Dress Code

The School Board believes that there is a positive relationship between student attire, achievement, attitude, and behavior. The intent of this district dress code is to establish dignity and professionalism in the classroom, on the school bus, and in school. It is also intended to improve the enforcement and discipline procedures to be followed by teachers and administrators. A student’s appearance should not be a distraction/disruption to the learning environment. The dress code is not intended to be punitive but to promote academic success. It is intended to improve school spirit and pride; students are encouraged to wear their school shirts.

Responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests primarily with the parents/guardians; they are expected to monitor student dress before leaving home. The school will contact parents/guardians to communicate continued dress code violations.

School-based administrators have the final authority to determine when personal appearance and dress do not meet the Code of Student Conduct standards. They also have the authority to take appropriate action; progressive disciplinary measures will be applied to ensure compliance with the Code of Student Conduct. Failure to correct inappropriate dress may be considered to be open defiance. Consequences for violating the dress code may include warning, detention, in-school suspension, and possible suspension. (See matrix, page 18.)

According to Florida Statute 1003.31, the school functions in loco parenti and is responsible for the student while attending school. The School Board establishes and defines appropriate appearance and attire for the proper, orderly, and safe functioning of the school environment. Below are the rules of the dress code.

No clothing with inappropriate sayings, themes or advertisement will be allowed. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, firearms, or gang related insignias/clothing.
The size of shirts, blouses, or pants shall be appropriate to the student’s body size and shall not be unduly oversized or undersized.
All clothing must cover the shoulders and have sleeves.
Undergarments will not be visible or seen through clothing including sheer, net, or mesh clothing. Modesty is expected. Sleepwear is not permitted.
Clothing should cover from the shoulders to the waist at all times. Clothing that exposes the midriff area while standing, sitting, or reaching is not acceptable. Clothing should cover from the neck or just below the neck with no tops with low or revealing necklines.
All shorts, skorts, and skirts must extend beyond finger length or mid thigh whichever is longer.
Shoes and sneakers are the preferred footwear. No slippers of any kind will be allowed. Elementary students will be required to wear closed toe and heel shoes or sneakers. Middle school students must have footwear with a back or a strap across the back.
Sunglasses, hats, hoods, and other headgear are not to be worn indoors. When authorized by the administrator, they may be worn outdoors during P.E. activities, recess, or other areas.
Jewelry, accessories, or extended fingernails that could be deemed unsafe or injurious to self or others will not be allowed. Dog-type collars, chains, and anything with spikes are not allowed.
Certain courses may have a more specific dress code.

NOTE: Wearing clothing during the school day that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment is prohibited.

First offense: Verbal warning and parent/guardian is called.
Second offense: Student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of time not to exceed five days and a parent conference will be held.
Third offense: In-school suspension not to exceed three days, student cannot participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 30 days, and principal/designee shall call parent/guardian and send a written letter of in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.

NOTE: All elementary schools will adhere to a unified dress code established by the School Board and superintendent. For middle and high school the School Board delegates to the School Advisory Council (SAC) whether a unified dress code or restrictive dress code is required or necessary for the safety or welfare of the student body or school personnel. A SAC determination that a uniform or restrictive dress code is required or necessary in accordance with the standard in Florida Statute 1001.42(1)(b) shall be submitted to a vote of the families of students at such school, pursuant to a procedure established by the superintendent. If the proposition is approved by persons eligible to vote and voting, and passes with a written vote of at least sixty-six and two thirds percent in favor of the proposition, then the requirement for a uniform or restrictive dress code shall be established and enforced at that school