Public schools are not intended to be showplaces for unusual or immodest modes of dress. There is ample time off campus and on non-school days to wear clothing deemed inappropriate at school.
The following guidelines are established to insure student safety and the least disruption of the educational environment. A student may be asked to return home if he/she is improperly dressed or if he/she needs to attend to personal grooming and/or hygiene. This applies to any and all school functions and activities held at any location. Each DHS student should understand that they are representative of our school wherever they might be. Students who have been specifically warned or have 2 violations will be issued a referral for Defiance of Authority on the third violation of the Dress Code.
Shoes must be worn at all times. To insure student safety, Science Labs, Wood Shop, and P.E. classes require shoes that give full foot coverage. No house/bedroom slippers are permitted.
To insure an educational environment, clothing and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia that is crude, vulgar, profane, sexually suggestive or advocates racial, ethnic or religious prejudice. Any designs worn that promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are inappropriate attire for school and are prohibited.
Hats, caps and other head coverings are not to be worn indoors. Bandanas are prohibited.
Clothing which fails to cover all portions of the chest and upper torso, including, but not limited to, the midriff, bust and cleavage so as to direct attention or expose these particular areas is not allowed. Shirts may be sleeveless, but must have backs and must not be see-through. Tube tops, tank tops, and spaghetti straps are prohibited. Sleeveless shirts must have straps that are at least two inches wide at each shoulder seam. Undergarments must be covered at all times when standing, sitting, or bending.
All pants must fit in the area of the student's natural waist and may not be more than two inches larger than the student's natural waist size. Since "sagging" may connote gang-related activity, or allow for concealed items in addition to being difficult to keep in the appropriate place on the body, it is not acceptable. Baggy clothing must not hinder movement and must be worn in a natural fitting manner. Belts must be tucked into belt loops. Undergarments must be covered at all times. All forms of pajamas/sleepwear are prohibited.
Skirts and shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited. High slits must reach mid-thigh; holes in garment must start at mid-thigh. Spandex-type or clingy clothing may not be worn as outer garments, or to count as coverage.
Hair should be clean and neatly groomed. Hair may not be sprayed with any coloring material that would drip when wet.
Students may not wear or bring chains, including wallet chains, to school. Large belt buckles and studded belts are prohibited as are spiked pieces of jewelry.
Parents retain the right to petition the school administration, in writing, for modification of the dress code to meet the physical or special needs of their students. The petition will be reviewed and the parent, student, and school administrator will meet to determine the appropriate modification.
Students in violation of the Desert High School Dress Code will be sent to the Office where the violation will be recorded. The student will be detained until the violation is corrected. The DHS Discipline Code steps will be followed (Dress Code violations fall under "Behavior A").
Prohibited Attire
- Pajamas and Sleepwear
- Bandanas
- Chains
- Hats (indoors)
- House slippers
- Backless shirts
- Saggy pants
- Exposed undergarments
- Shirts that expose stomach
- Hanging belt tails
- Spiked jewelry
- Shirts that have straps less than two inches wide
- Hair treated with any material that drips or runs when wet
- Clothing that exhibits graphics or writing that is profane, sexually suggestive, or promotes drugs, alcohol, violence or prejudice
- Skirts and shorts shorter than mid-thigh
The dress code is subject to revision each school year; please check the Parent-Student Handbook at the beginning of each school year for most current dress code.