South Caldwell High School

STUDENT DRESS 

General Guidelines:

• All clothing should be neat and free of offensive images or language.
• Clothing must cover your body appropriately (see image below). Specifically, the chest, midsection (stomach), back, buttock, breasts, genitals, and undergarments should not be exposed. Sides of the body should not be exposed.

Acceptable Clothing:

• Tops:
  • T-shirts, blouses, collared shirts that do not show any part of an undergarment
  • Sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets
  • Tank tops with straps that are at least 1 inch wide
  • School-branded shirts or other tops that follow the above guidelines
• Bottoms:
  • Jeans, slacks, or khakis that do not show any part of an undergarment when seated or standing
  • Skirts, dresses, and shorts that do not show any part of an undergarment when seated or standing
  • Leggings, yoga pants, pajama pants that do not show undergarments when seated or standing 
• Shoes:
  • Sneakers, sandals, boots, or other closed-toed shoes
  • Shoes with a hard sole
  • Open-toed shoes are allowed unless otherwise noted for specific school activities

Unacceptable Clothing:

• Tops:
  • Tops that exposes the midriff or are opaque/see-through
  • Strapless tops or tops with less than 1 inch wide straps
  • Clothing with offensive language, images, or symbols (e.g., inappropriate language, violent imagery, drug/alcohol-related content)
• Bottoms:
  • Shorts, skirts, or dresses that are show any part of undergarments when seated or standing
  • Pants or shorts that sag below the waistline or rise, exposing undergarments
  • Ripped or torn pants with holes that show any part of undergarments when seated or standing
• Shoes:
  • Shoes that are not conducive for navigating the school hallways and classrooms
  • Any footwear that could be a safety hazard (like shoes with wheels)
• Accessories:
  • Hats, beanies, headbands, and bonnets are not allowed
  • Bandanas, face coverings (outside of health guidelines), or anything that obscures the face
  • Chains or accessories that could pose a safety risk (including fish hooks on hats)
  • Blankets are not allowed in the school building (acceptable on the bus but should remain with a trusted staff member during the school day)
  • Sunglasses that are not of a medical necessity

School officials have the authority and responsibility to determine whether a student’s appearance satisfies the intent of this policy.  Anything that disrupts the learning environment will be deemed unacceptable.  The administration will ask the student to change or adjust clothing as necessary.  The administration has the final authority to deem attire as appropriate. Students are required to follow the dress code outlined in their school handbook.

Regulation Code: 4309-R

Student Code of Conduct (Dress Code Grades 6-12)

SECONDARY STUDENT DRESS CODE (Grades 6-12)

Pupils are expected to be properly dressed commensurate with the activities being conducted.  Board Policy 4309 states, “The Board believes the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students.  The Board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing conducive to learning.” 

The following dress code applies to students at ALL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IN CALDWELL COUNTY:

• The length of dresses, skirts and shorts must reach at least mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is determined by the top of the inseam to the knee.
• Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the waist.
• Undergarments must not be exposed.
• The following clothing and/or items are not allowed:

• Headgear, hats, hoods, and bandanas are not to be worn in the school building during the instructional day.  Items worn may be confiscated by the administration.
• No clothing, jewelry or accessories with letters, initials, symbols or wording that is obscene, threatening, dangerous, offensive, inflammatory, distractive, disruptive or detrimental to the instructional process is allowed.  This includes attire that displays alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco products or promotes violence, hatred or intolerance.
• Shoes are to be worn at all times.
• Sunglasses are not to be worn in the school building.
• Students are not permitted to bring blankets to school.

School officials have the authority and responsibility to determine whether a student’s appearance satisfies the intent of this policy.  Anything that disrupts the learning environment will be deemed unacceptable.  The administration will ask the student to change or adjust clothing as necessary.  The administration has the final authority to deem attire as appropriate. Students are required to follow the dress code outlined in their school handbook.