Dress Code Information
Some uniform regulations are necessary in order to maintain order, spirit, scholarship, pride and discipline in the operation of a school system. School regulations prohibit student dress or grooming practices which:
1. Present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school;
2. Materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;
3. Cause excessive wear or damage to school property;
4. Prevent the student from achieving educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.
A student violation of this policy is termed willful defiance of the valid authority of the school principal.
During the first week of school, the rules and regulations found in the District Discipline Code, as well as site rules and regulations, will also be discussed with all students (Education Code 35291).
The following are the specified standards of dress and grooming:
A. APPAREL Modesty and the avoidance of distracting influences are keys to an appropriate appearance. All clothing shall be neat, clean and acceptable in repair and appearance sufficient to be worn within the bounds of decency, modesty and good taste as appropriate for school. Any apparel, even if not specifically mentioned below, which creates a safety concern draws undue attention to the wearer or tends to detract from the educational process is prohibited. Garments shall be sufficient to appropriately conceal undergarments at all times.
1. Revealing, or distracting tops and dresses cannot be worn. Tops and dresses must be modest in revealing the back and chest; for example, muscle shirts, halter tops, bare midriffs or chests, seethrough outfits or off-the-shoulder blouses, and shoulder straps less than 2” wide are not appropriate or acceptable (no spaghetti straps or off the shoulder tops. Clothing must cover undergarments. Any “cropped” tops that expose the midriff (waist) or back or sides, tube tops, halter tops, etc. including when worn under overalls. Remember, any skin shown around the midriff will be considered a dress code violation.
2. Shorts, dresses, mini-skirts and skorts are acceptable provided they are no shorter than mid-thigh, are not to be excessively frayed, and are not revealing. Any shorts/skirts that do not extend pass the finger tips with the arms extended at their side. No holes/tears 3.5” above the knees. Holes may not be in locations that reveal undergarment. Students who participate in pep and cheer or AR 5132(b) Dress and Grooming (continued) other athletic team, when required by their advisor/coach to wear their uniforms during school hours, may wear their uniforms without violation of this provision.
3. Pants and shorts are to be worn at the natural waistline (just above the hip of the student) and conform to acceptable standards of appearance (no more than one size too large or too small). Pants and shorts with an extra-long crotch, extending beyond mid-thigh, are not permitted. Pants and shorts cannot be ripped or torn 3.5” above the knee. All sportswear-type shorts, bike shorts (i.e., spandex, nylon), gym shorts (PE Clothing), frayed shorts, or shorts with holes are unacceptable. Shorts may be worn for physical education activities and athletic practices, provided they conform to standard dress for those activities. Leggings/leotards are not appropriate to be worn in place of shorts/pants. No leggings or tights may be worn unless they are worn beneath dresses, skirts, shorts, or tunics.
4. All students must wear shoes at all times. No hard-toed or steel-toed shoes/boots will be allowed. Shoes must be laced and tied or strapped at all ties. Thongs, shoes or sandals without heel straps are inappropriate at elementary school sites due to safety concerns. In grades 7-12 flip-flops and all sandals are acceptable.
5. Crude or vulgar printing, slander, slogans, symbols, designs, jewelry or pictures depicting tobacco, drugs, alcoholic beverages, illegal activities, deeming to others, or sexual suggestions are specifically prohibited. Any clothing reflecting gang affiliation is prohibited.
6. Military, paramilitary, or camouflage (military style) clothing will not be permitted. Military and/or paramilitary uniforms may be worn by students enrolled in the ROTC program or by other students on special occasions.
7. Baseball caps, visors, beanies or full-brim caps may be worn as sun protective clothing while outdoors. Baseball caps will have no logos. Hats with school logos will be acceptable. All baseball caps and visors must be worn facing completely forward. Hats must be removed anytime a pupil is indoors. Failure to abide by the policy will result in the pupil being prohibited from wearing head wear.
8. Excessively saggy or loose-fitting clothing is not acceptable.
a. Pants and shorts are to be worn at the waist and conform to acceptable standards of appearance.
b. Pants with an extra-long crotch, extending beyond mid-thigh, are not permitted. Pants are not to be stapled, pinned, taped, or rubber-banded.
c. The bottom of the pant leg may not be excessively frayed or drag on the ground. Undergarments should not be visible, including shorts worn underneath pants. AR 5132(c) Dress and Grooming (continued)
d. Shirts, coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts may not be excessively oversized
9. Jackets, and other apparel depicting professional sports teams shall not be worn. In grades K-8 city team jerseys that meet the dress code may be worn on Fridays during the season of that sport.
10. Overalls must be worn correctly with both straps fastened over the shoulder.
11. Pajamas are not acceptable, except for spirit days designated by site administrators.
12. Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors.
13. Articles of clothing, clothing styles, jewelry, or shoes, that present a hazard to the health or safety of the student, or to others in the school, are not acceptable.
a. Dog chains, dog collars or the like, may not be worn. b. Studded and sharp weapon-like accessories are not permitted. c. All jewelry must be removed when participating in sports, other physical activities, or in physical education classes. Small stud earrings may be worn as long as they do not create a safety issue to the wearer or others. d. Wallet chains are not permitted. B.
GROOMING
1. It is expected that personal cleanliness will be observed and that hairstyles, beards, and mustaches will be neatly maintained. Moderation in make-up and hairstyles is required. Hair features that cause undue attention or are gang-related are not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to unusual designs, symbols, razor cuts in hair and eyebrows, messages, and Mohawks. Grooming aids, such as brushes, combs, and make-up are not to be used in the classroom. Wearing excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, or other fragrances is not allowed.
2. Tattoos and which feature crude, vulgar, drug, or gang related designs or shavings are not acceptable.
3. Hickey marks are not acceptable and must be covered at all times while the student is on the school grounds.
C. GANG RELATED APPAREL
The Board finds that gangs, gang-related apparel, and gang-related activities create a clear and present danger of disrupting the educational process and create a hazard to the health and safety of the school environment. These regulations prohibit the wearing or displaying of gang related apparel, insignia, or other gang identifiers i.e. color, symbols, etc). AR 5132(d) Dress and Grooming (continued)
D. GENERAL APPLICATION
1. The District will rely on the opinion of the site administrator, who will review the site discipline flowchart, as to when student behavior or dress has created a disruptive influence to the learning process, is detrimental to a positive school environment, is counter to providing a safe and orderly campus, and/or is in violation of any portion of the foregoing regulation
2. When students are attending school-sponsored, public events, sections of the dress code relating to modesty and gang activity will be in effect.
Each school site will define its procedures for enforcing and documenting dress code violations.