2017-2018 Student Handbook

DRESS (JFC-R, JFCAA)

The Carroll County School Board recognizes the right of students and their parents to exercise personal judgment in matters of dress, within certain boundaries. The Board also recognizes that neatly attired students take pride in their selves and are more likely to practice habits of self-discipline and to display a positive attitude and demeanor. At the school and division levels appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment.

Each school principal may draft and enforce a school dress code, in accordance with code of conduct provisions, prohibiting student dress or grooming practices which:

• present a hazard to the health or safety of the student himself/herself or to others in the school;

• materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;

• cause excessive wear and damage to school property;

• prevent the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement; • display a message using vulgar or offensive language, regardless of the message. A. Definition: Wearing of clothes, jewelry, or other apparel or personal belongings that advocate violence, alcohol, and other drug use and/or distribution; that represent gang activity; reflect adversely on persons due to race, gender, creed, national origin, physical, emotional, or intellectual abilities; or that are considered to be inappropriate attire. B. General: Based on the belief that school is a place where students are learning both academic and social skills, the Carroll County School Board requires that they dress appropriately. (JFC-R, JFCAA) Students and parents shall be informed about the school dress code at the beginning of the year and when revised. A student who violates the dress code shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Students shall not wear on school property any type of clothing, apparel, or accessory that indicates the student has membership in or is affiliated with any gang connected to criminal ties. The School Board may consult with local law enforcement authorities to obtain information concerning local gangs and any associated criminal activities. Examples but not limited to: • Messages on clothing, jewelry, and personal belongings that relate to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, vulgarity or that reflect adversely upon persons because of their race, sex, color, creed, national origin or ancestry are not permitted. Appropriate dress vs. inappropriate dress. Appropriate dress is clothing that covers the body sufficiently so as not to attract excessive attention to oneself. Some examples of inappropriate dress are: a. The braless look, see-through apparel, tube tops, halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps and mid-cut shirts/tops are not acceptable All shirts must have at least a measureable 1 ½ inch strap. b. Shorts and skirts must fall at mid thigh when standing. Jeans with holes must also follow the same criteria. Clothing must cover underwear. c. Shirts will be worn in the manner appropriate to the shirt style. d. Hats, scarves and other headpieces shall not be worn within the school building. e. Non-prescriptive glasses or sunglasses will not be permitted to be worn within the building except as required for shop or science classes. •

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