Starting in August, the school has implemented a new dress code policy.

“We felt like we were causing more trouble and more of a distraction trying to call kids out on [wearing hats, crop tops, etc.] instead of just allowing them,” principal Kelynn Heardt said.

Junior Noemi Hernandez sees the change as a good one.

“Personally, I like the new dress code policy because it gives us the flexibility to wear whatever we would like,” Hernandez said. “I have been wearing whatever I want without worrying about getting in trouble.”

Some teachers have continued to enforce specific rules in their classrooms regarding dress.

“I have kept the same policy I have always had,” science teacher Mary Packard said. “It was how I grew up. There is no need to have a stocking cap on in my classroom. It is not cold. It is a rule in my room, and kids have complied, which is great.” 

Senior Blake Foster prefers the policy this year because it allows him to wear his hat throughout the day.

“Last year I wasn’t allowed to wear my hat at all, and this year I can. I like that a lot better,” Foster said. “I wear my hat pretty much every day now and when I am asked by a teacher to take it off, I always take it off.“

For Heardt, education is the first priority.

“We have the mindset that we are here to educate kids first and foremost. If [clothing] is super distracting or school inappropriate, the item can be asked to be removed,” Heardt said. “Taking some of the specific items out of the way gives us a little more flexibility, but also gives kids a little more freedom, as long as they are learning what’s appropriate to wear for the setting.”

With the introduction of the Dragon Way, students are expected to know what clothing is appropriate in certain situations.

“I think by eliminating specific [clothing] items and the introduction of The Dragon Way, we are teaching kids what it means to be school appropriate and what it means to be respectful,” Heardt said. “We are keeping the small things small. If your tank top is too tiny and we need you to put a jacket on, it’s not a big deal. We just need you to do it.”