take steps to rule out inappropriate clothing. School is about learning and educating to prepare you for life. It is not supposed to always be fun, not supposed to be about hanging out with friends. You can do that before or after. The rules they put in are things that no one should have been doing in the first place. They should be glad they didn't implement uniforms.

Way to have a spine, Nicolet!

I am in total agreement with the Board. Personal appearance is considered to be, in part, a reflection of a student's attitude toward the school and toward learning. Good grooming and appropriate attire enhance the pride one has in self and in the school. There is nothing wrong with the new dress code. Nicolet is one of the best public schools in the state, it's about time that they start leading by example and raising the bar for the other public schools in the area.

I dont think the school has gone too far. It will only help the students concentrate on their academics.

The truth is that the U.S. is just about as immoral as a society can become. To all of you who think these rules aren't needed I say you are part of the problem. It's no wonder that Iran calls us "the Great Satan" because that's what we are! The language and bodily exposure coming into our homes via the TV has desensitized us to decency. The number of homos on TV trying to make us think it's acceptable is also disgusting. I used to think how difficult it must have been for a male teacher to look at a girl sitting in the front row with a mini skirt that showed her crotch...with or without panties. It's even worse now! Keep decorum in the schools. God knows it's not in our homes!

If this is the most significant, controversial issue that Nicolet and its students have to deal with, I think they're in good shape. (Don't think that's the case, though.) If the dress code goes into effect, great; if not, great. There are more important issues.

Women should be modest. JMHO.

I applaud this decision. We have a similar dress code to this where I work, and it is not interferring with anybodies rights and freedoms, or is ruled religious attitudes. What is the purpose of dressing so sexy in high school anyways? Save that for a more appropriate place.

Pull up your pants, cover up the bellies, cover the underwear. That is why its call UNDERWEAR!!! Cover up the butt cracks and navel lint. When you get home or go to your friends house go ahead pull down your pants, show off your underwear. Oh... by the way when you go apply for a job just a word of advise...pull your pants up and cover your underwear. Sound Familiar?

Heck, we had UNIFORMS where I went to school! Get over it, kids. Some day you're going to grow up and be an adult who has to dress appropriately for your job. May as well get used to it now.

It is absolutely the right thing. It teaches the kids from early on that dress matters and that to succeed in life, they will have to conform to certain standards. I would never hire someone who comes to an interview with underwear showing and I doubt very many other employers would either. Good for Nicolet!

It is about time our schools give some rules that the students must follow. The students have been the bosses way too long with parents that want to be their friends and not their parents. The students will have rules and dress codes when they are in the work word. They will not have any say then. Let them learn now.

Finally! Someone, in this case Nicolet, shows the potential strength iin demonstrating leadership in taking charge towards respect for academics and lessening the emphasis on what students wear - or don't wear - to school! It's about time somebody stood up for what it means to be respectful of one's self, and each other! Be brave, make the call!

School is a venue for education, not to parade the latest teenage fashion trends or to experiment with the provocative.

All schools should have a dress code. Obviously many parents are not concerned about what there children wear. But dress is a huge issue. Boys no longer dress like young men, but jail thugs and girls no longer dress like young ladies, but like harlets.

It's funny. One of our jobs as educators is to prepare these KIDS (that is still what they are, for the record....no matter what they wish to believe) for success in life. Part of being successful is following the rules that are laid down by those in the roles of authority. When they go to work, they will undoubtedly have a dress code. Secondly, if their dress is innocent and without intent to gain attention, why the objections? If clothes are only clothes, you can express your individuality by dressing in clothing that is more modest. If the clothing is intended to get that extra attention...... then this policy is spot on.

Dear Some Guy- You're right. There ARE more important issues than our clothing attire... more important issues that the school board should be focusing on, as opposed to this minuscule one. Nicolet has a rampant drug problem... yet they're worried about our clothing? Hey School Board-- Man Up and deal with real issues.

my highschool went further when i graduated in 2003 my sister just graduated in may and its a hair more strict

YES THIS IS THE RIGHT CALL. THESE KIDS ARE DRESSING INAPPRIOPRIATE. I BELIEVE THE PARENTS SHOULD HAVE THE TALKING TOO. THEY ARE THE ONE'S LETTING THE KIDS GET AWAY WITH IT. NO WONDER WHY THERE ARE SO MANY CHILDREN HAVING CHILDREN.....I BELIEVE IT STARTS WITH THE WAY YOU DRESS AND ACT!

Excellent comments Becca. Your parents certainly raised you with your head screwed on straight. I teach school in Iowa now but previously taught in Wisconsin. The attitudes and styles filter down to the middle schools where I teach and they can be disruptive since the students are younger and are looking to make a personal statement at times. It is a tough call but until parents take a look at their repsonsibilities on this issue the schools have to develop codes to make the environment acceptable to the staff, students and parents. Often, concerned and involved parents demand that the school limit what their child is exposed to when they are at school. The issue isn't as cut and dried as many people would like to make it out to be......unfortunately!

I would just like to point out the fact that many people in this forum have mentioned the high rate of college acceptance from Nicolet. I hope they realize that in college there is no dress code, except the common sense of the students...You know, that lack of dress code at the collegiate level may be distracting to your sons and daughters. Perhaps it's time to enforce a dress code there too. In all seriousness though, I believe that this is a problem that is best sorted out in a home. Tackling the issue itself is causing more distractions than the actual attire the students are wearing, at least from what I hear from the students in here. With that said, a slight dress code isn't bad. There will always be people making outlandish decisions with their clothes, and sometimes its too outlandish for school. That doesn't mean that you have to make everything unwearable in a clothing crusade. To all the parents here...think back to when you were their age. Did you wear clothes that helped to express yourself, express the music you listened to, the art you were into, or even your political ideologies?

@ Phil from Neenah: Don't you think that suspending a student based on their clothing is a bit counterproductive towards even the dress code. The dress code is supposed to be there to create a better learning environment. But your suggestion takes the student out of that new environment and gives them less time to learn.

It'd about time...I'm tired of viewing relentless muffin tops and obese plumber butt. Show some dignity and cover yourself. And while you're at it stop whining about the big bad school board and administration taking away your privileges.

At first, I was mad by this... but as the idea of the new, passed dress code sets in, and I read some of the arguments posted here, I agree that maybe it is time that Nicolet enforces these rules to prove that we cant run the school. I admit, when this idea first was put out there, I laughed because Nicolet hadn't been able to enforce the dress code that was already in place. Now I hope they do it to the best of their ability and beyond, because as a student at Nicolet, I am sick of seeing people wear clothes that are sizes too small, im sick of seeing people's behinds as they sit in the seats infront of me. It is distracting. I can't focus on a lesson when someone's butt crack is in plain view. I am sick of seeing WAY too much cleavage from a few certain girls. It really isn't attractive. Jerry J, when you said, "What is the purpose of dressing so sexy in high school anyways? Save that for a more appropriate place," I wish I could agree, but the girls at Nicolet aren't even dressing sexy. It is gross and uncalled for. I am happy to return to school in the fall with this dress code. I think it will make things easier if people stopped focusing on the dumb points of the dress code and sucked it up.

Absolutely Not! You can make rules about everything (and if parents did the school wouldn't have to) and if you focus on and show that the little things in life are important then the "more pressing" issues will take care of themselves. The real world has a dress code and if you don't like it you don't have a job. Dress effects school culture and performance. Congrats Nicolet... keep going.

Whether the dress code is implemented or not, these kids will soon learn that the real world does not allow inappropriate dress clothes...and if they decide to be bull-headed about it they won't have a job or be advancing as quickly as they thought they might be. Let's be honest though...at 17 we all thought we knew everything too.

Hey Eileen--MPS does have dress codes...we've been using the zip ties for years to combat sagging pants. Where do you think the suburb kids got the fashion tip from?

Sounds reasonable to me.

Why stop at dress codes in schools? The state legislature... no wait... Congress should just pass a dress code for us all. People dress inappropriately all the time. I mean, I'm sure men are distracted by women wearing tank tops while they jog or while they are driving...that is why there must be so many car accidents! Uniform dress for everyone would just be better for our society as a whole! Seriously now, most people would find my above statement ridiculous; however, that is the type of logic many people in the forum are using to make their argument. There are more pressing issues in our schools than student dress, and sadly this type of non-issue becomes an easy scape-goat.

Is the new code too tough? ROTFLMAO! In the old one it was OK for kids to show up in PAJAMAS???? Give me a break - Nicolet is supposedly a good school and damnit, the kids can show up looking like young adults or maybe they can go to a school that would put up with that crap.

I must say that most schools I know of already have similar dress codes. Nicolet is behind the times with this issue. Greenfield, Greendale, Cudahy, Oak Creek, etc. already have dress codes like this in places and have had them for quite some time. Plus you must remember that the US Supreme Court has said that school's have this authority. Finally, why should teachers have to work with kids who can only use one hand because they have the other hand holding up their pants.

I agree with Ann in Fox Point. It is counterproductive to learning and focusing in the classroom for boys that age when girls dress suggestive, from cleavage to the midriff, that doesn't need to be shown in a classroom. You are there to learn and get an education not to be flirting and socializing during a class session. The teachers didn't go to college to get their degree to put up with the lack of clothing girls at school wear. Save that behavior for out of school if that is what one is going to wear and do, b/c in the classroom it's just a major distraction and will promote thinking of sexual stuff. It gives a boy visuals and ideas at that age and school is not the place for that. My daughter had a dress code when in high school, she said some disobeyed it,but then they enforced it with making them change at school and this included t shirts with innapropriate sayings (they made them wear the shirt inside out).If it was repeated they got a suspension for a few days and had to make up lost work. This was at a public school. Telling kids now to just keep it covered is not as strict as this so it could be worse.

Am I the only one who finds this policy absurd? Sure, students don't need to be wearing hats - but who exactly determines what constitutes "saggy" or "excessive" when it comes to pants and skin? When I was at Nicolet I remember administrators focusing the implementation of such policies towards African Americans and females in particular. It's unfortunate that the school board has little else to do but take umbrage at the attire of teenagers today. Perhaps the board could devote time instead to retaining administrative and faculty talent or fostering an environment that doesn't mirror the lingering racial tension and segregation of Milwaukee.

I strongly believe in a dress code of this level! I see how many students dress for school and I can't believe their parents buy those clothes for them! I went to Oak Creek and I can say that the majority of my academic colleagues dressed appropriately for school (and hot weather days as the school didn't have air conditioning). However, there were a few of those students who thought that they were above any or all rules and dressed as skimpy as they could muster. I agree that the kids at Nicolet are bright and academically talented, but I hate to break the news to them that there is a correlation between what you wear and people's perception of your capacity of intellect. It is relevant in college settings as well as in business environments. You may carry a 4.0 GPA but if you show up for an interview at a university for placement in a speghetti strapped tank top and shorts that should only be worn at a beach, I can guarantee you will be looked at differently than a more modestly dressed female student. Same goes for the male students too. Remember, these teachers - who see you daily wearing inappropriate attire - maybe the very teachers you will be asking to write a personal reference for college/a scholarship. Do you really want them to remember the fantastic project you submitted or the day you came into his/her classroom showing your unmentionables? I lived dress codes in high school, I think these kids will live through theirs with the finest finesse. P.S. Carry blankets to school? Seriously???

it is a SCHOOL.......they need to dress like it is one...........instead of a pickup bar

To: Andrew in Milwaukee- "To Jim in Glendale; I enjoyed your split infinitive and improper comma usage in your rant about poor grammar." The fact that you're the only one to notice reinforces my point.

I don't know anything about the problems at Nicolet High School; I'm not even a parent; but I absolutely approve of the updated dress code. The Board is absolutely right. Students should appreciate that they have access to education and should be there to learn; it is not a fashion show. The clothes mentioned above are distracting to other students who do want to learn. Let these students dress as they will after school and on weekends, but when you're in school, dress appropriately. Besides then you have something to look forward to once school is out for the day - putting on the clothes you really feel like wearing. Additionally, the parents need to step up and see what their kids are wearing to school. The Board should not have to police the dress code; this is a responsibility of parents. The parents need to have good sense about what their children are wearing.

I applaud the Nicolet Board. Dress Codes are pressing issues! Just ask any employer looking for workers with the right attitude and understanding about expectations in the workplace! Proper dress attire are for the health and safety of everyone--students, teachers, employers, workers, children and adults. I am a parent of two Nicolet graduates from the eighties. I am proud to say they learned that how one looks and acts on the outside is a mirror reflection of what is what is on the inside! I hope and pray more schools will get in line and follow the actions of Nicolet leaders. Thank you Nicolet for having the courage and wisdom to try to restore a respective learning environment for the future leaders of our country!

Way to go Nicolet! It is about time that schools put together a common sense dress code as well as enforcing existing rules. I am amazed at what I see when I pick up my kids from H.S. Were are the parents when their kids are walking out of the house dressed like this.

It's about time! unfortunately the way some kids act come with the way they dress - my son was one of them many many many years ago - with the pants hanging off.

It is about time, good for the schools board. I think the should take the next step and require uniforms. That would Keep it Real to use a phrase from our youth....

Studnet | Glendale, WI Jul 16, 2009 10:43 AM Also, as a teenaged boy, I am always irritated with the prejudging by parents who assume that we are incapable of seeing an more than an inch of skin without loosing our focus. In all honesty, If I am going to be attracted to a young woman, It's not going to be because she wears skimpy clothes in front of me, it's going to be who she is, what she likes to do, thats what is interesting to me. Plus, I think its safe to say all boys have at some point in high school found a classmate attractive, and that does not require an inch of skin. And if that is distracting, I'm not sure what to tell you, if it bothers you then you have to separate males and females in school ... Wow. Am I glad my daughter doesn't attend this school. She'd be as illiterate as this student.

First, the school does have the right to instill whatever rules they deem necessary . . . for almost any reason they see fit. Don't like it? Put your kid in another school district. I admit, school DO have more important issues to deal with. But, as it is with so many other issues, apparently expecting parents to fulfill their roles to HELP the schools is asking too much. Yet, these same "parents" are the first to complain about so many other issues.

I think the dress code is a good idea. While dressing approraitely may not necessirily lead to better grades, what is wrong with looking good at school? People in the REAL WORLD have dress codes at offices. What is so out of line with a dress code? You say this is a way of "expressing yourself" Whaaatever. It's about dressing like a slob and not conforming to the rules. When you are at college and paying for your own education, dress how you want. No one is saying you have to wear a tie or a dress that goes down to the floor. Becca., you say we parents should be able to trust our kids to make the right decisions when they get to high school. Right, that's why you have your under age drinking parties and such. I'm not saying all kids are like this, but there are enough in the news to say all high schoolers do not make the best choices. Just like all grown ups do not make the best choices. Parents and adminsistrators still have to do the best they can to keep you out of trouble.

I think the dress code is a good idea. While dressing approraitely may not necessirily lead to better grades, what is wrong with looking good at school? People in the REAL WORLD have dress codes at offices. What is so out of line with a dress code? You say this is a way of "expressing yourself" Whaaatever. It's about dressing like a slob and not conforming to the rules. When you are at college and paying for your own education, dress how you want. No one is saying you have to wear a tie or a dress that goes down to the floor. Becca., you say we parents should be able to trust our kids to make the right decisions when they get to high school. Right, that's why you have your under age drinking parties and such. I'm not saying all kids are like this, but there are enough in the news to say all high schoolers do not make the best choices. Just like all grown ups do not make the best choices. Parents and adminsistrators still have to do the best they can to keep you out of trouble.

they went to far, who cares if belly buttons and underwear are shown. Sex sells, everyone knows that.

Schools prepare students for the working world. Very few employers tolerate the dress that is prohibited under this dress code. School is the student's job and that job now requires a dress code. Might as well learn this concept now rather than later.

ITS ABOUT TIME!!!!! Why do so many people get offended that a dress code infringes on first amendment rights , "freedom of expression" and "government intrusion"? I dont get it! Lets save that argument for something important. Schools exist to teach our children what they need to become productive citizens. Businesses have dress codes for reasons - people judge you on the way you present yourself - this is a basic fact of life. You are not going to get a job at a bank if you walk in wearing 3 inch shorts and a cleavage baring halter top - period! Nobody is going to say "oh this girl who is dressed like a pole dancer is just following her right to "freedom of expression" lets hire her anyway" - no they will not hire her. Figure it out kids - sad but true - life has unwritten rules and no matter how hard you try they will still apply. Take a look at how any successfull person dresses you will not find the typical highschool outfit anywhere to be found. Dress however you want in your own free time but school is our youths "work" and they should dress appropriately!

Excellent!!! Every district should adopt this approach. I am all for allowing a little freedom of choice by students, but things have gone way too far without any measures to control it. I like what Nicolet High School is doing and all parents should accept and support this decision. It's just gone way too far over the years with the students and the way they dress. Just look at the attitudes and seduction that takes place daily. This is a direct result of the way they dress themselves and shame on those parents who fight this decision. I say take a better approach to rasing your kids and teach them a little morality.

We are talking about teens with rapid flowing hormones. Being a 15 year old a few decades ago, the girls should cover up before the put the boys into over drive. PAK

This dress code is FAR from strict, maybe the Nicolet students will finally start dressing respectably. I am not saying this goes for all Nicolet students, because some have their moments, but mostly you can pick them out of a crowd. Cover up, its school... not Summerfest.

I am starting to see both sides very clearly after reading several of the postings. I agree with the decision to require a dress code for the students because on the one hand some of the attire that I have seen throughout the schools (urban and suburban) have been mind boggling. I don't want to see a male student's boxer shorts just as much as I don't want to see a female student's cleavage. However, today's fashions often times creates this dilemma and until consumers wise up and stop buying it, it is going to be around for a long time. I agree that several of the area schools need to develop more positive learning environments, but I disagree that these environments will be built upon what clothes the students wear (or choose not to wear) on their bodies. I always had the freedom to wear whatever clothes I deemed appropriate and I can't remember a time when my parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, or employers have told me to go home and put some clothes on. Let the teens decide what they want to wear and let the adults decide when it is APPROPRIATE to talk to them about their clothes. My philosophy is this...if a student looks uncomfortable in the clothes or is receiving negative attention because of the clothes he/she is wearing, then it is appropriate to talk to the student about it (one-on-one) to see if the student notices the attention. If the clothes are worn because he/she wants the negative attention, then I think there are more underlying and pressing issues that need to be addressed. Communicating with the students instead of automatically assuming the worst and teaching them what is appropriate in certain instances is key.

It is time parents start dressing children right. Teachers don't want to see underwear and bras in the hallways or classrooms anymore.

I don't think the dress code is strict at all. In fact, I believe other schools should follow. I see young people with pants past their hind quarters to where they are covering their thighs and I think it's disgusting and disrespectful. And parents need to stop being so lienient and allowing these teenagers to get away with it and walk all over the parents. Parents and teachers aren't supposed to be your best friend, they're supposed to be people you trust, respect, and obey.

I would never let my daughter dress like they do now. You wonder why there are so many rapes and premarital sex these days. You parents should be ashamed of yourselfs. I wonder how respectable you parents are.

I would never let my daughter dress like they do now. You wonder why there are so many rapes and premarital sex these days. You parents should be ashamed of yourselfs. I wonder how respectable you parents are.

No it is not to strict. It just doesn't come soon enough. I will be glad when all schools systems get on board and let parents know the public will no longer tolerate them allowing their children expose themselves indecentley. Thank You for stepping up.

In my opinion, it isn't always the students fault. What is society pushing on this generation? What seems appropriate to them? I believe that the students dress the way they do because its all they know/grown up with. In addition, its the schools fault for not taking action as soon as this "trend" started. Now the students are accustom to the fact that they can wear what they want because they have always had that option. The school stepped in why too late to not cause commotion. The students have a right to express themselves, because we are not all the same person. We all unique, and to express that it beneficiary. But when it comes to a learning enviornment, how can you really tell if clothes are hindering learning? There is no proof in that. Personally, I don't think it really is distracting. If the students have had this "dress code" for awhile, they probably haven't even thought twice about what someone was wearing because they are so use to seeing it on a daily basis. In the end, the school is blaming the students for something that they can't see hindering them, because it never was in the first place.

It should not be up to the school to do a parent's job. None of the students are intending to be disrespectful in any way, and if you think that then you are completely misinformed. I feel that its important to remind every single one of you who agree with this new policy that Nicolet is a PUBLIC school. Not a conservative, private school. Students are allowed freedom of expression, and if sagging pants is an expression, then its an expression. Sagging pants is not a "f*** you!" to adults. To me that idea is simply absurd. Many parents and adults clearly have a skewed view on this issue, and ignoring any input from the students. The school has better things to do than to police what the kids are wearing. That should be the least important of all of the North Shore's concerns with teens. Come on. 3 or 4 drug and alcohol related deaths should be of much more concern to the people of the North Shore area than sagging pants.

In reply to Nicolet Student: I completely agree with your stance on the drug and alcohol related deaths. Evidently, if at least three (that i can think of) have happened in the 2008-2009 school year, in the north shore alone, which is more important? I dont see clothing killing anyone... but who else here sees drugs and alcohol killing people?

I think Becca needs to chill.

Well, mom from glendale, its funny you say she should chill... she keeps fighting against this dress code and saying she doesnt break it or wouldnt break it. On a regular basis her pants are too low, her shirts are too low, her pants are sizes too small to the point her stomach hangs out, etc. What nicolet students really need is a reality check along with this dress code. People dress terribly daily and it seems to be the norm for them to the point they leave the house thinking it is attractive and okay to look this way... and claim they dont dress this way. They keep asking, "why are they giving us this dress code.." HELLO. The answer is looking them in the mirror. This is the exact reason why nicolet needs this dress code and I applaud it and will most definately follow it with respect and gratitude. I would like to personally shake the hands of the people that signed off on it.

I wish Shorewood would adopt a similar code; it looks like a hookers and pimps convention there. I applaud Nicolet for this and hope that other schools will follow suit.

In 1970 the students took Nicolet High to court and got a dress code declared illegal. Why does the school now think they can getaway with it? Enough wasting taxpayer money and get to important things.

I feel that as long as you're not exposing your body way too much, we should be allowed to wear whatever we want. Taking into consideration the short shorts policy and no stomach showing, the leggings policy is a little too far. Also the cleavage...it's au natural, girls are girls. Buckling down on the rules and threatening the kids is going to make them rebel and not care. I just think this policy is a bit overrulling, we're a private school for a reason. This uniforms talk and everything is a bit over the edge.

So this dress code only applies to our kids when they go to Nicolet. Does this mean that pajamas, slippers, cleavage and saggy pants are okay to wear to school if our kids are in middle school? What's the message that's being sent here???

I don't think this is a school issue, but rather something that should be handled at home. The school disctrict should focus their energy on cutting costs. Honestly, I think the district can find much more qualified administrators, for a lot less salary. There are a lot of talented people that are looking for jobs, and at a price the district can afford. I say we start looking at our options....

Dress codes are society's: "do as I say not as I do". Once you start telling kids they can't do something, they'll want it more becasue now it's taboo.

I think that this dress code is absolutely ridiculous and the majority of people who are in favor of it don't go to Nicolet. I am a student there, and I am not distracted by my classmates fashion choice, and most of my guy friends aren't either. I find it very insulting that ADULTS would make such a broad generalization and say that ALL adolescents constantly think in a sexual nature. Well truthfully, when we are at school a lot of the time we think about things other than our classes. I think that the majority of the adults on this website forget what it was like to be a teenager and don't understand that this time in our lives is a crucial learning process, and with all due respect, give us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. I also agree with another Nicolet student and must ask some people why they think the way we supposedly dress is evil and immoral? I have also noticed that as a female, the school dress code tends to single out people of my sex in particular and it's offensive to me. I'm sorry that I don't think its necessary to tape down my breasts and wear a holiday sweater and that anything else is hooker attire. Also, to the people who say that the school has been out of control, why are we one of the best public schools in the state? Why do a large quantity of our students end up attending prestigious colleges like UW Madison? As a Nicolet student, I have felt a large amount of pressure to maintain a certain GPA and get into a certain type of school, and I haven't even touched on the drug abuse issue, which is much scarier than someone with sagging pants and cleavage. Nicolet and conservative Northshore parents, please sort your priorities. Oh and Becca, you rock girl!

This is an issue that is long overdue. When my kids started going to school here I was appalled by all of young men wearing their waistlines at knee level, thus exposing their underwear, or lack thereof. We would see this as they walked into school and apparently down the halls into class. Teacher's and staff shouldn't have to discipline our kids for this. If parents haven't taught their children the correct way to wear their pants the school has no choice. You can't tell me that this look is not a distraction. Some call it a restricton on their freedom of expression, but I wonder why anyone would want to model a prison look? What is that teaching our kids? I am proud of our administration for taking a stand and following through with it. This is a huge step in the right direction. There will always be opponents, and people can be pretty harsh with the comments. (165 comments so far. All important decisions come with their share of opponents.) I thank our principal and all that made this happen. Thank you for having morals in a society that too often forgets right from wrong.

I think it's incredibly stupid that the only rules made for the dress code were for the girls. What about the guys? They dress just as badly, but aren't made to dress any differently, which I think is sexism, even in this day and age.

I think it's really interesting that these people who are writing to support the dress code, such as teachers and parents, are the ones who have the worst grammatical errors and the most ridiculous arguments. And we're not getting a good education because we're occasionally wearing spaghetti straps? Also, I think it would probably be the most idiotic thing to do to make public schools wear uniforms. (Yes, I'm talking to you, you conservative losers from random states that aren't even Wisconsin.) Obviously, you need a reality check. Some people go to public schools so that they don't have to wear uniforms. (I must admit that about 20% of the reason I went to public school is so that I wouldn't have to wear a uniform. I think the school board needs to calm down. If students are distracted during class, it's nobody's fault but their own, so parents should settle this, not the School Board.