With the start of the new school year comes new changes to policies at Sacred Hearts Academy. According to Vice Principal Kinga Sanders, such changes were implemented after  realizing the need for enforcement of the rules, particularly with new students and seniors.

In regards to the sock policy, socks must be ankle-length with the school’s logo visible; otherwise, socks should be of a plain white color. This policy applies regardless of which type of uniform the student may be wearing (i.e. blue skirt, white skirt, Friday attire). Those without the appropriate socks will be required to buy a pair from the high school office for two dollars.

Originally, the minimum skirt length was no more than two inches above the knee, but that policy has been changed to three inches above the knee.

In addition, the V-neck pullover sweater will no longer be allowed as part of the uniform due to students’ abuse of the garment. Some have not been wearing their full uniform underneath it.

According to the updated policy on tardiness, students will be marked tardy if they are not present in their homeroom’s flag line at morning assembly.

Junior Tyson Noquez-Epil said, “I am not really affected by the uniform policies since I have always followed the uniform anyway, but I like that now we are able to use our phones during the school day. To me, this change had the biggest impact.”

Previously, students were not allowed to use cell phones between the hours of 7:35 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. According to Sanders, after a teacher survey showed that the faculty supported students’ learning responsible cell phone use, the policy was updated and students will now be able to use their cells during recess and lunch. During all other times, cell phones should be silenced and stored in lockers or bags.

Lastly, in the classroom, students will no longer be allowed to eat or drink during instructional time due to the distraction it causes in the classroom. However, water will be allowed.