At Camden Fairview High School, we are committed to providing a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment where every student can succeed. As we wrap up our first week together, I want to thank you for your support and partnership. Establishing routines and expectations takes all of us working together, and we appreciate everything you do to help your child prepare for success each day. 

I also want to address some questions and concerns we’ve heard regarding our dress code, morning arrival, and lunch procedures. Our goal is to be transparent. take ownership where we need to, and continue improving while maintaining high expectations for our students. 

We have experienced an increase in dress code concerns, particularly regarding leggings and clothing that does not meet district guidelines. 

I want to begin by acknowledging that our enforcement of the dress code was not as consistent as it should have been during the first days of school. Different interpretations led to inconsistent enforcement among staff, and that is my responsibility. We have clarified expectations with our team, and the dress code will be enforced consistently for all students as we move forward. 

One area that has created confusion involves leggings worn with hoodies or jackets. Leggings are permitted when a student’s shirt fully covers their bottom. Some students have been arriving at school wearing a hoodie or jacket over their leggings, then removing it during the day. We understand - it’s August in Arkansas, and some CFHS rooms are colder than others. However, if the student’s shirt does not fully cover their bottom after the hoodie or jacket is removed, the student is no longer in compliance with the dress code.

To help students adjust, moving forward we will remind them the first time this occurs and ask them to put the hoodie or jacket back on. Any additional occurrences will be considered a dress code violation. 

We also want to clarify that hoodies are permitted at CFHS. However, for safety and security, hoods must remain off while students are inside the building.

Please remember these dress code expectations:

Students who do not meet these expectations may be required to correct the issue before returning to class and may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with district policy. We appreciate your help in reviewing your child’s clothing before they leave home each morning.

I have personally monitored student arrival during the past several mornings. While only a small number of students are arriving on campus late, I have observed several students arriving with plenty of time but remaining in their vehicles until shortly before, or even after, the 8:00 AM tardy bell.

The morning safety screening process is now moving efficiently and no longer causing significant delays. Students should exit their vehicles and enter the building as soon as they arrive on campus.

Please remember that the tardy bell rings promptly at 8:00 AM. Students must be inside their assigned first-period classroom when the bell rings. Arriving in the parking lot by 8:00 AM does not mean a student is on time. 

Please encourage your child to arrive early enough to complete the entry process and report to class before the bell. Every minute of instruction matters. Starting the day on time helps students settle into class, participate in all in-class instruction, and establish habits that will help them find long-term success. 

We have also heard your concerns regarding lunch. This school year, instructional time was increased by moving from three lunch periods to two: A lunch and B lunch. While this change allows us to maximize learning time, we also recognize that lunch is an important part of the school day - not only for nutrition but also for students to socialize and recharge. 

Like many new procedures, there have been some challenges during the first week. We are actively working to improve students’ lunch experience. We have already opened the Commons Area to provide additional seating, and our administrative team is continuing to evaluate traffic flow, seating, and serving procedures to help the lines move more efficiently and give students more time to eat. We’ll continue to share updates as adjustments are finalized and implemented. 

We appreciate your patience as we make these adjustments. Please support this process by reminding your child to report directly to the cafeteria in an orderly manner, avoid cutting or holding places in line, dispose of their trash, and follow all staff directions.

At CFHS, we believe that strong partnerships build strong schools. We are committed to listening to your concerns, learning as we go, and improving our processes and procedures. We ask for your partnership in helping reinforce our expectations at home. 

If you ever have a question or concern, please reach out to our administrative team. We have an open-door policy and want to work with you to solve problems, answer questions, and explain the reasoning behind decisions. Honest communication and mutual respect help us better serve every student. 

Thank you for your continued support of CFHS. Together, we can create a school environment where every student can learn, feel safe, and experience success while developing the discipline and habits they will need beyond high school.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children.

Respectfully,

Rodney Frazier

Principal

Camden Fairview High School