By:Tamara Tondreau
On January 2nd, 2020, the head of Bronx Prep Charter High School announced the dis-allowance of Non-DP related navy blue hoodies. This was sent through the weekly email provided by the DREAM coaches. The announcement included the possibility of being sent home, parents being called, or even an ISS(short for in-school-suspension). Beforehand, students could purchase the article of clothing at the Ideal Uniform site in Manhattan but now the hoodies are as good as street wear.
Generally when the school information is provided to the families of the prospective students of the school, one of the main pieces of information provided is that Bronx Prep is one school under a chain of schools within New York. This chain is known as Democracy Prep, “a network of open-enrollment, high performing, public charter high schools”, as stated in the official website. Whether it be the school luncheons, the curriculum, or even the faculty, the chain generally comes forth as a united front. So why the ban?
One possible reason could be the push for better behavior for the remainder of the year. The only acceptable hoodie within the school is a navy blue BP hoodie, which can only be purchased using DREAM dollars. These dollars are obtained within the academic week through good behavior, academic achievement, and a maintenance of the values within the DREAM BIG logo. In addition to this, the new year brought in a harsher push on behavioral regulation such as floor sweeps for lateness and dress down rewards for selective grades.
Another possible reason could be to promote Bronx Prep pride. Whether it be rooting for the basketball and cheer team on Homecoming night or participating in pep rallies and spirit week, there are always ways to demonstrate school dignity.
Overall, there has been a sense of dissatisfaction within students in the schools. Purchasing the DP is now considered a “waste of money” and to BP students, it seems like there is a new limit every single day. Although the dis-allowance of the sweaters are for positive potential benefits, BP scholars can’t help be feel boxed in or limited to certain opportunities within the school. So how do you feel about the new change? Email or communicate with a journalist today!
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