STUDENT DRESS CODE (BOARD POLICY JCDB)
It is the desire and intent of the Catoosa County Board of Education in adopting this dress code to create a SAFE environment in our schools that is conducive to learning and free of potential distractions or DANGER. This code allows school administrators the right to make adjustments to the code as necessary to maintain a safe learning environment. It is our belief that schools were created to be centers of learning, which necessitates discipline by the individual student in all areas such as language, behavior, dress, and attendance.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR CLOTHING WHICH IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL AND WHICH WILL NOT CAUSE DISRUPTION TO CLASSROOM OR SCHOOL OPERATION.

This code is designed to be a guide and is by no means all-inclusive. An article of clothing is not approved simply because it is not listed herein. The school administration at each school reserves the right to evaluate items of dress, which would be substantially likely to interrupt the learning process within the classroom or school.

DRESS CODE:
A. All school attire shall be worn appropriately. All pants, jeans, shorts, and other school attire should be pulled up to the student’s waist and not drooping below the beltline area, as to cause a distraction or safety hazard. Shirts and blouses should be worn to cover the midriff at all times and no inappropriate writing or pictures are allowed on any item of clothing.

 B. THE FOLLOWING WILL BE PERMITTED:

Shirts and Tops: Preferably, all shirts/tops/blouses will be polo-style or button up the front and have a collar; however, non-collared shirts will also be acceptable. Young ladies blouses/tops must have a modest neckline and be long enough to cover the midriff at all times.

Pants: Acceptable pants are REGULAR FITTING dress pants, khakis style (cotton twills), and denim pants. All pants must be pulled up to waist level, with the belt line visible, not drooping below the belt line area as to cause a distraction or danger to the student.

Dresses/Skirts/Shorts: should be worn knee-length and worn appropriately. Dresses should have a modest neckline and be appropriate for a school setting.

Outerwear: the length of outerwear must meet the fingertip rule. (General rule: the length of the garment must not exceed the length of arms extended beside the body) Jackets, pullovers, and sweatshirts will be permitted at the above mentioned length, unless notice is given to student before it is prohibited.

C. IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY LANGUAGE IN THIS POLICY, THE FOLLOWING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY AN ADMINISTRATOR:

1. Hair, clothing, patches, or other items that display, symbolize or are identified with gangs, gang membership, or cults.
     A. Example: Gang related symbols such as, but not limited to, ‘flaming cross’, swastikas,  forks, KKK, UNLV, skulls, cross-bones.
     B. In the event of new symbols identified or related to gang(s) or gang conduct, then      the student will be given notice that it will be prohibited. No actual disruption need occur prior to prohibiting the display or wearing of the symbol(s) if the symbol has the potential to create the disruption.
     C. In ALL circumstances the intent to protect the instructional environment will be    primary. A student and/or parents may request a conference with the school      administrator if there is a disagreement as to whether the item may be displayed or worn.

2. Hair, clothing, patches, or other items that display the advocating of illegal activities, words, colors, or scenes that are substantially likely to cause disruption, including but not limited to clothes with patches, hair or other items containing or displaying any of the following:
 
     (a) Example: Hair must be of a natural hair color (i.e. brown, black, gray, red, blonde or            white) without unnatural hair color in spikes, or geometric lettering or designs that              would be a disruption to the learning environment or worn in such a way that covers            the eye/eyes.
     (b) Racial slurs or sexually suggestive comments.
     (c) Cursing, vulgar or other inappropriate language ( Ex: “SOB”).

3. Holes, cuts or frays, or tears in clothing above the knee, except those caused by normal wear at school on the same day that the holes are present.

4. Nose jewelry or nose plastic (except for a small non-dangling nose stud), tongue jewelry or body piercing and that includes excessive ear piercing.

5. Jewelry that dangles so as to create a safety hazard to the wearer or could be used as a weapon.

6. Hats, hoodies, headbands, skullcaps, and bandanas (except those worn in sports, dramatic or theatrical presentations which are part of a school or class-sponsored activity.)

7. Tank or tube tops, muscle shirts, or other clothing that exposes the skin to such an extent that such exposure may cause disruption to a learning environment.

8. Clinging clothing, such as yoga pants, jeggings, leggings, or unitards - unless covered by outerwear that is at least fingertip length and is otherwise allowed under the dress code policy. Skirts worn without these should be knee length.

9. Short shorts. (Shorts must be knee length)

10. Sun glasses inside the building.

11. See-through (mesh) shirts, or sheer clothes.

12. Clothing that represents:
      a. Illegal drugs, alcohol and other contraband.
      b. Tobacco
      c. Suicide
      d. Death
      e. Gangs or symbols related to, or identified with, gangs.

13. Oversized clothing of any type, to include but not limited to wide leg and/or sagging pants, oversized shirts, or other garments that may be determined could conceal dangerous articles or items, are not permitted and may result in the student being removed from the school environment until proper clothing is worn.

14. Furthermore, other articles of clothing or style of grooming substantially likely to be disruptive to the instructional program, or to the school's orderly environment, and safety are prohibited. Proper footwear shall also be worn and should be made of materials that promote safety of movement in and around the school.

If circumstances arise which would require an exception to this dress code, a student or parent must request a conference with the school administration for a determination to be made BEFORE the item is worn to school. An administrator will make the decision to determine if the clothing, or article of clothing, is appropriate. If particular school circumstances (for example, peculiar activities at a school, problems particularly associated with a school, very young age students at a school, or issues particularly associated with a student or group of students) warrant 11 deviations from this policy, the principal of such school may add to or delete from the specific requirements of this policy to meet the extenuating circumstances.