THOMASVILLE — With the new school year in full swing, one city elementary school is seeing positive results in its wardrobe change. 

Harper Elementary launched “Harper Shirt Initiative,” a semi-uniform initiative and revamped school dress code, with the start of the new school year.

“Our goal is to create an environment in which clothing or any other economic imbalances do not distract from the goal to consistently increase student achievement,” said Principal Melvin Hugans. 

Hugans also noted the shift to the Harper shirts allowed parents to save in purchasing school clothes. 

Harper students have a choice of two shirts, red or blue. 

On Monday, students wear the red shirt. Students are given the choice of red or blue on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Each Friday is a student choice day, which students can choose what they want to wear.  

The uniform-free day is subject to school dress code expectations, Hugans noted. 

“There has been a distinct change in the Harper culture this year,” Hugans said. “The shirt initiative has provided a strong foundation for change, both in our culture and our instructional settings.” 

Another important factor of the shirt initiative is allowing the students to develop a culture of teamwork and compassion for other students, the principal noted. 

Along with parents and guardians being able to purchase the shirts, the city elementary school partnered with the Junior Service League in June to provide a free Harper shirt to each student. 

“We are also very appreciative of our community supporters and the Junior Service League members for supporting Harper and making sure that every student has been provided with a free shirt,” Hugans said. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.