Dress and Groming

The Board of Education recognizes that each pupil’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of the pupil’s personal style and individual preferences. The Board will not interfere with the right of pupils and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices affect the educational program of the schools.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to enforce school regulations prohibiting pupil dress and grooming practices which:

1. Present a hazard to the health or safety of the pupil to him/herself or to others in the school.

2. Materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program.

3. Cause excessive wear or damage to school property.

4. Prevent the pupil from achieving his or her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

Pupils should wear clothing that is appropriate for their age and for school. Pupils are expected to come to school wearing neat, appropriate and suitable attire that does not distract others and is not offensive. Clothing that is appropriate for the beach, pool, or health club is not appropriate for school.

Examples of inappropriate attire include, but are not limited to garments that reveal under garments, midriffs or buttocks. Pants must be able to stay up without being hand held. The length of skirts, dresses, and shorts should be appropriate for school. The straps of tank tops should be at least two inch wide spaghetti straps; halter-tops, short shorts, hats, headbands, sunglasses, ski goggles, and bandanas are not appropriate for school.

Pupils may not wear clothing and/or accessories that have any associations with substances, violence or gangs. Clothing that is offensive to any national ethnic, religious, sexual orientation or gender group is not appropriate for school.

Clothing that has any obscene writing or promotes suggestive, indecent or unacceptable school behavior whether stated or implied will not be permitted.

Shoes/sneakers are required to be worn at all times. Discretion should be used regarding the appropriateness and/or safety of certain types of shoes.

All hats, coats, jackets and outdoor attire should be placed appropriate spaces. Coats and hats are not be worn during the school day. Pupils are advised to wear sweaters if they feel the need to have additional warmth during the winter months.

Pupils who are required to wear a head covering due to religious customs or medical reasons or are required to wear sunglasses due to medical reasons must present a written note from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for religious reasons or doctor for medical reasons to the Principal.

Pupils who are dressed inappropriately for school will remove the items and/or replace them with either clothing they have with them or clothing that the school will loan them. Parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) will be contacted to request other clothing and to share the information.

The dress code shall serve as a minimum code. The Building Principal may institute school rules and regulations which he/she deems necessary and/or appropriate.

N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1, 18A:11-7, 18A:11-8, 18A:11-9

Adopted: 16 January 2007

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