School Policies
DRESS CODE/APPEARANCE
Student Appearance
A student’s appearance, including dress and grooming, must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. Procedures for handling students who dress or groom inappropriately will be developed by the Superintendent and included in the Student Handbook.
In its commitment to providing a positive learning environment for all students, the Board of Education has determined that a consistent dress code is one component of creating such a learning experience. It is expected that students will be dressed neatly and have proper hygiene reflecting pride in themselves and their school. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure compliance with this dress code.
Applicability. This dress code is mandatory and applies to all K-8 students enrolled in all of the schools within District 103. The school administration has the flexibility to address ongoing questions and issues regarding the dress code to assure the objectives of the policy including fashions that are disruptive to the learning environment.
Effective date. The requirements of this dress code will start the first full day of the school year. A two- week grace period for any newly enrolled student shall be granted.
Mandatory dress. All students shall comply with the following dress standards:
o Boys in grades K-5 shall wear a school approved plain/solid light blue collared polo shirt ordress shirt. Boys in grades 6-8 shall wear a school approved plain/solid light blue collared polo shirt only. The shirt may be long sleeve or short sleeve. Boys in grades K-5 shall wear plain solid navy blue pants. Boys in grades 6-8 shall wear plain solid khaki colored pants. Shorts of the same uniform color are allowed if they are not excessively short.
o Girls in grades K-5 shall wear a school approved plain/solid light blue collared polo shirt, dress shirt, or blouse. Girls in grades 6-8 shall wear a school approved plain/solid light blue collared polo shirt only. The shirt may be long sleeve or short sleeve. Girls in grades K-5 shall wear plain solid navy blue skirts, shorts, jumpers or pants. Girls in grades 6-8 shall wear plain solid khaki colored skirts, shorts, jumpers or pants. Skirts, shorts or jumpers of the same uniform color as the pants are allowed if they are not excessively short.
o No blue jeans, pajama pants, flannel pants, athletic pants or sweatpants are allowed in K-8 on days when all students are expected to wear their Mandatory Dress clothing.
o Solid light blue or navy sweaters or sweatshirts are allowed for K-5 and solid navy, khaki or light blue sweaters or sweatshirts are allowed for Grades 6-8. Hooded sweatshirts are allowed for spirit wear and on spirit days. When worn, there must be a uniform shirt underneath, tucked in. Light blue turtlenecks in place of the polo shirt or long-sleeved t- shirts under the uniform shirt may be worn as weather dictates. Only the school’s initials, name and/or logo may appear on the front of the sweater or sweatshirt.
o Clothing and jewelry shall not display or promote gang representation, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, other drugs, illegal behavior, sexual behavior, or violent behavior. Additionally no lewd/vulgar, obscene, or plainly offensive language or symbols shall be worn.
o Hats, caps, hoods, and sunglasses are not to be worn in the buildings.
o Footwear: If snow boots are worn to school because of weather, students must bring
appropriate footwear to change into at school. Fashion boots that do not go above the knee may be worn during the school day. Students shall not tuck their pant legs into the boots. Wheelies (shoes with wheels or rollers built into them) are not permitted in school.
o Hair and piercing guidelines:
No graphics or designs in the hair and/or eyebrows.
No dyed hair other than natural colors.
No piercings in any other part of the body other than the ears.
The following dress guidelines will apply to free-dress days and Mandatory Dress days. Free-dress days will occur as determined by the building administrator.
o Clothing with holes, rips, tears, and clothing that is otherwise poorly fitting, showing skin and/or undergarments may not be worn at school.
o The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment.
If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal will make the final decision.
Student whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or
endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject discipline.
Information will be provided to parents regarding types of clothing that will satisfy the requirements of
this policy. Parents will also receive names and addresses of local stores and vendors who carry
apparel that complies with the requirements of this policy.
If a parent or legal guardian believes that a dress standard substantially interferes with their child’s
religious beliefs or otherwise causes an exceptional hardship, the parent or legal guardian may request a waiver, for the current school year, in writing, to the Superintendent. A waiver request submitted for financial hardship must be accompanied by the proof of financial hardship in the form of recent check stubs and / or W2 forms from the previous year. Applications for waiver may be obtained in the Administration Building and must be submitted to the Superintendent’s office no later than two weeks prior to the start of the school year. All decisions regarding waivers shall be finalized within one week prior to the first full day of school. Parents of any newly enrolled students will have 10 school days to request a waiver.