In 9th, 10th, and 11th grade class meetings on September 25, new Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias confirmed a new system of uniform policy enforcement. Teachers can now use a digital form to report dress code violations. The purpose of the form is to remind students of the uniform policy and, more importantly, to follow it. 

“We knew [uniform enforcement] was something that we needed to clarify… we just really want to have a mechanism for [a] reminder,” Dr. Arias said.

Additionally, teachers are not required to tell students if they’ve been reported. Reported students will receive an email from the Upper School Office at the end of the day.

The Westridge Uniform Policy, according to the Westridge handbook and Dr. Arias, has not changed. As for enforcing the dress code, Dr. Arias said, “I don’t think there’s ever been a written enforcement policy. So in that way, I don’t think there is a new policy about enforcement either.”

Currently, there is no requirement for faculty to use the form. In fact, Head of School Ms. Andrea Kassar noted it was more of a resource for faculty. Despite faculty members’ convenient access to complete the form, some have reservations about using it. “I don’t think that I will [use the form], but if I get a mandate that I have to start doing it, I’m not going to lose my job over [not using the form],” said an Upper School teacher who asked not to be named. Another unnamed faculty member added, “I’ve never dress coded somebody. I understand that it’s important to some people, but it’s not important to me or my work at Westridge.” 

On the other hand, Upper School Math and Computer Science Teacher Mr. Daniel Calmeyer mentioned that he has used the form once. “I would use the form for a student I’m not able to talk to. Like, if I saw somebody… way out of uniform over there but they are walking off,” said Mr. Calmeyer. He continued, “In general, I usually will address it with the student if I see something.”

Initially, the form notice and email were something of a mystery. Advisors and class deans cryptically warned students to be in dress code, but when asked about a form, teachers refused to comment. During a 10th grade class meeting, Dr. Arias went on to say, “Our Upper School Office has unintentionally, I think, created an air of mystery about the uniform.” 

Dr. Arias referred to the form as “clarification.” The clarification will come in the form of an email from the Upper School Office. She added, “It will just very simply say, ‘hey, as a reminder, please be in uniform.’” 

Even with clarification around the form, email notice, and expectations, students remain ambivalent about the uniform policy. “I think at least in the past, [enforcing] the dress code has been a lot more flexible, but the administration team has changed… now I don’t know what to expect,” said Emily L. ’25.