SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 5511 - STUDENT DRESS CODE Students have the right to learn without being offended or distracted by the way other people are dressed. Students have the responsibility to dress neatly, be clean, and well groomed, and avoid dressing in a manner that offends or distracts others. Clothing or hairstyles worn by students of all grades shall be neat and clean (not distracting or disruptive to the learning environment) and shall not present a safety or health hazard to the wearer or to others.

1. Clothing that exposes the torso is not allowed. Clothing that displays/exposes cleavage is not allowed. The following examples include but are not limited to what is considered unacceptable: tube tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps and halters, bare back or midriff clothing, skin-tight clothing, see-through clothing, bathing suits (except with permission for specified events).

2. Skirts, skorts, and dresses may be no shorter than two (2) inches above the top of the knee. Shorts must be no shorter than four (4) inches above the knee.

3. Appropriate undergarments must be worn but shall not be exposed, i.e., boxer shorts, underwear, bras. Pajamas shall not be worn to school.

4. Students must wear shoes at all times. Slippers or shoes with containers, cleats, wheels, or tap shoes are prohibited. Athletic shoes may be required for physical education classes. Shoes with laces and/or straps must be secured at all times. For safety reasons, elementary students may not wear sandals or open toe shoes. Elementary and middle school students are not permitted to wear flip flops or shoes without a back.

5. Headgear (with the exception of safety helmets) are not to be brought to school unless for medical purposes. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, or other sun-protective wear while outdoors during school hours, such as when students are at recess.

6. No clothes or accessories with metal studs, ornaments, chains, or other objects which can scratch furniture, damage property, or cause harm to oneself or others, may be worn.

7. Clothing, jewelry, and accessories shall not convey messages that are crude; vulgar/profane; violent/death-oriented (Gothic); gang related; sexually suggestive; and/or promoting alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

8. Clothing which is not worn appropriately, is not properly fastened, or has tears or holes will not be permitted.

9. Pants, jeans, slacks, and shorts must be worn to the top of the hipbone or higher. Pants must be secured at the hip, must not be baggy or oversized and the hem of the pant leg must not drag on the ground.

10. No hairstyle, jewelry, or tattoo that is a distraction to the learning environment is allowed.

These samples are not all-inclusive but serve as a guide for individual schools. Individual schools may have a stricter dress code approved by the school advisory council (SAC), but all such restrictions must be justifiable with a rationale related to the health, safety, or welfare of the students. All school dress codes should be reviewed and approved by the Superintendent/Superintendent’s designee before implementation.

Violation of Dress Code

Students may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of dress code. Students may be provided alternate clothing at school to comply with the dress code. Parents will be requested to bring alternative clothing to the school, and/or the student will be subject to disciplinary action when s/he violates the dress code.

For further information refer to the Martin County Code of Conduct booklet available at http://www.martinschools.org