DRESS CODE (Rock Hill School District Policy JICA)

Dutchman Creek Middle School Dress Code

District board policy states that the board reserves the right to bar students from school whose personal appearance is disruptive to the educational process and orderly operation of the school. Discretion to formulate reasonable dress codes is left to the administration.  To carry out this policy, Dutchman Creek Middle School has adopted the following rules regarding dress to be complied with anytime students are in the school building:  

1. Students may wear a solid colored polo shirt, button-down shirt, sweatshirt, or hooded sweatshirt. Polo shirts and button-down shirts must have a collar and sleeves. V-neck collared shirts are prohibited.  Any manufacturer’s logo must be small and non-repeating. All other manufacturer’s brands/slogans or other non-school logos on tops are prohibited. Shirts with buttons must begin at the neck and only(two factory buttons from the collar may be unbuttoned.  A solid shirt must be worn underneath all outerwear tops with the exception of DCMS t-shirts.

2. Official DCMS “Gator Gear” tops, defined as apparel endorsed by the school, including hooded sweatshirts, sweatshirts, and t-shirts may be worn daily. This does not include PE uniform shirts.

3. Heavy or bulky outerwear (coats and jackets) are not to be worn in class or throughout the building.

4. All pants, skirts, shorts, capris, and skorts must be tan, khaki, black, gray, brown or navy blue in color. Wind pants, leggings, jeggings, yoga pants, jeans, and sweatpants are prohibited. All shorts and skirts should be worn no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee. This will be measured from the top of the slit if on a skirt.

5. All pants and shorts must rest at the waist and back pockets must be at hip level.  “Sagging” is prohibited. Additionally, shirts and jackets should not be worn tied around the waist.

6. All students must wear shoes. All shoes, including sandals, must have a back or strap that secures the heel of the foot. Shoes must be tied or buckled as they are designed. Students will not be allowed to wear shower shoes, bedroom shoes, slides, or flip-flops at any time at school.  

7. Clothing should be worn as the manufacturer intended and in a manner that does not cause a distraction or disruption to the normal operation of class or school. Clothing should be worn with appropriate undergarments that are not visible. All clothing must be appropriately sized.  Form-fitting, provocative (thin straps, tube tops, low necklines, strapless, too tight, too short, muscle shirts, revealing clothing, tank tops, see-through clothing) and ripped/cut/torn clothing should not be worn at any time at school. No skin should be visible between the pants and shirt at any time. Offensive/suggestive writing, pictures, and patches on clothing/jewelry are also prohibited. This includes advertising for alcohol/tobacco products or promotion of violence.  

8. Head coverings including, but not limited to, bandanas, hats, etc. should not be worn in the school without administrative approval. Offenders risk having these articles confiscated. Sunglasses, earmuffs or hoods on coats, sweatshirts or shirts may not cover the head in buildings or classrooms.

9. All long jewelry (that extends beyond the collar) must be tucked in, regardless of the style. Jewelry with spikes is not permitted. This includes chokers, wristbands, dog leashes, chains, etc. Items that could be used as a weapon may not be worn or brought to school.

DRESS CODE FOR DRESS DOWN DAYS

1. Ripped/tattered/torn jeans are allowed but ONLY with something worn under the pants so that skin is not visible.  Rips must not be excessive.

2. Leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants are only allowed under a shirt, dress, or skirt that is no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee.

3. T-shirts must be worn underneath sleeveless shirts.

4. Camisole tops or spaghetti straps are prohibited if worn without a light jacket or sweater.

5. Appropriate footwear still applies. All shoes, including sandals, must have a back or strap that secures the heel of the foot. Shoes must be tied or buckled as they are designed. Students will not be allowed to wear shower shoes, bedroom shoes, slides, or flip-flops at any time at school.

If necessary, the administrative staff will meet to approve any attire not covered by the dress code. The principal reserves the right to repeal or amend any changes to the policy as necessary and will communicate all changes to students, parents/guardians, and staff in writing prior to implementing any changes. The principal also reserves the right to waive any of these rules for special days, events, and occasions as predetermined and adequately communicated to students, parents/guardians, and staff. 

Students that are found in violation of the Standard Code of Dress may be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the grade level administrator and building principal.  Disciplinary action may range from a warning, confiscation of unapproved items to be returned at the end of the school day to after-school detention for simple and/or occasional violations to suspension for students who continually and willfully violate the policy.  Students who come to school inappropriately dressed or out of compliance may be held out of class until the violation is reasonably corrected.  Absences from class because of dress code violations will be ruled unlawful.