DRESS CODE (from the West Ada Middle School Handbook, p. 25)

Students must present an appearance that is conducive to an effective learning environment for themselves and their classmates and which does not materially interfere with school operations. Students are expected to demonstrate pride in their appearance, which reflects individually on them and collectively on the school. The Board of Trustees directs the Superintendent to establish student dress code procedures consistent with this policy. The following dress code requirements apply to all students at all locations:

• Clothing must cover the body from the chest to below the buttocks. This includes all private and intimate parts of the body.

• All tops must cover the stomach, back, chest, and torso. Shirts that expose the shoulders must have a strap or fabric that goes over both shoulders and adheres to the other provisions of this dress code.

• The fabric covering all private parts must not be see-through.

• Pants/bottoms with rips, tears, or mesh are acceptable but shall not reveal or expose a private/intimate part of the body nor cause a safety concern (i.e., a tripping hazard because the hem of the pant leg drags on the floor).

• Hats or head coverings are permissible at the middle and high school levels. Head coverings may not cover the ears with the exception of those related to medical or religious exemptions. Hats or head coverings are prohibited at the elementary level with the exception of those related to medical or religious exemptions.

• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities, including physical education, science labs, career-technical, and other activities where unique hazards exist. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as uniforms, safety gear, footwear or accessories. • No clothing or accessories may depict prejudice, hatred, alcohol, drug, tobacco, pornography, or profanity, or denote gang involvement, violence, or illegal activities.

• Secondary students must wear their school-issued student ID/Access Cards and ensure that they are visible at all times.

• Personal accessories must not distract from the school and/or learning environment and not pose a safety hazard to self and/or others.

Building administrators may designate days when reasonable modifications to this Policy may be made, such as spirit or theme days, etc. Such days must be set by the building administrator. Nothing in this dress code shall be construed to restrict or ban a student’s wearing of religious clothing and/or accessories, with the exception of unprotected speech. Parents having religious-based concerns regarding the dress code are encouraged to discuss them with the principal. Any appeals of the principal’s decision shall follow the District’s grievance process. Refer to Administrative Regulation 0502.13- AR(1): Student Dress Code for additional information.

Dress Code Enforcement

Students in violation of this dress code will be provided with three options to meet the dress code during the school day: • Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed to code for the remainder of the day. • Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be dressed to code for the remainder of the day. • If necessary, students’ parents may be contacted during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear. Repeat violations of the District Dress Code may result in further progressive discipline.