Purpose: The School Board recognizes its obligation to provide schools where the health, safety, and welfare of the students who attend those schools are given paramount consideration and where a positive learning environment must be maintained. The Board is aware of its obligation to make every effort to minimize the opportunities for student distraction and/or disruption in the schools. The Board recognizes and understands that there is a strong correlation between appropriate attire and a positive learning environment.
Student dress shall be appropriate to the school setting and conducive to the learning environment. The following items are not acceptable school attire:
- Bandanas, Beanies, Caps, Hats or Toboggans of any type with exception of religious garb
- Sunglasses
- Shirts with any messaging/graphics with the exception of representation of Haywood Tomcats (Designer logos may not be larger than a credit/debit card.)
- Political statements/messaging on any clothing or masks.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses that are not at your fingertips or below with hands to sides
- Mesh shirts, tank tops, “cut off” tops, or see through shirts (Midriffs must be covered at all times including when students are seated and/or raising their hands. Also, skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from underarm to mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is defined as the midpoint between the waist and mid-knee.
- Articles of clothing that are ripped or torn that show skin. (Please note that jeans are allowed; however, jeans should not have rips or holes.)
- Clothing that promotes the use or consumption of alcohol, drugs or sexual innuendoes conveying suggestive or inappropriate messages. Clothing which denotes possible gang affiliation/interest group is not permitted.
- Low riding and/or sagging pants
- Wording across the seat of pants
- House shoes/slippers
- Pajama Pants
- Tights worn as pants, yoga pants, and stretchy, form-fitting pants (However, leggings and other compression-style garments may be worn so long as opaque top garment covers the private body parts.)
- Oversized coats, large overcoats, and blankets are not permitted during school hours.
The list is not all inclusive. For the orderly and efficient operation of the school, the school administration may determine other attire to be inappropriate as situations arise. If there is a question as to whether an article of clothing is appropriate for school wear, the school administration should be contacted prior to wearing.
Students who are considered to be in violation of the student dress code will be required to be in compliance immediately or be subject to the district progressive discipline policy until he/she is in compliance. In extreme cases of dress, makeup, jewelry and/or hair, etc., the students may be sent home to make corrections. All infractions will be documented on the student’s discipline record and the Haywood County Schools’ discipline code will be followed.
Revised July 2023