Student Dress Code
The School Board recognizes that student dress and appearance play an important role in creating a safe and respectful learning environment. The division values student individuality while ensuring that attire does not disrupt instruction or compromise health or safety.
Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to support the division’s emphasis on maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning and free from distractions. This dress code applies to all school functions, unless otherwise noted.
Note: Principals may make exceptions to the dress code at their discretion for special events. Principals will communicate to students, parents, and guardians in advance if exceptions are permitted.
- Footwear must be worn at all times and must be safe and appropriate for school activities.
- Clothing must cover all private body parts and the chest, midriff, and buttocks at all times, including when standing, sitting, bending, or engaging in physical activity.
- Sleeveless tops are permitted if they have sufficient coverage. No strapless garments are permitted.
- Yoga pants, leggings, and similar fitted garments may be worn with tops that provide additional coverage of the pelvic area.
- Pants and shorts must be worn securely at the waist to prevent undergarments from being visible and to ensure garments do not sag below the hips or drag on the floor.
Students may not wear the following:
- Clothing, jewelry, or personal items displaying language or images that are vulgar, obscene, or discriminatory, including content that disparages or targets others based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics. Images or messages that promote or reference drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, or illegal conduct.
- Hats, hoods, face masks, or head coverings of any kind, while inside school buildings during regular school hours, unless worn for medical reasons or approved in writing in advance by the building principal; however, students are permitted to wear any religiously or ethnically specific or significant head coverings.
- Sunglasses indoors, unless prescribed by a physician.
- Chains, spikes, or other accessories that could pose a safety concern.
- Pajamas, sleepwear, or swimwear (except when approved for special events).
- Clothing that is see-through or resembles undergarments.
Enforcement
Enforcement will focus on addressing issues that substantially disrupt the educational environment or pose a clear safety risk, rather than minor style variations. Dress code expectations will be enforced in a respectful, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner.
- When a concern arises, students will be given an opportunity to correct the issue privately whenever possible.
- Disciplinary action will only be considered if a student refuses to comply after being given the opportunity to make appropriate adjustments.
The division will conduct an annual review of the dress code to ensure that it remains fair, practical, and reflective of best practices.