FAQs

Q: Can I wear “skinny jeans”?

A: Yes, skinny jeans are permitted as long as they are of appropriate/reasonable fit (not excessively tight). “Skinny jeans” are slim-cut jeans that are often made of a jean/lycra material blend and are tighter fitting than regular-cut or baggy-cut jeans.

Q: Can I wear “jeggings”?

A: No. Jeggings are a cross between leggings and jeans. Most jeggings are leggings with seams, faux pockets, etc. They are still completely form-fitting, hence, a violation of dress code. Please note, some retailers are now using the terms “skinny jeans” and “jeggings” interchangeably. 

Q: Why do we have a dress code?

A: There are many reasons schools have dress codes. One of the primary reasons is to help students adopt an appropriate work attitude during school hours and to minimize distraction to the educational process. There are many other benefits of a dress code as well. See the opening paragraph of the Lakewood City Schools Dress Code Policy for more.

Q: When is the dress code in effect?
A: The dress code will be enforced “during school hours”, which means 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Q: Will I have to follow the dress code during after school activities?

A: Students will not be expected to follow strict compliance of the dress code during after school activities, but will be expected to be reasonable in their appearance (for example, inappropriate language on shirts and revealing clothing are not proper attire for a school-related functions).

Q: Can I still wear jeans?

A: Jeans are still acceptable as long as they are not in disrepair and they fit appropriately.

Q: Why can’t I wear “athletic clothing”?

A: Sweat pants, athletic shorts, tank tops, running suits, etc. may be appropriate attire for a physical education class, but not for other classes. 

Q: Are flip-flops OK to wear to school?

A: Yes. In high school, students either change shoes for PE or do not have PE classes. Therefore, it is ok for students to wear backless shoes, sandals and flip flops without hose or socks as long as the footwear is reasonable and appropriate.

Q: What are the consequences for dress code violations?

A: Students will be referred to their house principal and their parents contacted if the student has no way of correcting the violation. The student’s parent can bring dress code appropriate clothes to school or permit the student to return home to change.  If no parent can be contacted, the student will have to report to In-School Assignment.

Q: What is “Lakewood Spirit Wear?”

A:  “Spirit Wear” consists of club and athletic team uniforms and other clothing from past and present groups. Any new shirts, etc. that groups want to order must receive administrative approval prior to being ordered.

Q: My jeans have a small hole. Can I wear them?

A: Probably not, since clothing may not be in “disrepair.” It would most likely depend upon how large the hole is, where it is located, and how noticeable it is. Students would be wise to bring any clothing in question to their house office for prior approval if there are any possibilities of not meeting the dress code.

Q: Can I wear my tank tops or “muscle shirts”?

A: No, all tops must have sleeves.

Q: What should I wear when it’s cold in the building?

A: Sweaters and sweatshirts without hoods are the best choices. In addition, many students like the fleece pullovers.

Q: I have a sweater with a hood and a zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Can I wear them during the school day?

A: No. Any article of clothing that has a hood cannot be worn during the school day.

Q: Who has the final say on the student dress code?

A: When there is a question about a student’s possible failure to comply with the dress code, he/she will be referred to a house principal for a judgment and any necessary action. As with all disciplinary actions, due process and appeal procedures will continue to be followed.

Q: Can I wear shorts?

A: Yes. The dress code permits shorts that are mid-thigh in length or longer. Keep in mind athletic shorts are not permitted. Appropriate shorts can be worn any time during the school year.

Q: Are the lengths of shorts and skirts the same?

A: No. Shorts are to be mid-thigh in length or longer and skirts are to be “slightly above the knee” or longer.

Q: Can shirts have pictures and words on them?

A: Yes. However, shirts that have words or pictures that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, violence or is offensive or degrading is not permitted.

Q: Are cap sleeves allowed?

A: Yes

Q: Are students allowed to wear hoodies IN school?

A: No

Q: Are students allowed to wear hoodies TO school?

A: Yes, but they must remove the hoodies upon entering the school and put them in their lockers or backpacks prior to the start of class. (Keep in mind that some students do not start their school day until 2nd period. Hence, they must put their hoodies away I their locker or backpack prior to the start of 2nd period. Once 2nd period starts, there should not be any students wearing hoodies for ANY reason until a student is exiting the building to leave for the day.)

Q: Are students allowed to wear hoodies to cross the street to go to the mods?

A: No. Once 2nd period starts, there should not be any students wearing hoodies for ANY reason until a student is exiting the building to leave for the day.

Q: Are students allowed to wear jackets or coats with hoods TO school?

A: Yes, but they must remove them upon entering the school and put them in their lockers or backpacks prior to going to class (if they do not cross the street prior to their next locker stop.)

Q: Are students allowed to wear jackets or coats with hoods to cross the street to go to the mods when the weather turns cold?

A: Yes. This exception has been permitted since we opened the mods. Students should not have hoods up unless absolutely necessary to avoid severe, inclement weather. Of course, hats are more acceptable than hoods. Ball caps are NOT permitted at any time as they do not provide adequate protection from the weather. Students should remove their jackets/coats/hats once in the building. Because there are no lockers in the mods and it is not practical to expect students to go to their lockers every time they may cross the street, students may be carrying their coats and hanging them over the backs of their desk chairs during cold-weather months. This is understandable and acceptable.

Q: Is a hoodie considered a jacket or coat?

A: No. According to the Lakewood City Schools Dress Code Policy, HOODIES ARE NOT CONSIDERED JACKETS OR COATS. Again, once 2nd period starts, there should not be any hoodies worn for ANY reason until a student is exiting the building to leave for the day.

Q: Why are jackets and coats permitted to be worn by students in colder weather when walking between the main building and the mods and not hoodies?

A: Students were permitted to wear hoodies under these circumstances during the 2009-2010 school year with the clear expectation they were to remove the hoodies, like jackets and coats, upon entering the building. Unlike with their jackets and coats, large numbers of students routinely failed to remove the hoodies, requiring significant teacher, security and administrator time to maintain the expectation.

SHADOWING

Q: Can my student shadow at Lakewood High?

A: Yes. Shadowing can take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Call Debra Diamond in the Guidance Dept. at 529-4032 or click here for more information.