According to the Dress Code (page 28) in the Student Handbook, it says, “Freedom Students are expected to present a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.” Although Freedom Area Middle School doesn’t have any dress codes against pajamas, different students and people have different opinions on whether wearing them affects your learning in a good way, a bad way, or even at all.
“When I am wearing pjs, I think I’m probably less productive,” Dr. Amanda Whitworth, K-8 Dean of Students, said. Although Dr. Whitworth isn’t in classrooms too often, she does know that when she is in sleepwear, she is less likely to get things done. She thinks that even though it could make you more unlikely to get stuff done, since it’s not in the handbook, it really is the student’s choice if they want to wear PJs or not.
“When I am in my PJs, I usually feel like I’m about to fall asleep or feel sick, so I don’t want anyone to see me,” Sara Houy (6) said. Unlike Freedom Area Middle School and multiple other school districts, many schools have types of PJs completely banned in their dress code. This is proven from a survey that shows that approximately 50% of schools have PJs, or any type of sleepwear, including slippers, completely banned.
A research project from 2013 says, “Most educators and students argue that changing out of pajamas in the morning prepares them for the day, whereas remaining in them may affect the psychological ‘shift’ into a work-ready mindset.” This proves that most of the time, wearing pajamas to school instead of more formal clothing interferes with students’ ability to stay focused and do their best work during school. A lot of teachers and students agree with this statement. On the other hand, some other students believe that wearing PJs makes you more relaxed and focused, but it depends on what kind of student you are.
“I dress nice because it makes me more comfortable knowing I don’t look bad,” Sara Houy (6) said. Not only will you feel good about yourself from the positive “I’m ready” attitude that you get when you’re in clean and formal clothes, but the other positive comments/ compliments people give you will also make you feel awesome!
“Wearing nice, clean clothes makes me way more energetic because I like what I’m wearing, so I’m happy and ready for the day,” Sara Houy (6) said. Wearing more formal clothes can make you feel more refreshed and ready.
