Some high school students are trading in their jeans for khakis today as University and La Vega high schools tighten up their dress codes.

University High Principal Nolan Correa said he is changing the school’s dress code to be more in line with the standard mode of dress that Waco High School established.

Waco High’s principal credits the dress code, in part, for boosts in student performance.

“It obviously added the focus on academics that we wanted,” WHS principal Clarence Simmons said.

The University High changes were made to build student self-esteem and bridge socioeconomic differences between students, among other things, according to the school’s website.

The new University dress code prohibits all denim — pants, skirts and even shirts — next year, except on designated days, such as “spirit Fridays.”

Solid color T-shirts are permitted this year, but Correa said next fall students will be allowed to wear only collared shirts.

University’s student council — which last year undertook a battle against sagging pants — will help the administration get the student body on board with the stricter dress code, he said.

La Vega High School also is moving to a standard mode of dress.

Like University, the new La Vega dress code nixes all denim, instead calling for khaki, navy, black, brown or white slacks. Shirts must be solid color, collared polo or dress-type shirts.

Waco High also is tweaking its dress code this year to take care of some issues that arose last year.

This year, slacks worn Monday through Thursday must be khakis, or made of poplin or twill fabric, and shirts must have collars. No denim or jean-like material is permitted on those days.

Waco High students may wear jeans and Waco school or collegiate T-shirts on “Spirit Fridays,”

But not every kind of jeans will make the cut, Simmons said — including skinny jeans and jeans with holes and tears.

“It seems as though the slacks get tighter and tighter, especially the skinny jean material. It’s just not appropriate for a school setting,” he said.

A.J. Moore Academy students still follow the district’s dress code policies, which allow jeans and T-shirts. A.J. Moore Principal Angela Reiher said the school doesn’t have very many dress code problems.

Some rural school districts in the area still have more relaxed dress codes, as well.

Midway, China Spring and Robinson high schools allow jeans and T-shirts but tend to be restrictive about hairstyles and haircuts.

wgragg@wacotrib.com

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