Dress Code
The purpose of a student dress code is to encourage students to focus on the learning process without the distractions of inappropriate dress and grooming. Students shall maintain a clean, neat and orderly appearance at all times. The responsibility for the personal appearance of the student rests with the parent/guardian and the student. Personal appearance shall not detract from the educational process. Parents are requested to assist the school by monitoring students' school attire daily. The following establishes the minimum acceptable standards for student dress to be interpreted and enforced by the teacher, principal or designee; please note that there is further guidance in the Elementary and MS Student handbooks.
1.) Apparel shall be adequate in both length and coverage to be considered appropriate for school.
- The length of shorts, skirts, dresses or apparel that covers leggings shall not be less than the fingertips.
- Clothing, including stockings, may not have any slits, tears or holes baring skin. Clothing may not be sheer or see-through without appropriate garments underneath.
- Clothing that is sheer or designed to be used as sleepwear or loungewear is not permitted.
- Pants and shorts shall be worn fastened and at the waist with no undergarments showing Belts are encouraged and will be required to be worn if there is a problem. Leggings, sweatpants, yoga pants, or any other types of garments that display any writing across the back area of the pants are not permitted. Leggings, sweatpants, yoga pants, or similar types of pants must be covered by an appropriate top that is at least fingertip length.
- Oversized clothing is not appropriate for school.
2.) Apparel, emblems, insignias, badges or symbols that promote the use of violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs or any illegal activity are prohibited. Clothing with slogans or advertising that by its controversial or obscene nature may disrupt the educational setting is prohibited.
3.) Shirts or blouses shall be appropriately fastened in accordance with the design of the garment.
- The length of the top must extend beyond waist level when arms are raised.
- Transparent, lacy or see through tops, without an appropriate top underneath are not allowed.
- Tight tops, bare midriff, strapless or low-cut clothing, or tops that provide minimum coverage or are of a suggestive nature are prohibited.
- Halters, spaghetti straps, backless dresses or tops, tube tops, tank tops, muscle shirts or any clothing which may be distracting are prohibited.
- Tops must be at least four fingers in width at the shoulder.
- Undergarments must not be visible.
- Sweaters, jackets, or shirts cannot be used to cover up dress code violations.
4.) Any articles of clothing or jewelry that could cause injury or distraction, such as chains and chokers with spikes or studs are prohibited. Adornments that are attached (pierced) to exposed body parts other than the ears are prohibited.
5.) The wearing of hats, caps, and headgear or sunglasses is permissible only when students are participating in physical education classes held outside, authorized athletic practices, or other outdoor activities. There may be certain exceptions for medical conditions or for special occasions or rewards. The principal or designee will determine these exceptions.
6.) Hair that is painted, dyed or streaked in an unnatural color will not be permitted without prior approval by an administrator. Vision must not be obstructed by hair at any time. Hair may need to be tied back for certain classroom activities. Excessive make-up or other bodily adornments (such as tattoos, inked or painted skin, etc.) is prohibited.
7.) Shoes/footwear must be worn at all times and they must be safely secured. Students should dress in tennis and or closed-toed shoes and clothing that they can comfortably wear for active games. Flip-flops, sliders, slippers, Crocs, and shoes without solid soles are not permitted. Students may not change shoes in school. Students must wear closed-toed shoes during science labs in order to participate.
8.) Students may not use personal headphones or earbuds on campus unless directed to do so by a teacher.
Clothes are to be worn in the way they were intended to be worn. All infractions of clothing, hairstyles or similar items which are viewed as potential distractions will be addressed.
Consequences:
For grades K-4:
Students will be sent to the office for a t-shirt or other appropriate clothing. If appropriate clothing cannot be found, the parent will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing.
For grades 5-8:
1st Offense: Students will be sent to the office for a t-shirt or other appropriate clothing to correct the dress code offense and will receive a warning letter for parent signature. If appropriate clothing cannot be found, the parent/guardian will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing. The dress code offense must be corrected before the student returns to class.
Continued Offenses: Dress code offense must be corrected and a detention will be assigned for each recurring offense.
THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPRAISE ANY CURRENT FASHION OR FAD AND DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL.