2 Somerton schools get new dress code

When they return to class in August, students at two more schools in Somerton will be required to follow a dress code.

Somerton Middle School and Valle del Encanto Elementary School will join all other schools in the Somerton Elementary School District already enforcing a code.

Under the new policy, students at Somerton Middle School will be required to wear a three-button polo shirt in any solid color, and blue pants or shorts. They will not be allowed to wear sandals in the classroom.

Valle del Encanto students will wear red or navy blue polo shirts with khaki pants, skirts or jumpers. Closed-toe or tennis shoes are the only permitted footwear.

The school board approved the policy last month after parents at the two schools were surveyed and found that almost 90 percent were in favor of uniforms.

“The use of uniforms have several advantages: the first is economical reasons, and second is student discipline and safety,” said Yolanda Banuelos, a member of the Somerton Middle School parents association.

Uniform policy or a dress code saves money for the families as children wear the same clothes throughout the school year, she said, and it prevents a class distinction among students based on dress.

Teachers at Somerton Middle School also are in favor of the new rules, Banuelos added, because it prevents students from wearing any clothing that could be associated with gangs.

“There's also the advantage of student safety. Wearing uniforms helps to identify them and prevent them from being confused with other children or youth who are not part of the school.”

Teachers also believe a dress code contributes to better student performance in the classroom.

For more information about the new policies, call Somerton Middle School, 341-6100, or Valle del Encanto, 341-6700.