• 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.
    Authority

    The 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