ASHLAND CITY SCHOOL STUDENTS - GRADES 7-12 (2008-2009)

Please familiarize yourself with the revised dress code for the 2008-2009 school year. You can help us enforce this policy by referring to it as you plan your back to school clothing purchases. The dress code will be strictly enforced and will also include athletics and extracurricular activities in that strict enforcement.

It is realized that the effectiveness of the minimum standards of dress can only be achieved through joint cooperation from students, faculty, and parents. In keeping with this idea, the following policy has been adopted as the Dress Code Policy for grades 7-12.

Dress and personal appearance shall be neat and clean. A student's dress or appearance that constitutes a threat or disruption to the health or safety of the student or other members of the school community, or presents an immoral or immodest public display is not permitted. An instructor has the discretion to reasonably alter the stated dress code standards to meet his/her particular situation for a student participating in extracurricular activities, enrolled in a lab class, or participating in a cooperative program. This policy can be enforced for all students in attendance at any school-sponsored event. The building administrator will be the final arbiter of appropriate student dress and grooming.

A. The following attire is not permitted in the school setting:

    1. Any form of dress or appearance that may disrupt the academic program or that is inappropriate for the school setting
    2. Bare midriffs, bare backs, extremely low cut tops, or any sleeveless garment
    3. Headbands, hats, gloves, bandanas, do-rags, sunglasses, wallet chains, chains
    4. Pajama pants, sweat pants, jogging outfits or any other form of athletic pants
    5. Beards, mustaches, or facial hair; students are expected to be clean-shaven
    6. Any clothing that is excessively tight, baggy and/or with large holes or tears is considered inappropriate
    7. Visible tattoos that depict immoral/indecent connotations
    8. Body piercing and jewelry/accessories that are disruptive to or interferes with the educational process

B. Students must wear shoes or sandals in the school setting.

C. Any article of clothing that promotes/illustrates tobacco, alcohol, violence, sex, or any amorality is not permitted during school or at any school-sponsored activity.

D. Shorts must meet the following criteria:

     1. Must be mid-thigh in length and machine hemmed; cut-off shorts and boxer shorts are not permitted.
    2. Athletic shorts are not permitted (this includes: bicycle shorts, track shorts, translucent shorts, mesh shorts, or spandex shorts).

E. All skirts/dresses/split skirts/skorts must be at least mid-thigh in length.

F. No "outdoor" coats are to be worn in school unless the coat is considered a suit coat or part of an outfit.

G. At no time shall clothing be worn in such a way as to expose undergarments.

The Principal of the building, or designee, shall be the final arbiter of student dress and grooming in his/her building.

Any changes or revisions may be presented to the Dress Code Evaluation Committee. The Dress Code Policy will be subject to a biannual review.