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Salty Dog to serve up uniforms for Beaufort County students.
THE SALTY DOG IS GOING TO school this year but Jake the dog has to stay home.
For the first time since Beaufort County’s school uniform policy began, approved shirts, shorts, pants and sweaters are available through the Salty Dog store and Web site.
And other than school-specific insignias, no logos are permitted by the Beaufort County School District dress code.
“The school district contacted us about providing uniform items, since we start with blank clothing before we add the Salty Dog logo,” said Stuart Booth, senior vice president for the Salty Dog. “Apparently, it’s difficult to find items that have no logos at all.
“There are a number of places where parents can buy the clothing, including Lands End, but buying locally is always a good thing,” he said. “All the school approved logo embroidery is done locally, keeping jobs in our area. And there’s the convenience. Kids can come into the store, try things on and take them home. Everything is available right now in the Salty Dog’s Arrow Road store.”
The Salty Dog offers a nice range of prices and quality. For instance, polo shirts are available from $10 to $20+, and come in choices of cotton and poly blends. Second layers, like sweatshirts, cardigan sweaters and fleece jackets, as well as slacks, shorts, skirts and other items in approved colors are also available.
These casual styles and color choices are a far cry from the school uniforms that made generations of women recoil at the sight of plaid for the rest of their days.
Polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleece jackets and cardigan sweaters worn with slacks, shorts, skirts or capris are comfortable, standard wardrobe items for most kids these days.
Colors for tops include white plus a selection of colors approved for each school. Students at the Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts can choose any solid color top they want. But sorry kids — no hoodies, jeans or baggie sizes are allowed. Save ‘em for the weekend.
The dress code, which affects all students through middle school in 2009-10, and will apply to all high school students in 2010-11, has been successful at many schools for several years.
“It’s easier for us to identify people who don’t belong in the schoolyard,” said Cynthia Hayes, student services offcer for the district. “The dress code also helps level the playing field for kids and parents.”
Gretchen Keefer, principal of the Hilton Head School for Creative Arts, agreed. “It costs parents less,” she said. “And when kids put on their uniform in the morning, they start to focus on their school day. We have Spirit Days and other special events when they can show their individuality.”
The Salty Dog store is at 67 Arrow Road. For more information, call (877) 725-8936 toll-free or visit saltydog.com. To learn more about the dress code, approved colors for your school and other sources for school uniforms, including lightly used items, check with the individual school or visit www.beaufort.k12.sc.us/.
