Frequently Asked Questions

              There seem to be some odd things in the dress code.  (Chains, spiked collars, etc.) Why is this?

The dress code is based on occurrences that have happened over the years that have been shown to be detrimental to student safety.  For example, some students find it fashionable to wear wrist bands with studs and spikes on them.  These can be dangerous objects and have been used as a weapon.  The same is true for wallet chains, some belts and steel-toed boots. Additionally, by restricting clothing styles, we can keep our campus free from gang activity and maintain a safe campus for everyone.

Everything listed in the dress code is an item that has caused, will cause or continues to cause disruption on campus.  It is our goal to limit the disruptions.

My child can learn in whatever they wear.  What does it matter?

The dress code isn’t just for your child; it is for everyone.  Students who wear extremely tight or revealing clothing open themselves up to inappropriate comments and harassment.  This type of harassment is not only distracting, it can also lead to physical conflicts as well.  It is our intent to minimize any potential for conflicts or fights and protect your child from harassment. 

The current style for girl’s clothes is short tops and low rise pants. 

Why isn’t this acceptable at school?

The way student’s dress off campus is their business and yours as a parent.  The way that students dress on campus is another matter.  Students constantly push the boundaries that parents and schools set for them.  If students are allowed to show skin at the midriff, the tops tend to get shorter and shorter. It is the same with plunging neck lines.  Some students do not know how to set appropriate boundaries for dress.  Those that do, often submit to peer pressure or fashion trends that compromise their own principles.  This holds true for students who reveal their undergarments.  Some boys wear their pants well below their buttocks, revealing their underwear.  This is not acceptable in an academic environment where students are being prepared for college and a professional world after high school.  The same goes for girls who wear low rise pants and short tops.  Their undergarments are often revealed to others.  There have been many times when girls have worn “thong” underwear that is visible between their pants and tops. When they sit down, other students can see straight down the back of their pants.  This style is not appropriate for school. This style of dress is not only distracting to others but often brings inappropriate comments and innuendo to the wearer.   

Why can’t my son or daughter wear a hat or keep his or her hood on?  Sometimes it is raining or cold. 

We do not allow students to wear their sweatshirt hoods because it makes it difficult to identify students, which is important for school safety.  Every year we are able to identify trespassers because they do not know our dress code, and they are easy to spot. We know the majority of our students by sight.  With a hood on, we cannot be sure who the person is.

If it is raining, students should have umbrellas.  Many students have small, personal umbrellas they keep in their backpacks or lockers.  Cold is not an issue.  We live in Southern California.  Classrooms and buildings are open as early as 6:30 am.  If it is cold, students may go inside.

My student has a cold or is sick.  Why can’t he wear a hat or hood?

Wearing hats and hoods are not remedies for colds or the flu. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not from cold weather. If students are that ill, they should stay home so as to not infect others.

What is wrong with sports jerseys?  I am a basketball and football fan, and I like to wear my favorite team’s jersey.  

There are two things of concern regarding sports jerseys. One is that they are usually VERY large and long.  This goes against the “oversized and baggy” clothes restriction of our policy.  Secondly, there are some groups of students who identify themselves by wearing the jerseys of certain teams or certain numbers. Some gangs have adopted certain teams and the jerseys as their logo and color.

Why are you calling me about the way my student is dressed?  He/she looked fine when leaving the house this morning.

Sometimes, more than we like to think, students will change clothes, adjust them or alter the way they wear them, after they leave home.  Please believe us if we call you and tell you their clothing is inappropriate.

My child dresses just fine. Why don’t you just target those who do break the rules?  

If your student dresses appropriately, that is wonderful, and dress code will never be a problem.  However, a blanket policy is created to take the bias out of decision making and presents a guideline by which ALL students are held to the EXACT same standard.

Any consequence seems too harsh a penalty for a dress code violation. Why not just give them a warning?

This policy packet is the warning. That is why EVERY student, and his/her parent, must initial that they have read and understand the policy and consequences. This lets the school know that you have been notified and warned about the policy. 

Detentions seldom work when dress code is the issue.  Through years of experience we have found that MOST students would rather comply with the rule than receive a consequence.

What can I do to ensure that my child follows the dress code?  

The first thing is to buy them clothes that fit.  As the parent, YOU should make the final call.  Many parents have given their children hundreds of dollars to go buy their school clothes and the child returns with a totally inappropriate wardrobe.

Secondly, look at your student before they walk out the door in the morning.  When in doubt, make them change.

One last note about dress code:

Dress code is one of the areas that every student knows and understands.  If students get a Saturday for dress code, they are told EXACTLY why at the time they are assigned the Saturday School.  The best response parents can give when their son or daughter comes home complaining about a dress code violation is to simply say, “You know the rules. Follow them.”  For the vast majority of our students, if they are not defended, they will very quickly get the message that they are becoming responsible for themselves and they will dress appropriately after that.

Your support is greatly appreciated.