Letter from Dean of Students Re: Dress Code Policy & Enforcement

February 11, 2011

Dear Families and Students,
As we head into spring, City High staff will be strictly enforcing the school dress code. Students will be preparing for several public presentations of their work in coming months and we have many visitors at this time of year. We feel it is important for students to make a positive impression in our community and dressing appropriately is important in that regard. Students who do not come to school dressed appropriately will be asked to change clothes or, if that is not possible, will be sent home to get different clothes.

As a reminder, here’s a summary of our dress code as described in the student handbook:
“The City High School dress code is designed to maximize personal expression and style, while maintaining a positive atmosphere that allows everyone to feel comfortable and do their best learning. Below is a list of prohibited clothing. ‘Clothing’ refers to any personal items, including jewelry/accessories, sweatshirts, backpacks, etc. Administration has discretion in making the determination as to whether or not a student is abiding by the City High School dress code.

Prohibited clothing includes:

Items with drug or alcohol messages

Clothing with ripped holes

Sunglasses or hoods (not allowed to be worn inside)

Spikes, chains or collars

Bandanas

Headphones (except during lunch)

Wearing pants below the waist (i.e. no ‘sagging’)

Items that promote racism or violence

Items or combinations of clothing that have gang-affiliated significance

Clothing considered provocative (i.e. short shorts, spaghetti straps, lowcut shirts, exposed midriff)

Any item considered extremely offensive or disruptive to the learning process

Lastly, a reminder about personal electronics: All cell phones are turned off and put away during the school day, with the exception of lunch. Students are allowed to use a school phone to call home in an emergency and parents can always contact their child by calling the front desk at 623-7223 x0.

We are eager to work together with our families to make the best learning environment possible for our students. Thanks, in advance, for your support.
Jeff Hartman, Dean of Students