The key to maintaining suitable and healthy dress and grooming practices is the exercise of sound judgment and good taste. Parents are requested to work with their child so that they are dressed, groomed neatly and cleanly and wear clothing that is suitable for the weather conditions. This dress guide pertains to field trips, field days, extra-curricular activities, athletic events, school dances and at all school related activities in addition to the normal school day.
Board of Education policy (5511) strictly prohibits dress and grooming practices which:
Present a hazard to the health or safety of the student him/ herself, or to others in the school.
Materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program.
Cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
Prevent the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.
Clothing and other articles which are distracting, revealing or may draw undue or negative attention to the wearer are not permitted. These might include, but are not limited to, clothing that is extremely tight or form fitting, clothing that is excessively short, or clothing that is inappropriately revealing. Clothing must fully cover shoulders and the midriff. Shirts must not contain any inappropriate or offensive sayings or graphics. Shorts must be of acceptable length.
The following are considered inappropriate school attire and are not permitted:
Very tight or loose clothing that inhibits movement and/or causes a classroom distraction.
Pants that have holes above mid thigh
Crocs when not in “Sport Mode”
Pants or skirts worn below the waist exposing underwear and/or skin.
Pants that drag on the floor inhibiting movement.
Shoes which are unsafe (soft-soled, slippers, healies) or ill-fitting. Flip flops and open sandals (“slides”) cannot be worn in lab classes. Shoelaces need to be tied or not dragging. Sneakers are needed for Physical Education classes.
Tops, dresses and jumpsuits that are off-the-shoulder, one-shouldered, strapless, spaghetti straps, halters, tube tops, muscle shirts or have straps narrower than one inch.
Undershirts/underwear worn without an outer shirt.
Ultra-sheer, see-through clothing.
Shirts that expose the chest and/or abdominal area (s) of the body. Shirts must be buttoned and cover the abdomen and back at all times.
Apparel or objects that contain any words or graphics that refer to sex, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or drugs of any kind or have double meaning or advocate acts of violence and must not be marked with any obscene, lewd, vulgar, racist, or offensive slogans.
Improper wearing or displaying of state or country flags and/or religious items (i.e., rosary beads as necklaces).
Dresses, skirts and shorts that end higher than mid-thigh.
Hats or cosmetic headdress, bandanas/kerchiefs, sweatbands, woven caps, stocking caps, hoods, or any other head wear not approved by the principal, excluding headwear for medical and or religious reasons.
Outerwear coats/jackets during school hours. (Due to lockers not being accessible, students should place on their back of their chair when in the classroom or place of teacher’s discretion.
Sleepwear/loungewear.
Beachwear/Swimwear.
Overalls not fastened properly.
Facial jewelry that presents a safety hazard or causes disruption in the classroom.
Dog chains, chains thicker than 1/8”, as belts, chained wallet holders and/or chains as body jewelry.
Spiked wrist/neck bands, belts and gloves.
Sunglasses without administrative approval.
Other clothing or attire that the principal or designee determines to be contrary to the prohibitions set forth in Board of Education Policy 5511: Dress and Grooming.
*Rule of thumb: If you are questioning whether it is appropriate for school or not, go with the other option that is not in question.
Please Note: Students are expected to wear footwear at all times. All shoes must have a back or strap to them. No flip-flops or open shoes are permitted.
The wearing of chains, including wallet chains, is prohibited. Not only does it cause damage to school property, scratching desks, etc., they are also a distraction in the classroom, and can also be construed as a weapon.
Students who report to school in attire that is not appropriate will have their parents contacted to arrange for a change of clothing. Students may be requested to remain in the main office or with a certificated staff member until a change of clothes has been brought to the school. All missed class time and work shall be made up.
In addition to the above, the administration reserves the right to make a decision regarding the appropriateness of student dress. Students are encouraged to obtain an interpretation of the dress code from the administration in advance if they are in doubt of the applicability of the code to certain articles of clothing. Violation of the dress code may result in disciplinary action.
More detailed information pertaining to dress code is noted in a “Document” on RealTime and acknowledgement is required by parent/guardian prior to the first day of school.