Dress code policy

  • School Dress Code Policy - Board Policy 5511 Adopted 12/7/21

    The Board believes that the manner in which a student dresses has an impact on them and their school. As such, students are expected to dress for school and school activities in a way that contributes to their health and safety, promotes a positive school learning environment and does not disrupt the events and activities of the school.

    General Requirements

    This general dress code applies to all students at school and to all students while attending school-sponsored activities after the regular school day.

    1. Clothing may not reveal any undergarments.
       
    2. Clothing must cover the midriff, back, buttocks, and sides at all times and should be fastened so that it does not expose undergarments or body parts in an indecent of vulgar manner.

    Each school will provide students/parents with a copy of the school’s dress code.

    Exceptions

    1. You may wear special clothing necessary for a school-sponsored activity, as permitted by the principal.

    2. The Superintendent, in consultation with the principal, may waive the dress code policy on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as, but not limited to, medical necessity or sincerely held religious belief.

    3. Shoes must be safe and appropriate. You may not wear bedroom slippers or shoes with wheels.

      Elementary students only, must wear shoes that are closed-toed and closed-heel and/or athletic shoes; you may not wear platforms, sandals, flip flops, crocs or jellies.

    4. Outer Garments

      ​You may wear coats, jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, or other appropriate outer garments when necessary due to weather conditions or for other legitimate reasons. The outer garments must be of the appropriate size for you and shall not be overly baggy or violate any other provisions of the dress code. 

    5. You may wear a face mask for health and safety reasons related to COVID-19, provided the face mask otherwise complies with the provisions of this policy. The face mask must be worn appropriately, covering the nose and mouth area. You may not wear a face mask which covers your entire face (i.e., Halloween mask, hooded face mask, etc.); however a clear face shield may be allowed upon approval.

    6. You may wear sunglasses, hats, or other sun-protective wear while outdoors during school hours.

    7. The Superintendent may, with a recommendation by the School Advisory Council (SAC) and the Principal, approve a uniform policy for a school.

    Prohibitions

    You may not wear:

    1. clothing that is not properly fastened;
       
    2. clothing, piercings, jewelry, or accessories that are dangerous to the health and safety of yourself or others, or are distracting or disruptive to the orderly learning environment;
       
    3. pajamas or sleepwear;
       
    4. outer garments traditionally designed as undergarments such as boxer shorts or bras;
       
    5. clothing, including outer garments or accessories (such as backpacks, jewelry, and purses) which have slogans, signs, images, or symbols that:
       
      1. promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gang identification, weapons, or lewd sexual behavior or
         
      2. denigrate or promote discrimination for or against an individual or group on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, race, religion, or gender.
         
    6. sunglasses, hats, bandannas, sweat bands, headgear, or other head coverings, inside the school building, except when approved by the principal/designee;
       
    7. clothing that exposes undergarments or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner, including clothing that is unlined sheer, unlined lace, ripped jeans or ripped shorts; or
       
    8. wearable technology and other attire that interferes with instruction or student safety pursuant to Policy 5136 – Student Use of Personally-Owned Wireless Communication Devices.

    Discipline

    The principal or designee has the authority to decide if your clothing complies with Board policy.

    If the principal determines that your clothing does not comply with Board policy, your parent/guardian may be asked to bring an appropriate change of clothes to school, or you may be asked to leave an after-school activity. You may also receive a disciplinary consequence for violating the school’s dress code policy. Repeated violations may result in progressively more serious consequences.

    If you wear clothing that exposes undergarments or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment, the school will take the following actions: [F.S. 1006.07(2)(d)]

    1. First Offense - the student will receive a verbal warning and the principal shall call the student's parent or guardian.
       
    2. Second Offense - the student will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity for a period not to exceed five (5) days and the principal shall meet with your parent or guardian.
       
    3. Third or subsequent offense - the student will receive an in-school detention for a period not to exceed three (3) days; the student will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity for a period up to thirty (30) days; and the principal will call and send a letter to your parent or guardian about your in-school suspension and exclusion from extracurricular activities.

    Appeal

    You may appeal the principal’s decision through the Student Grievance Procedure in Policy 5710 - Student Grievances.