Meigs, like the majority of middle schools in Okaloosa County, is becoming a Spirit Wear school. Our School Advisory Council approved this dress code change in January.
At Meigs, we strive to provide an environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and a sense of belonging. The addition of spirit wear is a significant step towards achieving these goals. We firmly believe that our dress code is a way for students to achieve all of these while showing pride in the Wildcat tradition.
Spirit shirts instill a sense of pride, identity, and belonging among our students. Our students create a sense of unity while fostering a shared sense of camaraderie and school pride. Additionally, research shows that common attire positively impacts behavior and discipline.
Beginning with the upcoming school year, students are required to wear a Meigs shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie while at school. A Meigs design must be visible at all times while indoors.
We are excited that our dress code is an opportunity for students to show pride in in our Wildcat traditions. Meigs’ dress code is the same for males and females. Monday through Thursday, students will wear Meigs sweatshirts, hoodies, (zip up or pullover) with an approved Meigs shirt while at school.
On Fridays, students will be permitted to participate in Free Friday, where they are free to choose clothes that are not Meigs attire; however, the clothes must still be appropriate for school per the School Board Dress Code listed below.
In addition to spirit shirts, Meigs adheres to Board Policy 4-31, which is also approved by our School Advisory Council (SAC). Guidelines are as follows:
• Pants, jeans, or shorts must be worn at the waist with no visible undergarments.
• No hats or head coverings are to be indoors or on the ramps.
• Garments bearing inappropriate slogans or pictures (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, drugs, racial remarks, gang affiliations, or sexual connotations) are not permitted.
• All shirts should cover the chest/bust and undergarments.
• The midriff must be covered at all times and undergarments must not be exposed. Skin may not show at any time, front or back (standing, sitting, arms raised, etc…).
• No low-cut necklines, off the shoulder shirts, pajamas, or slippers may be worn.
• Pants or skirts with cuts or holes require an additional layer underneath to prevent skin visibly being shown inappropriately.
• Blankets are not to be used in place of a jacket/coat and should not be brought to school.
Students who do not adhere to these policies will be asked to find alternative clothing for the remainder of the school day. This might include having a parent/guardian bring an alternative choice of clothing from home and if a parent/guardian isn’t available to bring clothes, students will be given alternative attire from clothes donated to the school.
The school is purchasing every single student their grade level shirt, designed by students. We will have Readiness Days where parents/guardians can come to Meigs’ campus and purchase other shirts, if needed. Any Meigs sports/club/band/chorus shirt is acceptable and adheres to the new dress code policy.
On these Readiness Days, any family that qualifies for Free/Reduced lunch will be given 50% discount on all Meigs’ Spirit wear but you MUST have and show your letter certifing that you are FRL. We will also have gently used spirit wear for deeply discounted prices for those families who qualify. Computers will be on hand for those families who didn’t apply for Free and Reduced lunch to apply.
Readiness Days will be July 17th and July 31st from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Media Center. We are excited about the numerous benefits of our updated dress code policy. By fostering excellence, unity, and a sense of belonging, we are confident that all of our Wildcats will thrive academically and personally. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we embark on this journey together.
Thank you for your continued partnership in growing your students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 833-4301.
Sincerely,
Melissa Bowell
Principal, Meigs Middle School
Rachel Jones
Assistant Principal, Meigs Middle School
Jeff Strumeyer
Assistant Principal, Meigs Middle School