By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Three words describe the Lakota Schools' new dress code: Don't show skin.

Necklines should be high enough that cleavage is covered, while lower garments are high enough that no underwear or buttocks show.

"I think that this dress code should help ensure that we have an environment that's focused on learning without distraction," said Joan Powell, president of the Lakota Board of Education. "While we talked about it a lot, there aren't huge differences. It will be up to the administrators in each building to make sure it's enforced."

The new code, approved this week, takes effect when students return to classes in August after summer recess. It has been in the works since last fall, when a 40-member committee of educators, parents and students began reviewing it - the first time since 1987.

Freshman Shayla Slaughter said the committee really wrestled with items such as hair color and length of shorts, skirts or "skorts." Originally the committee specified they could be no shorter than mid-thigh length, but that requirement was removed in the final draft after board comment.

"Nowadays it's hard to find shorts that are mid-knee or mid-thigh," Shayla said.

"You really can't find shorts like that unless you go into the boys department, and I'm not willing to go into the boys or men's department. I just wouldn't have worn them," she said.

Twelve-year-old Blake Graham said he likes the new code.

"It's a lot better. It's more specific for the kids and lets them know what they can and can't wear," said Blake, a Union Elementary sixth-grader.

His mom, Denise Graham, also sat on the committee and was impressed with the effort to get community comment.

"I could tell it was important, they really wanted to reflect the voices of the parents and students. They didn't just want the code dictated from the administration," she said.

Although pleased overall with the new code, Graham said there is still room for a lot of interpretation.

"It leaves a really wide leeway for a certain school to be lax and another to be extremely strict, depending on the moral code of the principal," Graham said. "I was surprised it was taken out that shirts and tops should be long enough to tuck into lower garments.''

The best part, Graham said, is the built-in annual review process.

"Fashion changes. We don't want to let this dress code go another 10 years before we review it again," Graham said.

What-to-wear highlights

Hats, head coverings (except cultural or religious), bandannas, sweatbands and sunglasses cannot be worn inside buildings.

Shirts and tops should have high enough necklines to cover cleavage.

Lower garments are to be worn at the appropriate level, should not drag on the floor, and should not allow any portion of the buttocks or undergarments to be exposed when the student sits, stands, raises a hand or bends over.

No skin should be visible between a student's top and bottom garment when the child sits, stands, raises a hand or bends over.

Torn or tattered clothing is not to be worn.

No jewelry, clothing or other items may have obscene, violent, gang, tobacco, drug, alcohol related or belittling messages or images.

Face painting is prohibited, as is makeup or hairstyles that are disruptive to learning.