A Petition to Reconsider the Linden High School Uniform Policy and Request a Parent & Student Town Hall

To: Linden Public Schools Superintendent, Linden High School Administration, and Linden Board of Education

We, the undersigned parents, students, and members of the Linden school community, are requesting a review of the current high school uniform policy, specifically the restriction prohibiting students from wearing regular clothing or costumes on designated school occasions, including:

• Picture Day
• Halloween
• School Spirit Weeks
• Other designated school-wide celebrations and special events

While elementary and middle school students are permitted to participate in these occasions by wearing regular clothing, high school students are being denied the same opportunities. We believe this creates an unnecessary inconsistency within the district and unfairly excludes high school students from activities that promote school pride, community, and student engagement.

We are particularly concerned about the reported expectation that students must demonstrate 100% compliance with the uniform policy to be permitted to participate in designated dress-down days. This approach is unreasonable and counterproductive, especially for students who consistently follow the uniform requirements.

Our Concerns

We believe that:

• School spirit should be encouraged at every grade level, not restricted.
• Students should have opportunities to participate in school traditions and celebrations.
• Students who comply with the uniform policy should not be penalized by restrictions on special event days.
• High school students deserve the same consideration and opportunities afforded to elementary and middle school students.
• Student morale, engagement, and a sense of belonging should be considered when implementing district-wide policies.

One of the stated goals of the new uniform policy was to promote school pride and strengthen school spirit. However, restricting students from participating in special dress-down days and spirit-related activities sends a conflicting message and risks having the opposite effect.

What We Are Requesting

We respectfully ask the district and Board of Education to:

1. Reconsider the restriction prohibiting high school students from participating in designated dress-down days, Halloween costumes, and spirit week activities.
2. Establish consistent and reasonable guidelines for special dress-down days across all district schools.
3. Provide students and parents with an opportunity to share their concerns and recommendations directly with district leadership.
4. Organize a Parent & Student Town Hall Meeting with the Superintendent, High School Principal, and Board of Education to openly discuss the uniform policy and its impact on students.

Our Goal

This petition is not about eliminating school uniforms or disregarding school rules. It is about finding a reasonable balance between maintaining uniform expectations and allowing students to enjoy the traditions and experiences that make school memorable.

Our high school students deserve to feel included, heard, and proud of their school. School spirit should be something we build together as a district.

We respectfully request that the district hear our voices and give parents and students a seat at the table.

By signing below, we express our support for reviewing the current policy and organizing a town hall meeting to discuss a more equitable approach.

LET OUR STUDENTS BE HEARD. LET THEM SHOW THEIR SPIRIT!