Dress Code / Uniform Policy

It is Southwood High School's responsibility to enforce those parameters of proper attire for students in order to provide an educational atmosphere conducive to learning. Students found in possible violation will be referred directly to the discipline office. Any student in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until appropriate clothing is worn.  Consequences for violation of the dress code include but are not limited to detention.  The administration reserves the right to alter and announce changes in the dress code guidelines to address situations that interfere with an appropriate educational environment established by the Caddo Parish School Board or that may raise issues of safety as determined by the administration.  Principals, after consultation with the School Improvement Committee, have the discretion to adjust the dress code to fit unique situations as long as the decision does not interfere with the requirements of Title IX. 

 

The basic responsibility for the appearance of the students of Caddo Parish Schools rests with the parents and the students themselves.  Parents have the obligation, and within certain prescribed bounds, the right to determine the student’s dress.  Students are to dress in apparel that is modest, tasteful, and that does not interfere with or distract from the educational process or rights of others.  Students and their clothing should be neat, clean and well groomed and must meet the following guidelines: 

  • Attire and/or accessories must not be destructive to school property.
  • For health reasons, shoes must be worn.  Hosiery is required with closed shoes.   Rubberized slide-type flip-flops worn for pool, beach, shower, or athletics  are not to be worn at school.
  • Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the waist.  No "sagging" is permitted.  Belts should be buckled at all times.
  • Headwear and hair rollers are prohibited in the building.  Unnatural hair color (green, blue, etc.) is prohibited.
  • Body piercing jewelry cannot be worn except in the ears.
  • Shirts, sweaters, jackets, and other tops worn over leggings must be no shorter than four inches above the knee.  Skirts should be no more than four inches above the knee.
  • Sunglasses are prohibited in the building unless they are prescribed.
  • There are to be no holes or tears in clothing on the school campus.
  • Loose fitting shorts may be worn by students that are no more than four inches above the knee when standing.  All shorts must be hemmed.  Cutoff shorts, rolled up jeans, pajama pants, or spandex shorts cannot be worn.  No other article of clothing can be worn beneath the shorts for viewing.
  • Obscene, profane language or provocative pictures on clothing or jewelry is prohibited.
  • Satanic, cult, clique, or gang-related symbolism in any form is prohibited on school campuses.
  • Drug-related symbols in any form, including advertisement or promotion of alcohol or tobacco, are prohibited on campus.
  • Bandanas and dew rags are prohibited on campus  and  will be confiscated.
  • Hats are prohibited on campus and will be confiscated.  Knit caps may be worn on campus during cold weather but may not be worn inside the building.
  • Red/Blue/Green/Orange “fat boy” shoestrings are prohibited and will be confiscated.
  • Flip-flops, athletic sandals, house shoes, etc. are prohibited.
  • Jewelry that depicts drug paraphernalia, weapons, etc. is prohibited and will be confiscated.
  • Necklaces may be no thicker than ¼” in diameter (rope/bead style) and may not hang below the chest area.
  • Medallions may be no longer than 1 ½” in width and/or length.

Students are prohibited from wearing another high school’s logo or name on an article of clothing.

It is well-documented that drug, gang, cult, and violent behaviors are linked to dress and appearance.  In an attempt to maintain a safe secure learning environment, these behaviors will be identified with the assistance of security officers from Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff Department,

 

Caddo Parish School Board and school officials will punish violators. We do not suggest a student is a member of such groups, but we do intend to prevent the “appearance” of such involvement on the school campus and at school-sponsored activities.  Such documentation suggests the following are “indicators” of such affiliations.  Below is a partial list of these indicators:

  • clothing –orange on orange, red on red, blue on blue, etc.
  • jewelry - dollar sign, Playboy, weapon, drug-related earrings, any accessories with spikes, or chains
  • appearance - tattoos, piercings, slashed eyebrows, etc.

 

SOUTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM DRESS CODE POLICY

 

 ALL STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW THE SOUTHWOOD UNIFORM DRESS CODE POLICY.


 

To meet dress code requirements for the 2009-2010 school year, students must present themselves in the approved uniform coordinates that may be purchased from the vendor of one’s choice. However, no brand labels will be allowed on any of the uniform coordinates. Clothes must fit properly.  Oversized clothing will not be allowed. Shirts must be tucked in at all times for all students. The following uniform coordinates have been selected:

 

Tops:                white, royal blue, orange polo shirts (short or long sleeves); white oxford shirts (short or long sleeves); only white T-shirts may be worn underneath the shirts.
 

Bottoms:           khaki or navy pants or shorts for boys; khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skirts for girls. Cargo and Capri pants/shorts are allowed.
 

Outerwear:       navy waist-length jackets; approved SHS letter jackets for any sport or organization and any SHS hoodie sweatshirt.

 
Socks:               crew, ankle, or no-show socks in solid matching white, navy, or brown. No knee high socks can be worn.

Hats:                Solid black or navy knit hats will be allowed during winter months, only after the principal or designee has officially announced an acceptable date. Baseball caps are not allowed at anytime during the school year.

 
Shoes must be worn. Rubberized slide-type flip-flops worn for pool, beach, shower, or athletics are prohibited. House shoes are prohibited.

 
Belts must be worn with pants that have belt loops. No oversized belt buckles may be worn.

 
Blankets are not allowed.