Dress Code

District Adopts New Dress Code Standards for Elementary, Middle and High School Students

8/29/2005

Promoting the Educational Mission
The Central Valley School District Board of Directors has adopted a common set of age-appropriate, district-wide dress code standards* for elementary, middle and high school students. The standards were developed by a community-based committee to promote the educational mission and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. The dress code relies on two legal concepts -- disruption of the educational process and student safety. In the past, individual schools established standards that varied widely from building to building.

Setting the Standard for School Dress
The following standards are designed to prepare students for transition to the next educational level. Principles of cleanliness and appropriate attire and appearance are necessary to establish an atmosphere conducive to successful learning. The basic responsibility for appropriate attire must rest with the student and his/her parent/guardian, and be consistent with the educational mission of the school district. Each school’s administration and staff are responsible for recognizing cultural factors to determine when a student’s dress does not conform to district policy. This policy is in effect at all school activities.

Administering Dress Code Standards
The standardized Central Valley School District discipline policy includes guidance for principals when administering the dress code. According to this policy, a student’s dress and appearance may be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is reasonable expectation that:

1. A health or safety hazard is presented by the dress or appearance
2. The dress or appearance promotes drug, alcohol or tobacco
3. The dress or appearance causes a disruption of the educational process
4. The dress or appearance otherwise violates the building standards

When considering the level of discipline, school officials will consider the student’s attitude, the severity of conduct, the student’s intent, the affect on other students and/or staff, the safety of the student and other students and/or staff, mitigating circumstances, and the student’s discipline history.

Elementary Schools 
Examples of Elementary School Dress Code Policy:
• Caps or headwear must be removed upon entering the school building (except for religious observance or medical reasons)
• Apparel/accessories (e.g.: including chains, jewelry, bandanas) that can damage school property, be considered gang-related, or be used as a potential weapon, are not acceptable school attire
• Dress that communicates the promotion of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, violence, vulgarity, profanity, or that is disparaging to gender, ethnicity, religion, or that has a sexual connotation is not acceptable school attire
• Midriffs must be covered
• Revealing clothing is not acceptable school attire
• Shorts and skirts must be below fingertips (school activity uniforms exempt when worn with proper undergarments)
• Underwear shall not be visible
• Sagging pants are not acceptable school attire
• Long belts must be tucked into belt loops
• Safe footwear is required (flip-flops are not safe footwear)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of dress code violations.