In a study done by the ACC college on students' attire and their academics, they found out that "the more formal the attire, the lower the comfort rating of that attire and the lower the exam score. Therefore, the higher the comfort rating of the attire, the higher the exam score. This study provides further evidence of a relationship between perceived clothing comfort and cognitive performance."

Therefore, it has been proven that Students tend to focus more and perform better academically when they are comfortable! 

After speaking to several Saint Johnsbury academy students they explained that the dress code is not comfortable. These are the reasons why with attached comments made by STJA students: 

1. Having to wear a tie is very uncomfortable, especially wearing one for over five hours.

2. The dress code does not fit all seasons and tends to be extremely hot in the fall.

3. Students struggle with body insecurities and tend to be all they think about because they can not wear what they feel comfortable in and for some, the dress code approved clothing that is affordable does not fit one's body type the way dress code wants it to be.

4. Having to buy a new wardrobe specifically for school creates undue financial burden for many families. As it is also inconvenient and inaccessible near STJ.

5. The dress code also restricts self-expression and for teenagers, self-expression is important as we are trying to find our identity. 

I present to you what students prefer and hope you will respond positively by immediately changing the current dress code. 

Students would prefer to wear jeans, we understand that no ripped or oversized jeans would be appropriate. Dress slacks should be optional. 
They would like a dress code that does not require students to wear collared, button-down shirts, and ties. Instead, students would like to wear tops that are more comfortable and conducive to learning, for example, turtlenecks, polo shirts, sweaters and T-shirts (we are fine with T-shirts that have minimal writing and appropriate length).
All students should be allowed to wear their hair the length most comfortable and students of color should be able to wear their hair locked. 
All students should be able to have earrings (we understand that piercings other than ear piercing may not be presentable).
All students should be able to dye their hair however they wish (we understand that more than one flashy color may not be presentable). 

We do not feel as though what we are requesting is unreasonable. In fact, we feel as though our requests would make SJA more inviting to future students. It would show that SJA is sensitive to the financial needs of families (and COVID-19 and its impact on families makes this even more important right now). It would show that SJA understands and appreciates the voice of students and is committed to helping us find our identity and becoming people for whom we would all be proud. 

Please sign the petition and share it! 
Thank you.

Stay safe!