Dress Code
Student Dress Code
We promise to provide a safe, supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to thrive in their future. To support a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and free from disruption, the following guidelines outline expectations for student dress and grooming.
Students may:
- Wear clothing that fits properly, allows for comfortable movement, and supports a safe and active school day.
- Express personal style through clothing and accessories, provided they are appropriate for school and do not disrupt the learning environment.
To help maintain a safe and respectful environment, clothing and appearance must:
- Be free of writing, images, or symbols that are vulgar, lewd, obscene, profane, sexually suggestive, or that promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other illegal activities.
- Cover all undergarments, as well as the chest and midriff areas.
- Provide appropriate coverage at all times; buttocks must be completely covered.
- Include footwear that is safe for school activities.
- Elementary students (TK–6): Shoes must have a back enclosure. Sandals and Crocs are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Not include see-through materials that expose undergarments or body parts typically covered at school.
- Avoid accessories (such as chains or spikes) that could be unsafe, dangerous, or used as a weapon.
- Not display symbols associated with intimidation, violence, or violent groups.
- Not include pajamas, except on designated school spirit or special event days.
- Require hats, caps, and other head coverings to be removed indoors, unless worn for religious or cultural reasons.
- Ensure that the face remains visible at all times while on campus, unless medically necessary or worn for religious or cultural observance.
-
The Board of Trustees believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. The Board expects students to wear clothing that is suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students shall not wear clothing that presents a health or safety hazard or causes a substantial disruption to the educational program.
District and school rules pertaining to student attire shall be included in student handbooks, may be posted in school offices and classrooms, and may be periodically reviewed with all students as necessary.
Students shall not be prohibited from dressing in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression or with their religious or cultural observance.
In addition, the dress code shall not discriminate against students based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists. (Education Code 212.1)
The principal or designee is authorized to enforce this policy and shall inform any student who does not reasonably conform to the dress code. The dress code shall not be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a particular viewpoint or results in a disproportionate application of the dress code based on students' gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, household income, or body type or size.
School administrators, teachers, and other staff shall be notified of appropriate and equitable enforcement of the dress code.
When practical, students shall not be directed to correct a dress code violation during instructional time or in front of other students.
Repeated violations or refusal to comply with the district's dress code may result in disciplinary action. -
The principal, staff, and parents/guardians at a school may establish a reasonable dress code that prohibits students from wearing gang-related apparel when there is evidence of a gang presence that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the school's activities. Such a proposed dress code shall be presented to the Board, which shall approve the plan upon determining that it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the school environment. The dress code policy may be included in the school's comprehensive safety plan. (Education Code 35183)
When determining specific items of clothing that may be defined as gang apparel, the school shall ensure that the determination is free from bias based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, or other protected characteristics.
-
The Board may approve a school-initiated dress code requiring students at the school to wear a school uniform whenever the Board determines that such a dress code will promote student achievement, a positive school climate, and/or student safety.
The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures whereby parents/guardians may choose to have their children exempted from the school uniform policy. Students shall not be penalized academically, otherwise discriminated against, or denied attendance to school if their parents/guardians so decide. (Education Code 35183)
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that resources are identified to assist economically disadvantaged students in obtaining uniforms. (Education Code 35183)
If you have any questions regarding this policy or the dress standards within the policy, please direct them to your school's principal/assistant principal, or Leonor Buza, Director of Student Services at 805.769.1000 x 30424