School: not a place for fashion parade

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There’s been a lot of talk lately about grooming in schools, and it seems some people are missing the point, especially when it comes to hair grooming.

First of all, does grooming really impact learning? It’s a common question, but let’s be honest, how we dress affects how we feel. When kids are well-groomed for school, they’re more likely to focus on their work, instead of getting distracted by how they look. Let’s face it, some students spend too much effort on how they look, rather than being focused on the books.

Rules and guidelines are a part of society, and students need to learn to follow them, even if they don’t always agree. These rules help prepare them for being responsible citizens later on. We must mobile ourselves against systemic indiscipline in society.

It’s a team effort. Schools serve our kids as they grow, and parents and the community should jump in to help enforce grooming guidelines. Many students show up to school not properly groomed, and it often comes down to a lack of clear information or understanding and, in some cases, parenting. This isn’t just about hair; it’s about the overall growth and development of our children.

At the end of the day, school isn’t a fashion parade. It’s a place for learning and teaching kids about unity, discipline, and understanding. So really, if grooming doesn’t affect learning, there’s no reason not to be properly groomed for school. Let’s leave the trendy clothes and wild hairstyles for another time.

RICARDO SMITH

Assistant Dean of Discipline

Manchester High School