Dress Regulations
Please click here to see the dress regulations.
Annual Opt-Out, Exemptions and Procedures (R7-33.3)
1. Any student, who, together with his/her parent/guardian, is conscientiously opposed to wearing the school uniform may request an exemption. To receive the exemption, the student and his/her parent/guardian shall:
a. Submit a written request to the principal at the beginning of the academic year or within thirty (30) days following the first day of school or the student’s first day of school.
b. Meet with the principal or his/her designee to discuss the school uniform program, the reason(s) for the waiver request, the nature of the parents’/guardians’ objections(s), and the support of the parent for the overall dress code.
2. The principal or his designee shall then grant the waiver and note the exemption on the parent’s/guardian’s application. The principal shall then place a copy of the approved request in a file designated for this purpose.
3. The exemption shall remain in effect for that school year only.
Students who are granted waivers will be subject to the LCS dress code outlined in School Board Regulation 7-37.
Why Uniforms at LMS?
Uniforms at LMS are a positive contribution to the professional atmosphere of the school. Linkhorne is a professional learning community where the faculty works to ensure a stimulating and productive environment. We want to make certain that LMS provides a challenging academic setting that our students, staff, parents, and business community can be assured promotes learning and a positive social climate, while at the same time is representative of the missions and goals of the Lynchburg City Schools.
Linkhorne takes pride in our well-rounded students and provides many opportunities for individual expression. However, one area where we do expect conformity is in our uniform dress code. The majority of middle school students have a desire to “fit in”. This is evidenced by the various hair styles and colors, shoe designs, music choices, vocabulary, and clothing. However, there needs to be a change when “fitting in” means female students are displaying midriffs and cleavage while wearing shorts and skirts that show far more than is appropriate when they bend over. Male students are wearing oversized T-shirts that hang to their knees, untied shoestrings dragging the ground, and blue jeans that are so big one hand holding them up is required to prevent them from falling to their ankles. Even more importantly, this attire is reflective of gang association. That is not to say Linkhorne Middle School has any gang activity on campus. LMS is a safe school setting with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but we cannot allow any outside social pressure to creep into our public schools, especially when it is representative of groups involved in violent behavior.
In order to guarantee that every child receive a quality education, we feel it is time to step forward and require dress attire that will focus our young people back on learning in the classroom. Every student is expected to know and follow the dress code, without exception. Failure to comply with the dress code will result in disciplinary action. In order for each student to successfully comply with the dress code, it is important that parents/guardians take some time to review the requirements of the dress code.
- Belts are by far the most frequently forgotten item. We require belts to be plain black or brown without decorations of any kind.
- Another issue is the size of clothing. Students should have clothing items that fit their body size. While we understand the need to provide room for growth, pants should not be many sizes too large and short sleeve shirts should not hang past the elbow.
- Pants and shorts should be worn at the natural waistline. Sagging pants will not be tolerated.
- Logos must be no larger than a quarter.
Uniforms in no way inhibit the ability of students to express their individuality. On the contrary, students can then use their energies and talents to excel in the academic program, as well as experience a number of wonderful activities that go on outside the classroom like theatre, music, athletics, and clubs.
If you have a question please call the school.
