Students face their share of challenges while balancing homework with sports, work and a social life, but one thing students don’t have to worry about this year is the dress code.

As of August 2018, PA administration changed the dress code guidelines for both students and teachers.

For students, the dress code in the Pembroke Academy Student Handbook states: “It is impossible to prescribe dress regulations that cover every contingency. In the majority of cases, discretion and good taste should be guideline enough.”

According to the PA Student Handbook, students are now allowed to dress however they would like as long it does not distract from the educational process, does not constitute a threat to safety/health or is in violation of any laws.

“I feel a lot more free to express myself,” said senior Madison Gaskell.

Faculty and staff also had changes implemented to their dress code over the summer.

At the first faculty meeting of the year, teachers were told that they could no longer wear jeans or hooded sweatshirts to work, although this depends on their role in the school.

The PA Faculty Handbook, however, makes no specific reference to either. Pages 6-7 of handbook reads: “Teachers, volunteers, support personnel, and paraprofessionals are expected to project an image that sets positive dress and grooming examples at all time.”

For administration, the issue is one modeling professionalism.

“If we are going to demonstrate professional dress, we need to model it for you,” headmaster Mr. Famulari said.

Some teachers, however, are not thrilled with the changes.

“If there were people who dressed unprofessionally then the school should have addressed those teachers separately,” said social studies teacher Ms. Yackanin. “Most likely other teachers would agree with that.”

Her colleague in the social studies department concurs.

“Saying jeans are unprofessional is a matter of taste,” said Mrs. Moher.