- Heights-Terrace Elementary / Middle School
- Dress Code
-
Book
Policy Manual Section 200 Pupils
Title Dress and Grooming
Number 221
Status
Active
Adopted
September 16, 2010
Last Revised
May 24, 2018
Purpose
The Board recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a
manifestation of personal style and individual preference.
AuthorityThe Board has the authority to impose limitations on students' dress in school. The
Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make
decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational
program of the schools or constitute a health or safety hazard.[1][2]
The Board shall require students to wear standard dress, as stipulated in Board
policy.[1][2]Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in
physical education classes, technical education, extracurricular activities, or other
situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the
student.[2]Delegation of Responsibility
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to monitor student dress and
grooming, and to enforce Board policy and school rules governing student dress and
grooming.The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all rules implementing this policy
impose only the minimum necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student's taste
and individuality.[2]Exceptions to the Dress Code may be made by the Superintendent for medical or
religious reasons.Staff members shall be instructed to demonstrate, by example, positive attitudes
toward neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and
appearance.[3]Guidelines
Dress Code
The Board has adopted this school Dress Code for all grades K through 12. The Dress
Code shall be strictly enforced pursuant to discipline guidelines.
All students shall attend school each day in accordance to the Dress Code.
The Board or the approved dress code committee must approve all changes to this
Dress Code.Embroidery/Monogramming with Hazleton Area School District, HAHS Band, or HAHS
Cheerleader or other respective school logo is optional, as sanctioned by the dress code
committee.All clothing must be appropriately sized for the student, that is, clothing must be no
more than one (1) regular size larger than the student actually measures. Extra-wide,
extra-full, extra-long, baggy or sagging pants and shorts are not acceptable.
Clothing may be purchased at any store/vendor as long as clothing conforms to this
Dress Code.Shorts as described in this policy, are permitted to be worn from the beginning of the
school year until October 1 of that year. In the spring, shorts may be worn starting
April 20 until the end of the school year.
Shirts may be worn outside the pants, but the bottom of the shirt cannot extend past
the middle of the pants pocket, and dress shirts must be tucked inside the pants. If the
shirt exceeds acceptable length, it must be tucked inside the pants. Jeans are permitted
as long as there are no holes in them.
Only clear or mesh backpacks are permitted in K-8 school buildings, in accordance with
school guidelines. Backpacks are not permitted in 9-12 buildings.
Closed shoes or sneakers with socks/stockings must be worn.Articles of Noncompliance
This list is only a guide and not complete, as other items may not be listed:
1. No cargo pants.
2. No baggy/skateboard pants.
3. No denim tops or look-alike denim/corduroy stretch pants.
4. Medical-type scrubs or pajama pants will not be allowed.
5. No spandex stretch or legging pants except for medical reasons or if a dress is
over top of the described pants.
6. No mini/micro skirts (no more than three (3) inches above the knee).
7. No hats, caps, headbands, or bandanas.
8. No bare midriff or low cut, scoop neck tops.
9. No tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, or sleeveless shirts.
10. No off-the-shoulder garments.
11. No sheer clothing.
12. No chains, dog collars or spike bracelets/necklaces.
13. No clothing or article deemed sexually suggestive or condoning violence,
drug/alcohol/tobacco use, suicide or vulgar language.
14. No dresses, shorts, skirts, or skorts that are more than three (3) inches above
the knee.
15. No display of any undergarments.
16. No camouflage clothing.
17. No open-toed shoes or "flip flops" are permitted.Discipline Guidelines
The following discipline guidelines apply to student in all grades K through 12:
1. First Offense – At the direction of the principal, the student shall be retained in
the office until the student/parent/guardian provides a proper change of clothing,
not to exceed one (1) day. If a parent/guardian is unable to provide a change of
clothing, the school will issue something in compliance, when extra clothing is
available.2. Second Offense – The student shall receive in-school suspension.[4]
3. Third Offense – This and all subsequent violations shall result in loss of
privileges and/or out-of-school suspension.[4]Classes missed because of noncompliance with the Dress Code shall be governed by the
attendance policy.[5]When possible, the school shall attempt to provide a student who is wearing a
noncompliant top with a top that is in compliance. Discipline shall still apply.
Legal
1. 24 P.S. 1317.3
2. 22 PA Code 12.11
3. Pol. 325
4. Pol. 233
5. Pol. 204