Preparing for the dress code

Some parents I've spoken with this summer are already done with their "dress code compliance shopping," as one referred to their recent weekend trip to retail and consignment stores for two boys' worth of school clothes.

A new dress code will take effect at in the coming school year in Cape Girardeau public schools. Classes begin Aug. 16.

District officials and school staff are also beginning to busy themselves with preparations.

The district issued a news release Thursday morning announcing a clothing drive. Donations of new or gently used dress code appropriate clothing will be redistributed among students with financial need, according to the release.

"We want to make the transition to the new dress code as easy as possible," said Deena Ring, Special Services Director, in the release.

The drive will be held from July 23-27 at the central district offices at 301 N. Clark Ave. Items can be donated between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on those days inside the building. Collection boxes will be placed inside the building's south entrance.

Donated items can include tops, bottoms, belts and shoes but must meet the guidelines of the dress code, which are posted online at www.capetigers.com.

Clothing will be distributed on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 1 at the junior high field house at 205 Caruthers Ave. Students in all grades can obtain clothing from the event.

Questions can be directed to Ring at 335-1867.

Staff from each of the district's buildings said during discussions of the dress code prior to school board approval that a supply closet would be placed in all schools for students who needed help obtaining clothing to meet requirements.

I'm still collecting information on dress code-related events to be held in individual schools.

Here is one I know about so far:

Alma Schrader Elementary will have a clothing exchange sale for its students from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 3 at the school.