Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year the dress code has been a topic of notable interest among the student body and administration. In August, administrators visited each classroom to discuss school rules, emphasizing stricter enforcement of the dress code than in previous years. 

“We have to make sure kids are following the rules we have in place,” Principal Mat McClenahan said. 

This brings attention to what specifically the school policies are surrounding dress code. Some students argue that certain rules in the student handbook are outdated and should be redefined. 

“I think some of the rules are a little outdated and should be changed to fit more modern styles,” senior Kirthi Paramasivan said.  

OPHS administration understands these concerns and are open to collaborating on potential revisions.  

“I want to put together a group of students and parents and get some real information about what we think the appropriate dress code in our local community should be; about what the appropriate dress code is for an OPHS student,” McClenahan said. 

McClenahan stated that students will be informed when applications for the committee open.

“I am still in the design phase of putting the dress code committee together,” McClenahan said. “I absolutely will send information to the entire student body when I have it ready to go.”

The administration wants to emphasize their support for the student body. 

“I’m perfectly willing to [reexamine rules],” McClenahan said. “I don’t want to have an ‘us vs. them’ relationship.”