Timeline... The student dress code takes effect on the first day of school.

Proposed POLICY Revision RCPS ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD File: JFC The school board and administration of Rockingham County Schools believe that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. Any clothing, accessory, or general appearance that interferes with, disrupts, or has the potential to interfere with or disrupt the educational environment is unacceptable. The board prohibits any clothing, accessory, or appearance that does the following: (1) violates the guidelines in the following dress code policy; (2) is substantially disruptive; (3) is provocative or obscene; or (4) endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

All students attending Rockingham County Public Schools must observe the following guidelines. The following are deemed unacceptable: Clothing which exposes undergarments. Dress that inflames or defames Dress promoting or depicting a drug, tobacco, alcohol, violence, or sexually implicit or explicit message Dress with profane statements or meanings Dress which promotes or proclaims gang activities Hats, caps or head coverings (exception – worn for religious beliefs) shall not be worn inside schools during regular school hours

All students are expected to dress in a manner consistent with the recognition that they have a responsibility to help foster a learning environment promoting health and safety, respect and pride, and a positive regard for discipline and authority.

Shirts and Blouses Shirts/Blouses must NOT show cleavage, lower back, midriffs, or undergarments.

Low-cut Shows midriff Low-cut Backless See through ShowsUndergarment Backless

ACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABLE Spaghetti Straps Low Cut “Two Finger” width strap to cover undergarments

ACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABLE Bare chest is not exposed by large neck and arm holes. Large arm holes expose bare chest.

Mid-Thigh Length Length of dresses, skirts, shorts (including slits), should be no shorter than the mid-thigh.

ACCEPTABLE UNACCEPTABLE Not Mid-Thigh length Mid-Thigh length

Your shirt should be long enough to cover your backside and front. Acceptable

Female Male

Sagging is not allowed. Chains are not allowed allowed. These pictures represent examples of a skirt and short that is too short. These do not meet the mid- thigh rule. Undergarments cannot be visible at any time.

For school safety and security, sunglasses may not be worn.

Hats/Caps Caps

Bandannas Cannot be worn as a head covering

 Hoodies are considered “head coverings”. Please remove your hood upon entering the building. Hoods must remain off until after the dismissal bell has sounded.

Any article of clothing which displays obscene words, pictures or designs, any article which conveys a sexually suggestive, vulgar, demeaning or inflammatory remark, a pro-alcohol message, a tobacco and or drug related message, or is symbolic of gangs or disruptive groups.

 Students shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with policy JFC, and others as appropriate for participating in gang activity. Gang activity is defined as: Wearing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other thing that is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang

Piercings – Facial Piercings are now allowed unless deemed a safety issue or seen as a violation to any other portion of the dress code.

 Students who violate provisions of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class and will be given the opportunity to have a parent/guardian bring appropriate clothing to school or pick up the student.  School administration may provide proper attire on a loan basis, in the event the parent/guardian is unable to be contacted.  Continued violations of the dress code will subject the student to disciplinary action as defiance of school rules.

 First Offense:Warning issued with compliance. Request change of clothes and notification to parent.  Second Offense: One day of in-school suspension, lunch detention, or Saturday school and notification of parent.  Third Offense: Three days of out-of-school suspension (with required notification to parent).

 Fourth Offense: Five days out-of-school suspension (with required notification to parent)  Fifth Offense: Ten days of out-of-school suspension with recommendation to the Division Superintendent of Schools for regular school suspension for the remainder of the semester or school year (with required notification to parent), with the opportunity to continue academic studies in an alternative setting or arrangement, as may be available.

 We look forward to a great school year with each and every one of you.  We appreciate the time you gave to view this presentation.  We hope that this information provides clear, helpful communication with our students, parents and community in fostering a positive understanding of RCPS Policy and Regulations.