Citrus County Schools

STUDENT DRESS CODE FOR CITRUS COUNTY SCHOOLS

 

The Citrus County School Board recognizes that clothing fashions change and that fads come and go, but distinctions still need to be made as to what is acceptable attire for educational purposes. Some clothing which might be appropriate in other settings would be completely inappropriate and disruptive for the learning atmosphere in a school setting.

The principal or designee is responsible for interpreting and clarifying the student dress code upon student or parent request. The principal or designee is the final authority for interpreting and applying the student dress code related to special events and activities conducted at the school.

Students will dress in attire which does not distract from the learning process or the educational environment. The Citrus County School guidelines specify the following:

•   Clothing should not be sexually suggestive, and it should cover and conceal body parts, e.g. chest, midriff, back, legs (to mid-thigh or longer), shoulders (2” wide shoulder straps minimum).

•   Clothing should cover all undergarments.

•   Shorts, skirts, or pants should be worn at natural waistline.

•   Attire should not illustrate, enhance, or depict tobacco/alcohol/drugs, nor have offensive, racial, gang-related, sexual or violent messages, or images.

•   Attire should contribute to the health and safety of all students and staff. Jewelry, shoes, accessories, hair color and hair styles must be free of conditions that could be considered hazardous or disruptive.

•   Accessories such as, but not limited to, spiked necklaces, spiked wristbands, spiked earrings, and wallet chains are not permissible.

•   Blankets and/or sleepwear (i.e.  pajamas, house slippers) are not allowed. Pants/shorts with a zipper or closed/sewn fly are permitted.

•   Any accessory which attaches to your body or clothing causing disruption, distraction, or a safety hazard is not permissible, as determined by the principal or designee.

HEAD COVERS

Hats and head covers should not be worn in designated school areas at any time, except for recognized religious purposes. Sweatshirt hoodies and other head covers that block all or part of the face are considered a violation of the dress code and to school safety.

FOOTWEAR

Footwear should contribute to the health and safety of all students and staff. Roller shoes and house slippers are not permitted. Tennis shoes/sneakers may be required for physical activity.

CLOTHING

The following administrative guidelines must be followed by all students when wearing shorts, skirts, pants, and dresses:

1.   The length of shorts, skirts, and dresses must be mid-thigh or longer (please refer to the diagram provided below).

2.   Clothing that is too tight, too baggy, causes disruption, distraction, or a safety hazard will not be permitted. Tight-fitting clothing is not permitted unless covered by other approved clothing.

3.   Tears/holes in shorts/pants must be below the mid-thigh unless patches or leggings are worn underneath the shorts/pants. Skin must not be seen above the mid-thigh.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each student to come to school in the appropriate dress, have respect for self and others, and understand the role that appropriate dress and respect for self and others has in an orderly learning environment. Therefore, students, while attending school during the regular school day, are prohibited from wearing clothes that expose underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment. Any student who violates this dress policy is subject to the following disciplinary actions as pursuant to 1006.07:

1.   For a first offense, a student shall be given a verbal warning and the school principal/designee shall call the student’s parent or guardian.

2.   For a second offense, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed five (5) days and the school principal/designee shall meet with the student’s parent or guardian.

3.   For a third or subsequent offense, a student shall receive an in-school suspension for a period not to exceed three (3) days, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 30 days, and the school principal/designee shall call the student’s parent or guardian and send the parent or guardian a written letter regarding the student’s in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.

 

 

VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT DRESS CODE

 

Any student violating the student dress code may be sent home to change, or the parent may be asked to bring a change of clothes to the school for the student. Any absence caused by a student dress code violation will be an unexcused absence for each period or day missed.

Nothing in this section is intended to keep school principals from using their best judgment as to how to best implement this code.

 

DRESS CODE GUIDELINE FOR STUDENTS/PARENTS

 

Parents: Use this quick technique to make sure your child(ren) is(are) in compliance with our Dress Code policy as to the appropriate length of shorts, skirts, and dresses.

The halfway mark is defined as: while in the seated position, measure halfway from the top of the leg (the crease your hip makes when seated) to the outside of the bent knee.

In a standing position, whatever students are wearing should be as long or longer than the half-way mark.