A revised Decatur County Board of Education dress code policy went in to effect for the 2007-2008 school term.

The policy is still in place for the 2009-2010 school year and will continue to be strictly enforced.

It is of utmost importance that the school system gets the support and cooperation from parents or guardians concerning this matter.

Compliance with the dress code should be considered when shopping for school clothes.

School dress code

The revised Dress Code Policy JCDB is listed below in hopes that parents and students will become familiar with this policy.

Our schools recognize the importance of being well groomed and neat in appearance. Clothing should be appropriate for the occasion, in good taste and in good condition.

While the administration recognizes the individuality of each student and does not wish to stifle individual taste, consideration must be given to our primary reason for being in school.

Clothing and/or personal adornment that is so unusual or non-traditional that it attracts undue attention and distracts from the academic climate of the classroom cannot be allowed.

Violation of this policy may result in a child being removed from class for a minimal amount of time with the option of changing clothes. Time spent out of class because of inappropriate dress will not be excused (zeros for work missed).

Abide by these simple rules

Students must abide by the following when dressing for school:

Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the school building or on school buses. Bookbags (other than clear or mesh) are not permissible on campus.

Shorts, skirts and dresses must be fingertip length or longer when standing erect. All shorts and pants should be without holes and must not reveal undergarments. Slits in shorts, skirts and dresses may be no higher than fingertip length when standing erect.

Shirts, dresses or blouses must have straps a minimum of 2 inches wide. Low-cut necklines, tops that expose the midriff or back, and see-through shirts are not allowed. Jumpers must be worn with a shirt or blouse underneath.

Shirts that reveal undergarments may not be worn. Hair may contain no pin curls or rollers. Picks and combs may not be worn in the hair.

Sweat pants and track shorts are allowed only as part of a school uniform or in PE class. Windsuits are acceptable attire.

Pants, shorts and skirts must be the appropriate size for the student and must be worn at the appropriate waist level. Saggy pants and pants that expose undergarments can not be worn.

Clothing or jewelry that advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco or has obscene, satanic, violent, offensive or suggestive words or pictures are not allowed. Any gang-related attire is strictly prohibited.

Club, fraternity or sorority shirts, other than those that are school-sponsored, are not allowed.

Jewelry that adorns the nose, hair and ears that is distracting or unsafe for a specified activity is not allowed.

Interlocking rings that cover more than one finger or any ring or jewelry that can be construed as a weapon are not allowed.

Appropriate undergarments must be worn.

Bandannas, handkerchiefs, scarves, head rags or similar items are not to be worn on campus or any school-sponsored activity.

Shoes must be worn that are appropriate for school and required activities. Shower shoes, pool shoes and bedroom shoes are not appropriate.

The principal at each school may deem it necessary to restrict certain clothing, etc. The principal or designee will determine if attire is disruptive or inappropriate. The handling of the violation may include the confiscation of inappropriate articles. Repeat offenders will be handled according to the individual student’s discipline record with chronic offenses resulting in suspension.

If a student is in doubt about an item’s appropriateness, the best advice is to leave the item at home.

Copies of school handbooks containing the Decatur County Dress Code will be available at all schools. Decatur County Schools are going to continue to enforce the Dress Code and will not tolerate violations.