RCPS DRESS CODE POLICYPROPOSED DRAFT

2014-2015

Timeline . . .The student dress

code takes effect on the first day of

school.

RCPS PHILOSOPHY Proposed POLICY Revision RCPS          ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD File:  JFC

The school board and administration of Rockingham County Schools believe that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. Any clothing, accessory, or general appearance that interferes with, disrupts, or has the potential to interfere with or disrupt the educational environment is unacceptable. The board prohibits any clothing, accessory, or appearance that does the following: (1) violates the guidelines in the following dress code policy; (2) is substantially disruptive; (3) is provocative or obscene; or (4) endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

RCPS PHILOSOPHY

All students attending Rockingham County Public Schools must observe the following guidelines. The following are deemed unacceptable:

• Clothing which exposes undergarments. • Dress that inflames or defames• Dress promoting or depicting a drug,

tobacco, alcohol, violence, or sexually implicit or explicit message

• Dress with profane statements or meanings• Dress which promotes or proclaims gang

activities• Hats, caps or head coverings (exception –

worn for religious beliefs) shall not be worn inside schools during regular school hours

OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

All students are expected to dress in a manner consistent with the recognition that they have a responsibility to help

foster a learning environment promoting health and safety,

respect and pride, and a positive regard for discipline

and authority.

These are consideredacceptable:

Shirts and Blouses Shirts/Blouses must NOT show cleavage, lower back, midriffs, or undergarments.

Muscle shirts, tube tops, halter tops, strapless and spaghetti strap tops are unacceptable.

Shirts/tops that reveal cleavage, are low cut, show midriff, undergarments,or are backless

are UNACCEPTABLE.

Low-cut

Showsmidriff

Low-cut

Backless

See through

ShowsUndergarment

Backless

Tank Top ChoicesACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABL

E

Spaghetti Straps Low Cut

“Two Finger” width strap to cover undergarments

Tank Top Choices

ACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABLE

Bare chest is not exposed by large neck and arm holes.

Large arm holes expose bare chest.

Mid-Thigh Length

Length of dresses, skirts,shorts (including slits), should be no shorter thanthe mid-thigh.

ShortsACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABL

E

Not Mid-Thigh lengthMid-Thigh length

Tights/Leggings/Spandex Shorts/Yoga Pants should be worn with a top which covers the

backside of the student.

Your shirt should be longenough to cover your backside and front.

Acceptabl

e

“Skinny” jeans

Acceptable

Female

Male

Inappropriate Attire

Sagging is not allowed.

Chains are notallowed.

These pictures represent

examples of a skirt and short

that is too short. These do not meet the mid-

thigh rule.

Undergarments cannot be visible at any time.

Apparel must cover all undergarments

These are considered acceptable:

SunglassesFor school safety and security, sunglasses may not be worn.

Inappropriate Headgear

Hats/Caps

Caps

Inappropriate Headgear

Bandannas

Cannot be worn as a head covering

Hoodies Hoodies are considered

“head coverings”. Please remove your hood upon entering the building. Hoods must remain off until after the dismissal bell has sounded.

Unacceptable Attire

Any article of clothing which displays obscene words,

pictures or designs, any article which

conveys a sexually suggestive, vulgar,

demeaning or inflammatory remark, a pro-alcohol message, a

tobacco and or drug related message, or is symbolic of gangs or

disruptive groups.

Gang Representation

Students shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with policy JFC, and others as appropriate for participating in gang activity. Gang activity is defined as: 

Wearing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other thing that is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang

Dress Code Policy for Piercings…

Piercings – Facial Piercings are now allowed unless deemed a safety issue or seen as a violation to any other portion of the dress code.

Consequences: Students who violate provisions of the dress code will

not be allowed to attend class and will be given the opportunity to have a parent/guardian bring appropriate clothing to school or pick up the student.

School administration may provide proper attire on a loan basis, in the event the parent/guardian is unable to be contacted.

Continued violations of the dress code will subject the student to disciplinary action as defiance of school rules.

Consequences: continued

First Offense: Warning issued with compliance. Request change of clothes and notification to parent.

Second Offense: One day of in-school suspension, lunch detention, or Saturday school and notification of parent.

Third Offense: Three days of out-of-school suspension (with required notification to parent).

Consequences: continued Fourth Offense: Five days out-of-school

suspension (with required notification to parent)

Fifth Offense: Ten days of out-of-school suspension with recommendation to the Division Superintendent of Schools for regular school suspension for the remainder of the semester or school year (with required notification to parent), with the opportunity to continue academic studies in an alternative setting or arrangement, as may be available.

THANK YOU!!!

We look forward to a great 2014-2015 school year with each and every one of you.

We appreciate the time you gave to view this presentation.

We hope that this information provides clear, helpful communication with our students, parents and community in fostering a positive understanding of RCPS Policy and Regulations.