Hickory High School students looked truly homogenous on their first day of school Monday, with the majority of them following the newly implemented standardized dress code.
About 90 percent of the students showed up in proper clothes, said Marcia Hammond, assistant principal. Those who aren't seniors who were not wearing clothes that complied with the new dress code were given a warning, she said.
"We're trying to get them before they start the day, so they can get someone to bring them something to wear that's appropriate," Hammond said. "They'll get the policy again in homeroom. The biggest problem we've had is the guys not tucking their shirts in. We've also had some logos on the shirts. We've had to tell them that they look nice, but to please wear a shirt without the logo next time."
Seniors were given special exemption from the new dress code. On the first and last days of school, they're allowed to "dress for success," wearing clothes that are appropriate for church or business, Hammond said.
There were a few exceptions to this, however, she said. A handful of the male seniors showed up to school in bright red long johns.
"This is obviously not appropriate. We sent them home to change," Hammond said. "One of them knew it wouldn't be acceptable, and even had clothes to change into in his car. They just wanted to make a point."
One senior, Courtney Combs, came to school in heels, dressy skinny jeans and a halter-style vest. Although her bottom half was acceptable, her top half was not.
"I have to come up with clothes to wear on top on my own," she said. "My mom's bringing me a jacket to wear."
Just because the students were in compliance with the new dress code, however, doesn't mean they liked it. Junior Skyler Smith said he doesn't really like being told what to wear, but he'll put up with it.
"I'll do it just to get through school," he said, "but I don't think it will make that big of a difference with school safety."
He, like most of the students, was wearing a burgundy knit shirt and black pants. The other pervasive colors were white shirts and khaki pants or shorts. Students are also allowed to wear light gray, pastel pink or gold shirts, and navy, black or khaki bottoms that are worn with a belt.
Freshman Josh Lariscy said the dress code is a good idea in theory.
"I think the dress code has a good meaning, but it's too strict in what we can wear," he said. "There's a chance that it will help with (safety and discipline), but it's not likely."
School superintendent Ric Vandett came to Hickory High to survey how the first day of school was going, and he thought the students looked great.
"I'm so impressed. I can't believe it. They look great," he said. "Students don't want to stand out, and I think the ones that didn't wear what they were supposed to, either because they didn't want to or because they forgot, are the ones who are standing out now."
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