Dress Code

Cabarrus County Board of Education specifies that each student must come to school appropriately dressed in clothing that is not disruptive to the educational process and does not endanger the health and safety of others. (See Policy 4316 Student Dress Code).

 The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning. Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable. The principal has the authority to determine when a student has violated the school dress code and assign consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

THE BOARD PROHIBITS APPEARANCE OR CLOTHING THAT DOES THE FOLLOWING:

• violates a reasonable dress code adopted and publicized by the school;

• is substantially disruptive;

• is provocative or obscene;

• depicts or promotes gang affiliation; or

• endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

Each school will adopt a dress code in compliance with Policy 4316 that includes but is not limited to

the following expectations:

• Skirts and shorts: Mid-thigh length or longer

• Shirts and blouses that cover the student’s midriff- no plunging necklines or exposed cleavage

• Straps at least the width of the student’s ID card (two inches or greater)

• Pants that are fitted at the waist

• Shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers or sandals

Do NOT  Wear:

• Tank tops (with straps less than 2”), muscle or mesh shirts

• See-through or excessively baggy, short, tight, or revealing clothes (i.e. plunging necklines or exposed cleavage)

• Exposed undergarments

• Clothing advocating drug, alcohol, vaping or tobacco use

• Clothing advocating products or services illegal to minors (i.e. weapons, drugs, etc.)

• Clothing with inappropriate or suggestive language or symbols (i.e. profanity, pornography)

• Clothing that discriminates against particular groups

• Clothing with holes or slashes above mid-thigh

• Bedroom slippers and pajamas

• Excessively long or oversized shirts, coats or jackets

• Sunglasses, hats, caps, stocking caps, toboggans, bandannas, skull caps or any other headgear in school

• Any apparel and accessories including jewelry, emblems, tattoos or body markings, that depict gang affiliation

• Excessive face painting

• Chains, spikes or other accessories that could be perceived as or used as a weapon

Principals may use their discretion in implementing the dress code, including making reasonable

accommodations on the basis of students’ religious beliefs or medical conditions.