While we aren’t a uniform school, we do have a dress code that must be followed to ensure personal appearance doesn’t compromise students’ safety or the educational process.
Common Dress Code Violations Include:
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Hoods/hats inside the classroom
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Makeup
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Slides/flip-flop style shoes or sandals
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Pajamas as clothing
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Wearing Crocs on PE Days
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Shorts that are too short (must be fingertip length)
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Spaghetti strap tops
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Bare midriff shirts
When a student doesn’t follow the dress code policy, violations will have the following consequences:
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First Violation: The student will receive a warning and be sent to the clinic to change clothes. The teacher will call parents to notify them.
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Second Violation: The office will call parents to request a change of clothes, and the student will receive lunch detention.
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Third (or more): The office will call parents to pick up the student from school, and a referral will be written, which may result in an in-school suspension (ISS) or an out-of-school suspension (OSS).
Please talk about these expectations with your student. We will also continue to do so here at school. Together, we will ensure all of our students have a safe and positive learning environment.
Dress Code Policy Overview:
A dress code policy is designed to promote school unity, pride, ensure a distraction-free learning environment, and create a safe and positive climate. Students are to come dressed for success each day. The School Board of Lee County defines the overall guidelines for the student dress code in Board Policy 5.24. It also gives the individual schools the authority to establish additional regulations. Responsibility for the student's personal appearance rests with the parent/guardian and the student. Personal appearance shall not detract from the educational process. The following establishes the minimum acceptable standards for student dress to be interpreted and enforced by the administration and staff at Gateway Elementary School.
Apparel (tops/bottoms)
Apparel shall be adequate in both length and coverage to be considered appropriate for school. Shirts or blouses shall be fastened appropriately, in accordance with the design of the shirt or blouse. The length of shirts shall extend beyond the waist level. Transparent or see-through tops, bare midriff, strapless, low-cut clothing, or tops and outfits that provide minimum coverage or are suggestive are prohibited; halters, spaghetti straps, backless dresses or tops, tube tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, or any clothing that may be distracting are not permitted. Length of shorts, skirts (all bottoms) must extend beyond the end of the fingertips with arms extended downward, and must maintain this length when walking. Pants/bottoms with rips or holes are not permitted. Apparel, emblems, insignias, badges, or symbols that promote the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any other illegal activity are prohibited. Gang-related apparel or symbols may not be displayed on students’ apparel, school materials, or personal belongings. Pants and skirts must fit at the natural waist. Shorts under skirts are recommended. Clothing with slogans or advertising that has a double meaning is prohibited. Hoods and hats must be removed when inside.
Shoes
Shoes must be athletic type or dress shoes with closed toes and backs, and must be properly fastened. Your child will have recess every day and PE three times a week. For your child’s safety, no flip flops, slides, high heels, or skate shoes are permitted. Athletic shoes must be worn at PE. Crocs are only allowed in “sport mode” with the back strap across the heel on non-PE days.
Jewelry/Makeup
Any articles of clothing or jewelry that could likely cause injury, such as dangling earrings, excessive jewelry, chokers, dog collars, spikes, or chain wallets, are not permitted. Prohibited adornments (piercings) include, but are not limited to, hoops or rings attached to the nose, eyebrow, cheeks, or lip. Gang-related tattoos or other tattoos that may cause a substantial disruption, as determined by the administration, are prohibited. (whether temporary or permanent). Makeup is not permitted.
Other
No Rolling Backpacks. Pajama attire of any kind is not permitted. Long coats, including trench coats, are not allowed inside the building. Blankets, pillows, gloves, and/or stuffed animals are not appropriate for school. Any article of clothing, jewelry, or accessory that, in the judgment of the school administration, is a distraction or hindrance to classroom learning and/or activities, or poses a safety hazard, may be prohibited at the discretion of the Administration without prior warning.
THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPRAISE ANY CURRENT FASHION
OR FAD AND DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL.
Please discuss these expectations with your student. We will also reinforce them here at school. Together, we can ensure all of our students have a safe and positive learning environment.