Dress code policy

  • Dress Code 

    The dress and grooming of students shall be that which contributes to the health and safety of the individual and which is nondisruptive of the educational activities and processes of a school. The definition of appropriate dress shall vary with the age of the student, the program of instruction, and the heating/cooling system of the building.

    Students have the right:

    • to dress as they choose as long as their dress meets the approved dress and grooming regulations, does not disrupt school activities, is not obscene or defamatory, and does not endanger the physical health or safety of themselves or others. Students have the responsibility: to dress and groom in such a manner to reflect cleanliness, modesty, safety and good taste; become familiar with and adhere to approved dress and grooming regulations of the School Board of Hillsborough County.
    • In accordance with F.S. 1006.07, students shall not wear clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner. Adherence to the Dress Code and Student Code of Conduct is a condition for participation in extracurricular activities. (F.S. 1006.15)
    • Shoes shall be worn and be securely fastened to the feet. During Physical Education classes, shoes must be suitable for outdoor wear.Clothing and/or accessories that display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, gang, weapons, or alcohol, tobacco or vaping related wording or graphics, or that provoke violence or disruption in the school, shall not be worn.
    • Shoes shall be worn. Skate tennis shoes and bedroom slippers are unacceptable and not allowed.
    • Clothing that exposes the entire shoulder, tube tops, spaghetti straps, or similar type of clothing may only be worn with a blouse or shirt.
    • Clothing exposing the torso or the midriff, either front, back, or sides shall not be worn.
    • Underwear shall not be visible.
    • Clothing shall not expose the mid-chest area.
    • Clothing not properly fastened or with tears that are indecent shall not be worn.
    • Clothing traditionally designed as undergarments or sleepwear shall not be worn as outer garments.
    • All pants and shorts shall be secured at the waist.
    • Boys’ shirts shall have sleeves.
    • Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, and short shorts shall not be permitted.
    • Hemlines shall be no shorter than fingertip length.
    • Head coverings shall not be worn in the building unless required for religious observance or health-related reasons.
    • Garments and/or jewelry that display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, gang, weapons, or alcohol-related wording or graphics, or that provoke or may tend to provoke violence or disruption in the school, shall not be worn.
    • Wallet chains shall not be worn.

  • When a student is out of dress code the following steps will be taken:

    • Student will be given the opportunity to correct the issue:
      • Students will call home for a change of clothing.
      • Students will be given a change of clothing (SAO t-shirt)
      • Student notes will be updated.
    • Students that display a pattern of having dress code issues will be referred to the Student Affairs Office for interventions.