STUDENT
APPEARANCE
Welcome back!
Every year at this time we talk about appropriate clothing for school.
With the warm weather and new fashion trends, parents and students always ask
questions regarding appropriate student dress at school. This is often a sensitive topic. According to District policy, dress and
grooming are the responsibility of the student and his/her parents, but must not
be disruptive to the teaching /learning process. Students have the responsibility not to wear
clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles that can be hazardous to them in their
educational activities. Dress and
grooming should be clean and in keeping with good health and sanitary
practices.
In earlier grade and team meetings with the kids
this year, we once again discussed this issue and how the school prefers not to
take on the role of "fashion police" when determining appropriate
attire. We do realize that styles change rapidly and even vary from one region
of the country to another. Also, because
of different body types and builds, certain clothing that appears modest on one
student may be a little too “revealing” on another. District policy generally does not attempt to
regulate attire, but during school when a student dresses in a manner that
draws negative attention, or appears to test the boundaries of decency for the
age group and the school setting, a Guidance Counselor privately discusses the
issue with the student. If necessary, students are asked to cover up or are
provided with something to wear. The administration will generally be brought
in only if it is a repeat occurrence. In most cases, students simply agree to
put something on to cover or correct the questionable clothing. In the event a
counselor does speak to a student regarding attire, parents will be called if
there appears to be an issue. If
inappropriate attire is worn to a dance at the school and the student refuses
to make the necessary adjustments, parents will be called and the student will
be asked to leave. Dances prove to be a more difficult place to regulate attire
because the school sponsors fewer than half of them. Presently, dance sponsors include the Amherst
Junior Women’s Club (proceeds are donated directly back to the Middle School!)
and various athletic groups from
The entire Student Agenda can be viewed on the
web site at www.sprise.com.
Some examples of unacceptable items listed in the Student Agenda are:
·
Any clothing
that displays profane language, gestures, or messages.
·
Any clothing
that advertises alcohol, tobacco, or otherwise promotes the use of illegal
substances.
·
Apparel with
“double meanings” which are inappropriate for school wear such as concert tee
shirts depicting illegal or anti-social behavior.
·
See-through
clothing, halter tops, tube tops, shirts with bare shoulders/shoulder, or any
style of clothing that allows the midriff to be exposed. Thin shoulder straps
on tops are acceptable ONLY if the shirt provides reasonable coverage of the
body. The appearance of “cleavage” is never appropriate for students at the
Middle School.
·
Skirts or
other clothing that is hemmed higher than is appropriate for school. Shorts and hemlines must be at least half way
between the top of the leg and mid thigh. A good indicator of appropriate
length, and a measure used by many area schools is that the skirt/dress/shorts
should be at least as low as the tips of the fingers when standing straight
up-no higher!
·
Sunglasses,
backpacks or hats (except in designated areas).
Hats, defined as “head coverings,” (including head stockings, bandannas,
or sweatbands) shall not be worn except for religious, cultural, or medical
purposes.
·
Operating
beepers, cell phones, or other electronic devices during school hours.
To
maintain consistency, the administration and/or designee will determine
appropriateness when attire is in question.
Please call me if you any questions regarding proper attire.