School Handbook » Dress Code

Dress Code

WCHS DRESS CODE

In order to provide and preserve a safe and neutral learning environment, students are required to dress and groom themselves in a **professional manner** conducive to learning and leadership. Our mission is to prepare and model for students how they will lead after high school (enroll, enlist, and/or employ).

School administration has the responsibility to deem student dress as appropriate. Appearance of clothing which is disruptive, provocative, obscene or which endangers the health or safety of students or others is prohibited.

VISUAL DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS

Diagram illustrating the WCHS Dress Code on a silhouette of a person. It highlights that the entire area from the top of the armpit to the upper thigh must be covered. Specific rules include: Must have straps that cover shoulders. No visible skin below the armpit line (meaning no cleavage below the armpit line should be visible). No visible undergarments. No underwear or stomach visible. Pants, Shorts, Skirts, or Dresses must be at least upper-thigh length. Rips/holes in bottoms should not expose skin/undergarments in a revealing or provocative manner. Hats must not conceal eyes and ears or cause disruptions. Hoods may not be worn in school buildings or classrooms at any time for safety. Shoes must be worn at all times. Bandannas may not be worn or displayed at school.

SPECIFIC APPAREL GUIDELINES

Headwear & Safety

  • No hoods may be worn inside school buildings. Being able to **identify all persons** in our building is paramount to safety.
  • Hats are allowed, provided that a student’s identity is not concealed, **eyes and ears are clearly visible** in the classroom setting, and they do not cause any educational disruptions. School personnel may ask students to remove hats in classrooms at any time.
  • No fish hooks are to be worn on hats or any attire while on WCHS campus.
  • No **bandanas** may be worn or displayed at school.

Shirts & Tops

  • Must have **straps that cover shoulders** (No spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops, off shoulder shirts, racerbacks, etc.).
  • **No visible skin below the armpit line** (in the front or back). This means no cleavage below the armpit line should be visible.
  • Must be **long enough to cover midriff AND back** while standing, sitting, or leaning over.

Bottoms (Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses)

  • Pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses should be modest, professional, and appropriate for school.
  • Must be of **at least upper-thigh length**. The entire area from top of armpit to upper thigh must be covered.
  • Rips/holes in bottoms should **not expose undergarments or skin** in a revealing or provocative manner.
  • Shirts worn with leggings (including Yoga pants and/or any skin-tight material) must meet the above shirt guidelines.

General Guidelines & Prohibited Items

  • No visible undergarments.
  • No chains, spikes, or other accessories that may pose a safety hazard.
  • No costumes or face painting (unless pre-approved for special events).
  • No clothing which advertises or insinuates alcohol, drugs, violence, illegal substances, or gang activity OR that which contains lewd, indecent, or vulgar messages.
  • Shoes or sandals shall be worn at all times in and around the school buildings and grounds.

COOPERATION AND CONSEQUENCES

Appropriate dress and appearance reflect self-respect, social values, and habits of a successful student and young adult. Cooperation of school personnel, students, and parents/guardians is essential in preserving instructional time.

Failure to meet the dress code expectations:

  • Students will be asked to change.
  • Students may be provided with clothing resources at the school.
  • Parents/guardians may be contacted to help provide appropriate clothing.
  • Students who repeatedly fail or refuse to meet these expectations may be assigned school discipline, up to and including **out of school suspension.**