Rules of Dress and Appearance
In order to promote an orderly learning environment in our schools while preparing all students for later success in the world of work, the District School Board of Pasco County has established the following guidelines for student dress:
- The principal, or designee, shall determine the appropriateness of dress and appearance in accordance with the guidelines distributed by the school, school board policy and guidelines contained herein. The principal, or designee, will make the decision if a student’s appearance meets school and community standards. The principal’s decision on the appropriateness of dress is final as long as it does not contradict official district policy listed herein or elsewhere.
- These guidelines are in effect while on any District School Board of Pasco County school or campus, at any school function or on any school-sponsored transportation.
- The following types of clothing, items, accessories and apparel are considered inappropriate for the school environment.
| Any clothing, items, accessories or apparel which contain or display: o Profanity in any form o Violent images |
o Vulgarity in any form
o Sexually suggestive words, phrases or images o Sexually implicit or explicit images
o Advertisements or usage of tobacco, alcohol or drugs
o Gang-related images and/or images that signify gang affiliation or antisocial group affiliation
Any clothing, items, accessories or apparel which may or does:
o Substantially disrupt the school setting
o Be offensive to good taste or the maintenance
of decorum
o Expose underwear, body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner and/or abdomen skin
- The following clothing, items, accessories and apparel are considered inappropriate for the school environment:
| o Muscle shirts or tank tops o Spandex clothing o Strapless tops o Slippers or similar footwear o Skirts that are more than 4” above the knee o Shorts that are more than 4” above the knee o Wallet chains, dog collars or similar items |
o Jewelry that may cause safety issues and/or substantially disrupt the school setting
o Hats or head coverings (unless preapproved administratively for medical, religious reasons and/or for special school activities) |
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| o Blouses, shirts or sweaters that dip below the line formed between the left and right armpit
o Backless shirts, dresses or apparel |
o Leggings, yoga pants, tights or similar clothing (unless covered by a shirt no more than 4” above the knee)
o Muscle shirts, tank tops, bikini tops or spaghetti strap tops (top/shirt shoulder straps must be at least 1” across) o Tops must be long enough to clearly overlap the belt line or stay tucked in during the course of normal movement throughout the school day |
- Offensive designs tattooed or imprinted on the body must be covered.
- Students shall wear shoes for foot protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds or on school
transportation. Slippers are not acceptable.
- If issued, student must be in possession of school badges during all school activities and must present the
badge to school officials upon request.
- Schools may not require a student to remove or discipline a student for wearing clothing that depicts a firearm
or weapon or expresses an opinion regarding a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment (F.S. 1006.07)
o Clothing depicting violent acts and/or violence remain inappropriate for the school setting
Violations of these provisions of the dress code are subject to the following consequences as defined by F.S. 1006.07(2)(d1) and F.S. 1006.07(2)(d2):
- For a first offense, the student shall be given a verbal warning and the school principal or designee shall call the student’s parent or guardian.
- For a second offense, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of time not to exceed five (5) days and the school principal shall meet with the student’s parent or guardian.
- For a third or subsequent offense, the student shall receive an in-school suspension for a period not to exceed three (3) days, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, and the school principal shall call the student’s parent or guardian and send the parent or guardian a written letter regarding the student’s in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
(F.S. 1006.07, 1003.01)
Students in violation of the dress code:
• Willberequiredtochangeintoappropriateclothing,contactingtheparent/guardianasneeded
• Studentsmayberequiredtoremaininthefrontofficeuntiltheaboveconditionismetperprincipaldiscretion • Mayreceiveadisciplinereferralandreceiveconsequencesasappropriateforrepeatedbreachesofthepolicy
