Updated June 2025
As a magnet school, all Thoreau scholars are expected to comply with required dress code and personal appearance regulations. These guidelines are meant to establish a unified, focused learning environment and a community of excellence and align with District Board Policy 2601-R and the Tulsa Public Schools Student and Family Guide to Success. It is the responsibility of the guardian and the student to support the Thoreau Dress Code.
Students who elect not to conform to the dress and grooming rules set forth by this policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions and/or sanctions as defined by the district’s Behavior Response Plan. Families will have an opportunity to support their student with compliance with the dress code prior to a consequence being issued.
Hoodies are not to be worn during the school day at Thoreau, they must be stored in lockers. Hoods of any type are not permitted to be worn in the building. Excessively large or excessively tight fitted clothes are prohibited. All permitted garments shall be clean, in good repair, and shall have no holes worn through, slashes, rips or tears.
PANTS/SHORTS - Khaki or black uniform pants, shorts & capris. No cargo or pant leg pockets. Must be appropriately fitted. Pants and shorts shall be worn at the waist. Sagging and baggy pants are prohibited. Tights, sweatpants or leggings worn as outerwear are not permitted (Ex. LuluLemon, Spandex, Bike Shorts). Shorts must be of a length of 3” above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible.
SKIRT/SKORT – Khaki, black, or “Thoreau Plaid”* box-pleated skirts/skorts. Skirts or shorts must be no shorter than a length of 3” above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible.
SHIRTS - White, grey, navy blue, hunter green or yellow polo style with collar, two or three buttons, short or long sleeve, no pockets only Thoreau logos permitted.
Bare midriffs, immodestly low cut necklines, off the shoulder, or bare backs are prohibited. Garments must be of appropriate length, cut and/or fit to meet these requirements while sitting and/or bending.
SWEATSHIRTS/SWEATER – White, grey, navy blue, hunter green or yellow sweatshirt. polo shirt must be worn under sweatshirts/sweaters. Only Thoreau graphics or emblems on sweatshirts/sweaters.
SHOES – Footwear with a solid backing or strap over the heel may be worn. Shoes may not be a distraction to classroom learning (flashing lights, noises or wheels). Flip flops/slides, furry shoes and house shoes are prohibited.
FRIDAY SPIRIT WEAR – On Fridays, students will be allowed to wear a spirit shirt and replace uniform bottoms with jeans, joggers or jean shorts. Sagging and baggy pants are prohibited. No cargo or pant leg pockets. Jeans must not be ripped above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible. Thoreau approved spirit wear must be clean and undamaged.
ACCESSORIES – Jewelry, accessories, make-up, footwear and hair must follow general safety and not be a distraction in class.
Jewelry and other accessories shall not convey prohibited messages as defined in district policy.
Visible pierced jewelry will be limited to the ear.
No hats, bonnets, shower caps, or football ski masks are permitted. Headbands & hair wraps will be allowed as part of the school uniform in the following colors: white, grey, navy blue, hunter green or yellow. Thoreau plaid is permitted.
Religious and Health Accommodation - Where a bona fide religious belief or health need of a student conflicts with the school dress code, reasonable accommodation shall be provided. Any student desiring accommodation shall notify the school principal in writing of the requested accommodation and the factual basis for the request. Approved coverings worn as part of a student’s bona fide religious practices or beliefs shall not be prohibited under this policy.
Clothing Assistance - It is the policy of the Board that no student will be denied an education due to a bona fide financial inability to obtain clothing that complies with the school dress code. Any student for whom compliance with the school dress code poses a bona fide financial burden may submit a written request for clothing needed, together with a statement of financial need. School principals, or their designees, shall assist families in financial need to obtain clothing that complies with the school dress code. In meeting requests for assistance, principals, or their designees, shall consider community resources such as clothing donations from school personnel, merchants, parent organizations, and charitable organizations, financial assistance, purchasing clothing for a student, and providing additional time for a student to obtain clothing that complies with the school dress code.
If you are interested in uniforms with Thoreau plaid or logos, you may contact C & J School Uniforms. For all other uniform needs, families are welcome to purchase uniforms within policy at the vendor of their choice.
Clear Bag Policy
To ensure a safe and secure learning environment, students must use clear backpacks and lunch boxes. Backpacks and lunch bags must be fully transparent to allow contents to be easily visible. All bags should fit into school lockers. This policy helps staff quickly identify contents and prevent prohibited items on campus. One clear pencil pouch is allowed in classrooms.
Binders with straps are not permitted at Thoreau.
Students and visitors may not have any bag aside from a clear bag, entrance will not be permitted with any bag that violates this policy.
