Heron Creek Middle School Dress Code

Proper dress is a matter of the following common sense and good taste.  It should be understood that students are always school representatives and dress and grooming may make first and lasting impressions on visitors and guests.

The primary responsibility for a student to be at school appropriately dressed and groomed rests with the student’s parents/guardian.  Student grooming and dress is not to constitute a hazard to the health or safety of the individual student or others with whom he/she comes in contact, and is not to distract from any aspect of the classroom or school operation.

In keeping with the above policy, these guidelines list types of wearing apparel that is offensive to many people.  Wearing apparel which distracts from classroom or school operation and may NOT be worn includes, but is not limited to the following:

• PANTS OR SLACKS - Must be waist fitted and worn to prevent slipping to hip level and must be worn so that the entire waistband is above the top of the hipbone.  "Sagging" of pants is not allowed.   
  There cannot be holes or tears in pants or shorts that show any skin, specifically above the knee.  Students may not place paper/tape on or underpants or shorts to cover holes.

• Leggings/skin-tight pants are not allowed unless the student is wearing a shirt, skirt or shorts that are at least fingertip length over the top of them.  

• Clothing, jewelry, etc. which display alcoholic products, tobacco products, narcotics, drugs, or marijuana.

• Clothing, jewelry, etc. with obscenities or swear words, either expressed or implied.

• Clothing that suggests sexual activity or innuendo, or gang associated words or symbols, or supports discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, marital status, race, sex, sexual persuasion, or religion are prohibited.  Example: Confederate Flag

• Items of clothing or other apparel which depict weapons used or displayed in unlawful, violent, or threatening manner are prohibited.

• Clothing, jewelry, etc.  which have symbols relating to the above.

• Halter-tops, strapless tops, mesh tops, cutoff shirts, spaghetti straps, and sundresses may not be worn.  No skin shall be visible between the blouse or shirt and the item covering the lower body.

• Shorts and skirts are acceptable with the exception of short shorts and skirts less than fingertip length.

• Clothing that is too tight or revealing when standing, bending, sitting, or moving is not acceptable (such as tight, short pencil skirts). 

• Overall straps must both be fastened over the shoulders at all times.

• Hair - Student's hair must not be a distraction in classrooms. 

• Pants or Slacks – Must be waist fitted and worn to prevent slipping to hip level and must be worn so that the entire waistband is above the top of the hipbone.  If the item has an attached belt or belt loops, a belt must be worn snugly, with a belt buckle no more than 1 ½ inch high and no more than 2 inches wide.  Otherwise, belts are optional but must, if worn, comply with the buckle limitations in the preceding sentence.

• Shoes – No sound or light-emitting devices attached to shoes will be permitted.  It is recommended that shoes have a strap to go around the back of the heel.  Shoes with attached wheels are not permitted.

• Shoes must be kept on while in class and on the school campus.

• Hats and other headwear, including hoods, caps, picks, sunglasses, and bandanas.

• Sleepwear such as pajamas and slippers.

• Armholes or neck openings should not be overly large.  Armholes that hang down and expose the torso or undergarments are prohibited.

• Jewelry or accessories that pose a safety concern for the student or others are prohibited.  Dog collars, wallet chains, large hairpicks or chains that connect one part of the body to another are prohibited.

• Necklines of all upper garments must be modest.  Low cut necklines are prohibited.

• Any student wearing inappropriate clothing will follow due process.  If possible, inappropriate clothing will be changed at school.  If no other clothing is available, parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothing.  A student who continually wears inappropriate clothing to school is subject to further disciplinary action.