Walking through the halls of Tapp Middle School this year, you will see something new. The school has adopted a new dress code for the 2011-2012 school year.

Students are required to wear khaki or black pants with a white, orange, black or khaki collared shirt. Tucked in shirts, brown or black shoes, and belted pants complete the look.

Students are permitted to wear Tapp spirit shirts and jeans on Fridays. Administrators and teachers are also required to follow the new dress code.

Last year, Tapp principal Dr. Jerry Dority polled parents and students about the dress code. There are at least five other Cobb County middle schools with similar dress codes. 

Most of the Tapp parents were in favor of it. Of course, many of the students were not. However, many of the students have since changed their minds. Gone is the pressure to wear the “right” brands or the latest fashions. Getting dressed in the mornings has been simpflied.

After nearly two weeks of this new dress code, the response has been positive. The students look great. However, as soon as that last bell rings during the school day, many of the shirts suddenly become untucked. And the first thing my son does when he gets home is change his clothes.