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