UNDERSTANDING DRESS CODE

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO INTERPRETATION & ENFORCEMENT

UNDERSTANDING DRESS CODE

IMPORTANCE OF A STUDENT DRESS CODE

• A dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior.

• Dress codes have proven to increase student achievement by reducing potential distractions in the classroom.

• Dress codes in school settings reduce social conflict and peer pressure that may be associated with appearance.

• Studies indicate that a school dress code can reduces the prevalence of certain behaviors which are often expressed through wardrobe such as violence or promiscuity.

• As opposed to uniforms, dress codes still allow students to wear what they want which leaves students with a sense of choice and expression .

ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES

• Staff will use the 3 D’s – Discreet, Diplomatic, Detailed

• 1st offense – lunch detention/All others – 2 demerits

• The student will be given a chance to remedy the situation for the remainder of the day after they receive the consequence (ex. put on jacket)

• If no remedy exists, the student will be sent to the office loaner scrubs for remainder of day

RULES OF THUMB

• Shorts/skirts must be appropriate in length and come down to the tip of the middle finger OR at least 6” above the knee

• Leggings/yoga pants may only be worn if accompanied by a top of sufficient length that it adheres to the same guidelines as a skirt

• No visible cleavage or butt cheeks

• Covered shoulders necessary

• No spaghetti straps or tanks

• No cut-offs

• More than 6” above knee

• Shoulders not covered

• Distracting

• Butt checks not covered• No cut-offs• No midriff tops

• No spaghetti straps

• No tank tops regardless of strap width

• Tank tops are not acceptable for either guys or gals

• No tank tops• Pants too

tight

• Yoga pants with tops that do not come down to the tip of the middle finger or 6” above the knee just as a skirt should

• No tank tops• No bare shoulders• No low necklines

or exposed cleavage

• No tank tops• No bare shoulders• No visible bra

straps or lace• No shorts shorter

than 6” above knee or down to the tip of the middle finger

BE PRO-ACTIVE ABOUT DRESS CODE

• Take time to discuss dress code with your child and emphasize your support of school policies

• Try to catch violations at home so the potential embarrassment of being cited for a dress code violation at school can be avoided

• When in doubt, play it safe

• Call the school office if you have any questions on dress code terms and policies