The Morning News: News : Bentonville Tightens Prom Dress Code; No Outside Dates in Rogers

Bentonville Tightens Prom Dress Code; No Outside Dates in Rogers

Formal Wear Shops Hire Seamstresses To Make Dresses More Modest

Last updated Friday, March 9, 2007 8:34 PM CST in News

By Lana F. Flowers
The Morning News

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BENTONVILLE --Bentonville girls who let too much hang out will miss the big dance. Dresses must be modest, with full coverage of the bust and buttocks.

Girls or guys who might like to bring a date from a different school can't in Rogers, but that's not an issue in Fayetteville.

Students must have their names printed on their prom tickets if they are from schools outside Fayetteville, according to Alan Wilbourn, Fayetteville schools spokesman.

As prom -- that magic night of limousine rides, corsages, gorgeous gowns and lifetime memories -- approaches, school districts are making sure students and parents know prom policies.

In Bentonville, dresses must cover the midriff and dress slits must end at mid-thigh. That's about fingertip length, to save any guesswork and use of a measuring tape.

Bentonville school officials posted on their Web site the dos and don'ts of selections for prom. They say they're not trying to stifle style but want everyone to be comfortable and safe.

Those not dressed properly will not be admitted to the prom. Area formal wear shops know Bentonville's dress code.

"We actually really appreciate the dress code because it is easier for us to sell stuff we support and feel like the girls look presentable in," said Devin Bertram, owner of The Briar Patch, a formal wear shop in Fayetteville. "It helps us during buying season so we know what to plan on."

Celebrities becoming more risque in demeanor and dress has reflected on prom dress styles, Bertram said.

"Prom trends tend to follow Hollywood trends," Bertram said. "Most of us who work here all have children, and we think of our prom girls as our own little girls. We want them to look classy."

The Briar Patch has a seamstress to make adjustments, including meeting the requirement of Shiloh Christian School in Springdale that all dresses have straps.

Seamstresses can sew on straps, shorten a slit or make a bustier less bare by adding fabric panels, Bertram said.

Kim Young, owner of Simply Elegant, a Bentonville dress shop, said Bentonville High School's prom dress code is stricter than Shiloh Christian's.

"We've always had to deal with the dress code because Bentonville has had it. It has gotten more strict this year," Young said.

She also has seamstresses, as "most dresses can be fixed."

Young's son attends Bentonville High School. He'll have to meet a prom dress code that, for boys, is two lines long and doesn't contain examples of dos and don'ts.

"The dress for boys will be gender appropriate. Tuxedoes for boys are recommended but not required," the prom dress policy in the high school handbook states.

When asked whether she'd preview her son's date's dress to ensure the couple is admitted to the prom, Young said "I'm on top of it."

It's a good thing she is watching her son's date's dress, as a recent e-mail from high school administrators stated "male students are responsible for making sure their dates meet dress code if they come from another school."

That's a problem Rogers High School students don't have, as they cannot bring prom dates from outside the school district.

"For the last few years, our practice has been that only Rogers High School students, grades 10 through 12, are allowed to come to our prom," said Ashley Kelley, communications coordinator for the district.

That policy may change in fall 2008, when ninth-graders are on high school campuses and the district opens a second high school, Kelley said.

The policy on no older or outside dates is for safety, Kelley said. All students at the prom are under the same discipline policy and have the same expectations for behavior.

The policy has been in effect for two or three years, Kelley said, and in that time "I'm sure some parents or students wished it were otherwise."

Web Watch

Bentonville students, parents and guardians can get more information on appropriate prom dresses at www.bentonville.k12.ar.us. Click on the link for "important dress code information for prom."

Rogers Fashion Show

The Rogers High School Spring Fashion Show will be 7 p.m. March 17 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Valet parking will be available and the Rogers High School Jazz Band will perform.

For tickets, call 721-2635.

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Reader Comments (46 comment(s))

The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

then it isn't reall a prom wrote on Mar 9, 2007 9:48 PM:

" I respect the dress code issue. No major problems witht that. But a Rodgers Senior girl is not allowed to take her Bentonville Senior boyfriend to her Senior Prom? What is next you can't take someone 1 year younger or older than you? A Senior male at Rodgers can not take his girlfriend, who may live just a few minutes down the road, to his Senior Prom because she goes to another High School. Well, then to me it isn't a prom, it is just another dance that you go to in high school. "

Rogers Mom wrote on Mar 9, 2007 11:08 PM:

" I think the rules for Rogers stink. I graduated from Rogers High School. My son is a Senior there now. He's not going to prom this year because his girlfriend is a Freshman and can't go. I'd like to know what happened to make them think they had to have these rules. A dress code is appropriate but to say your date from another school or grade can not is ridiculous. Shame on Rogers!!!!! "

Rogers Mom wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:49 AM:

" Your son's daughter is a Freshman? Don't you think that is a little too young for your son? What is even more amazing is that the girls parents allow her to date much less a Senior in High School. Prepare yourself to be the Grandmother who is raising her grandchild. "

Tacky wrote on Mar 10, 2007 8:43 AM:

" Rogers Mom -- how tacky. Just because a Senior boy dates a freshman girl doesn't mean that she is going to get pregnant. Remember-- Bush and all public sex education only teach abstinence-only programs -- are you saying that President Bush's program is wrong? Anyway -- The dress code is fabulous, because if parents won't monitor their children, I guess the school must. Which is amazing to me that some of these girls go out in the clothes they go out in. Where are their mothers! Maybe that is the reason we should worry about teen pregnancy - if the girl dresses like a tramp she is going to be a tramp -- wouldn't you agree Rogers Mom? "

DAD wrote on Mar 10, 2007 9:38 AM:

" I like the dress code idea. I have four sons, all graduated, and all who went to "numerous" proms. I was beginning to think I should have gotten stock shares in the local tux rental store. Having not had daughters, I appreciate the pure beauty of a lovely young lady dressed to the "nines" is a formal dress. Thanks to you moms for doing that! As for the restrictions of where dates can come from... That's bogus. I "heard" that the reasoning was because of space, and the fact that the crowd was too large. If that's the problem, rent a bigger room. They're not only keeping kids from other schools out, they're keeping Rogers kids from coming, because they won't attend if their younger dates, or dates from other schools can't. This is the biggest night of our kids young lives. Don't keep it from happening. "

To the Prom wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:07 AM:

" The reason Rogers has this policy is to keep the fights to a minimum. In the past much older "dates" have caused problems at the prom and rivalrys from different schools don't stop on Prom night. The dress code is totally on track. My daughter is a senior and would dress like Paris Hilton if i would let her. Hollywood and morals are an oxymoron but sad to say a huge influence on kids today. As far as kids leaving the house in the wrong clothes, hello they can and do change clothes somewhere other that home. School is different from when we went. Sad it has come to this. At least they have a Prom some schools don't any more. "

DAD wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:37 AM:

" Good points, some I didn't consider, especially the one about older dates from other schools. We don't need fights. BUT, if both students are from Rogers, I think they should both be allowed, provided one is a junior or senior. "

To the Prom wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:45 AM:

" I think that as long as they are Rogers students they can come to the Prom if they meet the 10-12 guidelines. I think the Prom is for the High School and should stay that way. If and when they move freshman to the High School they may have to look at at again but I think it should be for Jr's and Sr's only. It is one of the last things they will get that is just about them and after the years of school it is kind of a right of passage. I think it would be good to have a freshman/ sophmore prom too or at least something similar. Kids need something to look forward to. maybe not as formal because us parents need a finacial break though. LOL. "

My Turn wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:46 AM:

" I agree that only students from that school district can attend. That way chaperones and administrators know who they are with. It is a liability issue and I applaud the school districts who have this policy. Now, as to why a senior boy is dating a freshman girl...that is just wrong on so many levels. The boy will hopefully going to college and will meet girls his own age and leave a 15 year old girl heartbroken. The parent/guardian of the freshman girl should run that boy off quick!! And to the freshman girl, don't ruin your teenage years by having a broken heart. Trust me, I work with kids your age everyday and the drama involved in teenage relationships is not necessary. Hang around with a group of good friends..go to movies, go shopping, sit at home and watch tv and eat popcorn, listen to your favorite music, etc. Don't get too involved with any boy who is that much older than you. He is not being raised properly by his parents. It is not natural for a 17/18 year old to be interested in a 9th grader. Be careful sweetheart!! "

To My Turn wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I agree for the most part but I have friends that started dating when he was a senior and she was in 8th grade and they have been together ever since. 7 years now after highschool so they have been together for almost 12 years. Longer than most couples that meet after High School. She was very mature for her age and he fell in love with her in church so good things can happen when it is suppose to. They still do not have kids and are very happily married. Careers then kids in their thinking. "

Outraged wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:43 AM:

" You all need to mind your own business, and deal with who your kids are dating and not worry so much about others. "

Rogers Mom wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:50 AM:

" I guess as in all things everyone has an opinion and I just choose that my daughter not date at 15. I pray she keep her innocense as long as possible, since there is always someone willing to take that away from younger kids, whether they are boys or girls. I also do not think someone can handle an emotional relationship as "Boyfriend/Girlfirend" at such a young age. As far as the dress policy, it is good that all the shcools are enforcing it, you only need to walk into a local High School, where most of the girls have to top half of there rear showing in a pair of jeans or they dress like they just rolled out of bed. What happened to the daily dress code? Hollywood and TV is what happens. Everyone wants to look like that nut case Brittany Spears. "

To Outraged wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:53 AM:

" When the actions of others effect the environment of me or my family it is my business. Thank you for you opinion though. "

ok, so basically wrote on Mar 10, 2007 2:00 PM:

" If you were a high school junior and you are dating a senior, that person can NOT go to next years prom with you if you are still together. Then either not go to prom, or go with a person that is not your significant other. GREAT message to send here about being responsible and being prepared to go out of the real world after high school. Lets continue to treat these young-soon to be adults like little children, then get upset when they are in our communities acting like children when they should be acting like adults. So a fight might occur if a Bentonville boyfriend shows up, then suspend the student and/or press charges. We need to rename Rodgers High School to Pampers High. "

Great comments wrote on Mar 10, 2007 2:54 PM:

" Now let's all go to the school board and tell them what we think... oh, I think I'm hearing silence. "

Excellent idea wrote on Mar 10, 2007 3:31 PM:

" but that is something that really needs to become a norm. If "we" the people find something wrong within our society we need to address it. We need to feel that we can voice our concerns without being made out to feel like villians. Arguements should be made with respect and dignity on both sides. Unfortunately, most people will not step up to the podium and address issues that they disagree with. I thank the MorningNews for allowing us to vent in this type of venue. I would love to go to the Rodgers School Board and voice to them my concerns pertaining this, but I am not from Rodgers. "

To Excellent idea wrote on Mar 10, 2007 4:09 PM:

" No you are not from "Rodgers"..Because it is spelled "Rogers". But! you have an opinion and wherever you are from it counts to be heard. "

lol...yeah I'll get used to that wrote on Mar 10, 2007 4:24 PM:

" AND...I have stopped asking for a NON-smoking section at restaurants. "

To the Prom wrote on Mar 10, 2007 5:35 PM:

" I think it is the absolute right idea policy. If you are out of High School you should not be going to a High School Prom. If you go to a different district they have a Prom go to it. It has proven to be a big issue over the years and it is shown that it is the right thing to do. Things today are not the same as when we were in school and since a lot of parents are not parents the School Boards have had to make tough rules. If all parents were involved, for that matter even around, then it could be different. Until we all start raising our kids to be respectful and that rules are for a purpose it will be this way. I am not saying don't challenge an unfair rule or something you don't agree with but when you appeal and don't get your way then respect that decision and move on. Somethings are right no matter if we agree with them or not. "

then maybe we should just do away with proms wrote on Mar 10, 2007 5:52 PM:

" Since we can not control these kids, why allow them to showcase themselves as future adults. Let them have their homecoming dance, Sadie Hawkins dance, or just because dance. Let them have a big end of the year dance and call it "The Last Dance" or something. Don't disrespect the Prom by changing almost everything about it that made it so special. So the school board felt that they were unable to control an environment so they then decided to infringe on the basic components of what made Proms so special. Are the students of "Rogers" that much out of control? Somethings are wrong even if a panel says they are right!!!! "

My Turn wrote on Mar 10, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Let's not forget, prom is a luxury, not a requirement. No where is it written there even HAS to be a prom. It is just a tradition. My circle of friends and I did not even go to prom. We weren't the elite group but we were not the rejects either. We just decided to go to one house, watch movies until dawn, eat everything in sight and laugh and have fun..and get this, we invited our parents!!! "

To then maybe we should just do away with proms wrote on Mar 10, 2007 5:57 PM:

" It was not the students of Rogers that were the issue. It was the students and adults that were coming as dates. We elected the "Panel" so it is no different then any elected person. We voted them in to run the district so we gave them the power to decide. That is how the it works. Run for the school board and fix it if you think it is broken. Sorry I 100 % agree with it and I was born and raised in Rogers. It has been this way for 2 or 3 years and the Proms have been good and safe most importantly. "

Your turn wrote on Mar 10, 2007 5:59 PM:

" was correct! Proms for the most part are extremely overrated and too expensive for most families. "

To Your turn wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:01 PM:

" You rock wanna be my kid? I wish my daughter felt that way!! LOL "

Speaking of "Rogers" wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:09 PM:

" Maybe instead of Prom this year, they can fit in that 18minutes extra a week and put it into one evening. Since the city can not afford snow removal, maybe the parents of the seniors can put 1/4th of what they would normally spend on Prom and help pay for a snow removal for the city so the kids won't have to lose class days. I have two wonderful parents who wasted a lot of money on me for 2 proms. I have memories of both proms, but I also have more memories of knowing how much it cost them financially for we were low-middle income family trying to make ends meet. "

18 minutes a day for 1 week I meant wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:10 PM:

" insert comment here "

To Speakining of Rogers wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:21 PM:

" Your parents wanted to do it I am sure. I did it because I wanted her to have what she always wanted. I am sure they did too. Sounds like you have great parents so let them deal with the the finacial side. That is what great parents do. "

My comments above wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:25 PM:

" Wooo! I needed to spell check that but hey It was from the heart. God Bless all of you! "

Spelling wrote on Mar 10, 2007 9:45 PM:

" It is Rogers High School not Rodgers --- please the town is almost 100 years old -- can't you get it right. Scary if you people actually live in the town much less graduated from there. *lol* "

too the smartest person in the universe wrote on Mar 10, 2007 9:58 PM:

" I just moved here a few months ago and do not live in "Rogers" so thank you so much for your ability to spell "Rogers" and for you ability to put your nose so far up in the air that you are unable to see the humans that are so far beneath you. Your inability to comprehend a line of thought is amazing for I expressed that just learned how to say "non-smoking" in restaurants, but I guess that your desire to belittle someone was far more important than your desire to talk to someone eye to eye. Well, bring your nose down from its high elevation and show some dignity. I do not believe all the humans that reside in this area are as pompous as you. "

yankee wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:58 AM:

" eat a possum fools They'll be working at on of the Warehouse in a few years, like it matters? "

kind of silly wrote on Mar 12, 2007 8:52 AM:

" It is kind of silly for Rogers students to take only Rogers students. What if the kid is dating someone from another school? They can't go to the prom? What's wrong with this picture? "

Ban Dating will be next wrote on Mar 12, 2007 11:44 AM:

" It will be deemed that one should not date until they are at least the age of 18. If you are 18 and still in high school, then one must be 19. For it has been proven that dating leads to kissing and kissing leads to touching and touching leads to unwed mothers. "

Richard wrote on Mar 12, 2007 1:16 PM:

" I am all for the too much skin thing but can't take your boy/girlfriend to your prom is stupid. I went to school in Hawaii. I went to Radford high and my girlfriend went to Aiea high. I went to her prom and nothing bad went on. Next they will say you can only have a date of your own race. "

To Richard wrote on Mar 13, 2007 4:29 AM:

" In Rogers, I would not be a bit surprised if that was the next step. "

To Tacky wrote on Mar 13, 2007 10:01 AM:

" I think that President Bush's plan is not realistic. I work in an OB clinic setting and the number of teens that we see are on the rise. You can hope that they abstain but you can't be with them 24/7. "

Hoping that your child gets a real education wrote on Mar 13, 2007 11:39 AM:

" is not realistic either, but we still make our children attend cause it is the best option for the child and the society. Promoting to abstain first is the message you want these children to learn. Hopefully some listen to the message, but it is hard to compete when you have MTV-and now even the all the stations promoting sex, sex, sex sex, with any person and at any age. But just because the wrongs overwhelm us, doesn't mean that we should lose sight of the right. "

ha ha, my gosh.. wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:31 PM:

" This is hilarious to read!! Thats the problem with people today, they shelter there children so much that when they do graduate high school they decide to unload on what all mom and dad would not let the be exposed to throughout high school. Now the schools are acting like parents.. wow.. Three years difference in age. That is nothing.. I would just hate to be 25 going out with a 22 year old.. Oh my gosh.. Wake up please people. "

No Kidding wrote on Mar 13, 2007 1:29 PM:

" I agree with "haha,my gosh". This is getting to be ridiculous! 2 or 3 years difference in age is nothing. Let the kids have their prom the way it should be! "

doesn't matter wrote on Mar 13, 2007 4:42 PM:

" Isn't it called "Jr./Sr. Prom?" Why all the fuss? If the kids can't follow the rules, they don't have to go. The rules aren't made simply to make students miserable: they're made in their best interests and the best interests of all involved. One year a student (17) was dating a 38 year old man. Acceptable? No. I think the potential problem in trying to discipline individuals whom school officials do not know. We're talking ballpark 1400 kids with 1400 dates: not an easy task. Is extra cleavage, more thigh, or taking a boyfriend/girlfried to an event that lasts maybe four hours REALLY THAT important? Is anyone's life going to be permanently marred if they don't have an "ideal" prom night? Will they need years of therapy? Will it matter five years from now? If they are truly on the threshold of adulthood, they need to learn how to follow rules and dress code---they'll be doing in the workplace and throughout life. "

to no kidding wrote on Mar 14, 2007 2:06 PM:

" 2 or 3 years age difference is nothing? I disagree....unfortunately, these rules were instituted because a couple years ago our prom's included several adults (ages 20, 21, 22+) that were "dates" of the 17 and 18 year old girls. As our high school is now bursting at the seams, this was to help ensure the safety of all of the students. Believe it or not, there are parents who have no problem with their 16 or 17 year old daughter dating a 21 year old - THAT'S the problem. "

High Country wrote on Mar 14, 2007 6:52 PM:

" This is so bizarre! There is absolutely no reason why Rogers students should not be able to bring a date to the prom from another school! How insane! We are a so called "Metro" area now, so we should get over this pettiness and start acting like the urbanites we have recently become! The fact that we are all so interconnected around here should really make your date from some other school a mute point!!! Incredible that this is even an issue in Rogers....Please move on... there is far more in common among us than you may realize. "

Alex wrote on Mar 15, 2007 10:19 AM:

" I think that if everyone wants to go to prom then they should be able to go. It is freedom to do whatever you want. Its just a Prom and we should be able to bring who ever we want. Prom is to have fun not to go and be lonely "

keri wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:41 PM:

" All of this discussion is so stupid, I am a senior this year and Im not going to prom. Mainly because high school is not going to be important to me in a few months. and I want to be an anchor woman one day and have my own christian talk show, so I dont need to go to the prom, I,ll be glamorous and successfull for my whole life. "

noneofyourbusiness wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:42 PM:

noneofyourbusiness wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:45 PM:

" All of this discussion is so stupid, I am a senior this year and Im not going to prom, because honestly I am a good christian girl and I do not want to be around a bunch of drunk kids all night. Plus, its dumb to waste my money or my time for one night that I know that I wont care about once I graduate and start college. "

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