High school irons out dress code
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But that’s soon to change.
Saying he wants to promote a more positive atmosphere at the high school, principal James Bennett has instituted a much stronger student dress code.
Gone are shirts which contain any slogans, phrases, mottoes, pictures or messages of any kind. Exceptions include those featuring Warren County Schools logos, manufacturers logos (such as Gap or Nike), as well as college and pro sport teams.
Additionally, all shirts must contain sleeves and must be able to tuck into pants. Any midriff or stomach exposure will not be permitted.
Gone too are hair paint and coloring of an “ornate” nature and any clothing or accessories that are deemed to be “distracting to the educational setting.” The latter includes, but is not limited to, nose rings, tongue rings and eyebrow rings.
Also not acceptable are jeans with any holes in them and jeans or pants which “sag, bag, drag or expose undergarments.”
Asked what prompted the new dress code, Bennett cited safety concerns and the need for a more positive image at the high school. In the past year, he explained, some shirts were known to cause disturbances among students, something which the new dress code will alleviate.
“Our duty as administrators is to provide a safe and positive atmosphere and the dress code is a big part of that atmosphere,” Bennett said, noting the new dress code is in line with those of other area high schools, as well as the middle school. He added the new dress code will actually make the transition from the middle school to the high school easier for students and less expensive for parents.
High school students on the Internet discussion forum mcminnvillemadness.com were less than enthusiastic about the new dress code, one even saying he thinks it will be counterproductive to Bennett’s stated goals.
“I really don’t see the point in changing it,” said rising sophomore Blake Hitchcock. “It will just be one more rule that kids will break that will take away from the learning environment. I’m guessing that a lot more ‘distraction’ is going to be created by teachers having to constantly check to see if a band name is on a shirt, as opposed to the whole point of their job which is, wait, teaching isn’t it? My guess is that most of the teachers won’t like it. They aren’t paid to be baby-sitters.”
Bennett said students will be officially advised of the new dress code during the first few weeks of school, during which time they will be given a grace period in which to comply.
If a student fails to comply with the dress code after the grace period has expired, he or she will first be given a warning, with following infractions resulting in after-school work, after-school detention and in-school suspension.
Dress to impress
The following is a copy of the dress code to be instituted at Warren County High School for the 2003-2004 school year.
New Warren County High School Dress Code
1. Hats, caps and other head coverings are not to be worn in school. No hair paint or colorings of ornate nature.
2. See-through clothing, tank tops, or clothes revealing the midriff, back, chest, or shoulders are not permitted.
3. All shirts (tops), possessions, and school supplies will contain no slogans, phrases, mottoes, pictures, or messages of any kind (with the exception of Warren County Schools logos). This includes, but is not limited to wrestling, rock bands, Rebel flag, Malcolm X, South Park, etc. Shirts must have sleeves (no sleeveless tops). Additionally, shirts must be long enough to tuck into pants. No midriff or stomach exposure. What IS allowed: manufacturers logos, emblems, and brand names such as Nike, Arizona, Gap, Old Navy, Tommy, etc. may be displayed on the outside of the shirt. Students may wear any Warren County High School item as well as shirts representing college, university and professional teams. All tops can be either crew neck (like T-shirt) or with a collar.
4. Jeans with holes in them are not acceptable. Jeans and pants must not sag, bag, drag or expose undergarments. Pants must fit at the waist and in length.
5. No skorts or miniskirts.
6. Form-fitting clothing such as Spandex or tights will not be permitted.
7. Shoes must be worn at all times.
8. Bandanas are prohibited (even on special dress-up days).
9. Clothing with galluses or suspenders must be fastened.
10. No chains or spike jewelry.
11. Students shall not wear any clothing or accessories to clothing in a manner or fashion that shall be distracting to the educational setting. This includes, but is not limited to, such jewelry accessories as nose rings, tongue rings or eyebrow rings.
12. Students are prohibited from wearing any type of clothing apparel or accessory that denotes membership or affiliation with any gang or exclusive discriminatory group.