WHS Gets New Dress Code

High school students have new regulations they have to abide by when it comes to fashion for the upcoming school year.

WHS Principal John Henling and Assistant Principal Doug Watson presented the final revisions to the existing dress code to the Governing Board of WUSD at their meeting on Wednesday. The new dress code will take effect this fall. Henling said he and Watson wanted the code to be finalized early enough so parents can buy the proper clothing for their high school students.

There is a new criteria for shorts and skirts: Students must wear the longer of at least four inches above the top of the knee when the student is standing or the length of the fingertips when the student is standing with his/her arms at the side. Pants larger than two sizes above the normal size are not permitted. Excessively long pants that drag the ground creating a safety hazard are not acceptable.

New regulations on shirts, blouses, or dress tops require: Backless or strapless shirts will not be permitted. Straps must be at least two inches, or three finger widths, wide. See through fabric may only be worn if it is over a garment that is already within the dress code. No midriff exposure. Tops must meet the waistline or bottoms when the student is sitting and standing.

Footwear regulations are: Footwear designed to be worn outdoors must be worn at all times. Some classes such as physical education or industrial arts may have additional restrictions on footwear. Roller-blades, skates, and other similar footwear may not be worn at school due to safety restrictions.

Headwear for male and female students, including caps, hairnets, bandanas, stocking caps and others, are not permitted in the buildings except in areas and at times deemed appropriate by the administration. Sunglasses are also not to be worn in the building.

Tattoos, jewelry, and other adornments must not be hate provoking, offensive, or show references to sex, drugs, alcohol, violence or have inflammatory language.

No bandanas of any color, size, or shape may be carried or displayed in any classroom or at any school activity. This also includes simulations of anything representing “colors.”

Some other regulations are:

• Clothing that has slits or holes in it is not permitted and clothing that is an undergarment must be concealed.

• Writing, symbols or material referencing sex, violence, hatred, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or having unacceptable or inflammatory language are not permitted.

• Clothing that is too revealing or distracting will not be allowed.

• Clothing that indicates gang relations is not permitted.

Exceptions to the dress code may be made when the office receives written notification from a doctor verifying the need and reasons for the exception.

Henling gave an example of the exception in that if a student has to wear shorter shorts than regulations because they have broken their leg and a cast prohibits them from wearing regulation clothing.

Consequences for dress code violations are set to increase in severity with each violation beginning with a verbal warning, having to turn a shirt inside out or wearing a school provided shirt, or being sent home to change. The punishment then progresses to detention and even suspension if enough offenses occur.

A new committee made up of three students and two staff members will be created to make decisions when a situation arises that is not addressed in the dress code. The committee will make their decision within five working days and until that committee makes a ruling, the original decision made by the school administration will stand. The principal shall have final authority regarding student dress and appearance.

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