STUDENT DRESS, ACCESSORIES, and GROOMING
EN ESPAŅOL (JICA-SP)
 
The District is committed to a learning environment that is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption and gang activity or influence. The Board of Education believes that the manner in which students dress, accessorize and groom themselves affects the learning environment. By their appropriate appearance (which includes dress, accessories and other body adornments, and grooming), students help create an environment that is conducive to their own as well as all students' learning. Students' appearance, therefore, clearly has a direct and indirect influence on school discipline and student achievement.
 
Because of the direct and indirect relationships between students' appearance and the establishment and maintenance of positive learning environments and high student achievement, students are required to exercise good judgment in their choice of appearance for school and school-related functions and activities. During school hours students' appearance shall be appropriate for the classroom and reinforce a positive learning environment. In addition, students' appearance at school-related functions including, but not limited to, special occasions and activities under the jurisdiction of the school, shall be appropriate for these occasions, regardless of where or when such occasions or activities occur.
 
Items that are not acceptable for school or school-related activities include the following:
Jogging shorts/running shorts/"cut-off" shorts (or any shorts or other similar article of clothing shorter than mid-thigh)
 
Skirts and dresses shorter than mid-thigh
 
Sunglasses (inside the building)
 
Hats (inside the building)
 
Underwear as outer wear
 
Rubber shoe thongs ("flip flops")
 
Bedroom slippers
Inappropriately sheer, tight or short clothing
 
Garments (e.g. "midriffs"; halter tops; backless clothing; "tube" tops; garments made of fishnet, mesh, or similar material; tank tops; "muscle" tops; etc.) that inappropriately bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts
 
Sagging clothing
 
Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories or body adornments that contain advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that are sexually suggestive; that are drug, tobacco, or alcohol related; or that are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, indecent, or plainly offensive
 
Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories or body adornments that are disruptive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment; that pose a threat or potential threat to the safety or welfare of the student or any other person; or that are or could be considered to be symbols of gang involvement or activity
 
Any other similarly inappropriate clothing, accessory, body adornment, etc., or inappropriate grooming or hygiene.
Student appearance which is considered by school officials to be vulgar, lewd, obscene, profane, indecent, plainly offensive, or in any way related to gang membership or activities, shall not be allowed in or on school or District property or at school-related functions or activities, regardless of where the activity is held or whether the student's appearance causes a substantial disruption or poses a threat to the safety or welfare of the student or other person.
 
Coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities and teachers in specialized classes such as physical education, band, choir, etc., are granted authority to establish more restrictive rules regarding students' appearance for students enrolled in such classes and/or participating in such activities. Such rules shall be consistent with the requirements of the activity and shall require the approval of the principal/designee.
 
Any student who comes to school without proper attention having been given to their appearance, which includes cleanliness, in violation of this policy may be disciplined, sent home to be properly prepared for school, and required to prepare himself or herself for the classroom before re-entering school. Students who violate this policy in a continuing or flagrant manner may also be recommended for suspension and/or expulsion. See File: JK and JK-R.
 
The administration of each school reserves the right to pass judgment on the interpretation of this policy and is granted the authority to establish a higher standard of dress than is required by this policy that is commensurate with the values and expectations of their community. This includes the option of designing and implementing a more uniform dress code with the approval of the Superintendent/Designee.
 
Temporary exceptions to this policy may be granted for a limited duration by the school principal for specially designated days or occasions.
 
Adopted: September, 1972
Revised: December, 1994
Revised: April, 1997
 
Colorado Springs School District Eleven, Colorado Springs Colorado
April, 1997
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