Some NELA school districts are still enforcing dress codes for virtual learning

OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Some students will be logging in rather than returning to the classroom, but that doesn’t mean they’re exempt from school policies - part of that is the dress code.

Some school districts across the country and even right here in Northeast Louisiana are requiring that students adhere to dress code even while at home for virtual learning.

“I do understand them having a dress code, it puts them in the frame of mind of still being in class, still being able to be observed by the teacher or even the other students,” said former Monroe and Ouachita Parish teacher Frank Bobo.

Bobo taught multiple subjects and served as a technology facilitator for many years. His own granddaughter will be starting virtual learning in a matter of days. He said it’s important that a student’s environment reflects their work.

“They need a good learning environment whether they’re in school, or at home or at grandma’s house, they need an environment that produces results,” he said.

According to the Ouachita Parish Schools Virtual Instruction Program Handbook, students are required to follow the school/district dress code. In addition, family members must also dress appropriately while students are on video conferences.

Some school districts are even encouraging students to continue to wear uniforms or a school spirit top.

KNOE reached out to multiple school districts in our coverage area. Of the 16 parishes and Monroe City Schools, three responded saying that pajamas are discouraged and students should be properly clothed.

Here are the districts that we confirmed state the dress code policy in either a virtual learning contract or handbook:

Caldwell - confirmed by Superintendent

Catahoula - confirmed by Superintendent

Jackson - Student and Parent contract

Lincoln - confirmed by a school representative

Morehouse - confirmed by Student and Parent Handbook

Monroe City Schools - confirmed by school board member

Ouachita - V.I.P. Handbook

Richland - Richland Virtual Academy guidelines

Winn - Virtual Program Handbook

The rest are unconfirmed, but presumed to be following the same guidelines even though the information was not available on the website:

Concordia