Coeur d’Alene School District

No. 271 STUDENTS 3260

Student Dress One of the fundamental purposes of school is to provide the foundation for the creation and development of a proper attitude toward education. While recognizing the importance of allowing students to express their individuality through their attire, the school is responsible for ensuring that student dress is conducive to a positive and respectful environment for all students. Student attire impacts the teaching and learning environment. It can either promote a more effective educational environment, or it can disrupt the educational climate and process. All students are required to dress in a manner that promotes a safe and healthy school environment, and is not disruptive or distracting to the educational climate and process. Student attire that is acceptable for some social settings may not be acceptable for the educational environment of school. Students are reminded that their appearance, clothing, and grooming, significantly affect the way others respond to them. Matters of dress remain the primary responsibility of students, in consultation with their parents or legal guardians. Nevertheless, since it is the duty of the Board of Trustees to provide an educational atmosphere conducive to learning, minimizing disruptions or distractions, and to protect the health, safety, and morals of students all students will adhere to the following certain minimum standards of dress when the student is on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location. In general, students are not to wear or carry items of apparel (clothing, accessories, cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry—including body piercings) which depict or allude to, by picture, symbol, or word, drugs, including alcohol and tobacco; controlled substances; drug paraphernalia; gangs; violence; sexually explicit, lewd, indecent, or offensive material; or illegal acts. The wearing, use, or display of any gang clothing or attire (based upon the principal/designee’s reasonable belief that gangs may be present in a school) jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, codes, or other things which evidence membership or affiliation in any gang is prohibited on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location. Shirts and blouses should be constructed so that the tops of the shoulders are covered with no less than a 2 ½ inch strap. No halter tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or bare shoulder tops of any type will be allowed. Shirts and blouses that expose any portion of the waist, hips, midriff, or breast when worn normally or with arms raised to shoulder level are not allowed. Other shirts or blouses that are not appropriate for school include, but are not limited to, low cut, see through, backless, and tube tops. Undergarments including bras, tank undershirts, etc. may not be visible. All shorts and skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh from the bottom of the knee. Nylon tights, biker pants, or boxer shorts may not be worn as outer garments. Slits in skirts above midthigh are not permitted. Waistlines of shorts, skirts, and pants must be on or above the hips with 3260-2 no underwear showing. All belts must be properly fastened around the waist. Belts may not be excessive in length and may not hang from either side of the body. Certain types of headwear may not be worn in the school building. This includes, but is not limited to hoods, bandanas and bandana headbands, sunglasses, or any other head covering as determined by building administration. Exceptions may be granted by the principal. Bedroom clothing, bedroom shoes, pajamas, and sleepwear are not allowed. For safety reasons, any clothing that may be used as a weapon, such as jewelry including sharp objects, collars with spikes, and any other spiked clothing, is strictly prohibited. Wallet chains are not permitted. Unless the principal or designee indicates otherwise, students will wear footwear at all times. The Board of Trustees urges parents and students to exercise sound judgment, based upon the standard of appropriateness for the school setting. For example, clothing exposing bare midriffs, shorts, and short skirts will not be allowed. The Superintendent or his or her designee is hereby authorized to promulgate regulations consistent with the provisions of this policy. Interpretation and Implementation of Policy The building principal/designee shall use reasonable discretion in interpreting and implementing the provisions of this policy. If a conflict arises in the interpretation of this policy, the interpretation of the building principal or designee shall be final. Principals, administrators, and teachers shall use reasonable discretion in enforcing this policy. Enforcement Teachers and administrators may deny class entrance to students dressed or otherwise adorned inappropriately until arrangements may be made for their proper attire. All time missed from classes for failure to adhere to this policy will be deemed unexcused absences. Parents or guardians will be notified each time a student is asked to leave school because of inappropriate attire. Students who are insubordinate or refuse to change the improper attire, or who repeat dress code violations shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion, depending on all the facts and circumstances, for violating the standards of student conduct. Temporary Exceptions In order to allow appropriate attire for a particular educational or school activity, the building principal/designee has the authority to grant temporary exceptions to specific provisions of this policy and related regulations. An example of such an exception might be where a specially scheduled school event required a group of students to dress unusually on a particular day. The building principal or designee may determine appropriate attire options for special activity days.

Legal Reference: I.C. 33-506 Organization and Government of Board of Trustees

3260-3 I.C. 33-512(6)

Governance of Schools Policy History: Adopted on: August 11, 2014 Revised on: