JICA: STUDENT DRESS

The School Committee recognizes that responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with individual students and their parent(s)/guardian(s). The School Committee will not interfere with the personal choices of students unless they create a disruptive influence on the school program or affect the health or safety of others.

Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in dress and grooming.  In keeping with the goals of the school unit to provide a safe, healthful, and non-discriminatory environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the following restrictions on dress shall be enforced:

A.    Articles of clothing that promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs may not be worn on school grounds or at school functions.

B.    Clothing, footwear, insignia, or accessories that are intended to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang are prohibited.

C.    Articles of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd, or indecent or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs) are impermissible.

D.    Clothing that is destructive of school property (e.g., cleats, pants with metal inserts that scratch furniture) are not permitted.

School administrators or teachers may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for students particularly in physical education, certain extra-curricular activities, work with or around machines, or other activities. However, no particular brand may be required.

The Superintendent is responsible for the development of any administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy.

Student handbooks shall include examples of prohibited clothing, footwear, and accessories.

The building principal shall be responsible for enforcement of this policy and shall have the authority to determine appropriateness of dress.

Adopted:        April 16, 1986

Revised: July 5, 1994

October 7, 1997

June 5, 2012

June 15, 2021