Dress Code

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2011

STUDENTS ASKED TO “DRESS FOR SUCCESS”

The Darlington County School District enforces a district-wide dress code. This dress code is designed to reduce distractions, improve safety, and create a more positive educational climate for the students and the staff.

All students must follow the dress code while attending school, riding buses to and from school, and participating in school functions, unless otherwise indicated by the principal.

“A change in the dress code is one way to improve a school’s climate. A dress code can help to establish a positive, focused educational environment - but only if it is enforced. We expect our administrators and teachers to enforce this policy and we expect our students to obey this policy,” said Dr. Rainey Knight, Superintendent.

If a student violates the dress code, he/she will be sent home to change or a parent may bring a change of clothes to the school.

Refusal to change will result in in-school suspension and repeated violations will be considered disruptive behavior in violation of the student code of conduct.

Students who are removed from class to change clothes will be required to makeup any class time they miss. The makeup time will take place after school. Parents will be responsible for paying for a certified teacher to remain and instruct the student. Failure to do so may result in a student repeating the course(s).

Dress Code Guidelines
·   No exposed undergarments or midriffs. Clothing must cover the waist, back and shoulders.
·   No bagging, sagging, or dragging clothing. Pants must be worn at the natural waist and also not touch the floor. Underwear must be covered.
·   No medallions larger than the student’s I.D. badge.
·   No unusual body piercing that are disruptive or distracting.
·   No wallet chains or other types of chains that may be dangerous or disruptive.
·   No clothes or jewelry that show gang affiliation or membership.
·   No clothes that display anything related to tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
·   No bandannas or “do rags”.
·   No hats and/or sunglasses inside the buildings (they will be confiscated).
·   No immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, offensive, distracting, suggestive, or revealing or offensive clothes.
·   No clothes that create unrest/animosity with different ethnic groups or display racist or sexual harassment overtones.
·   No tight shirts, tank tops, low cut (showing cleavage) shirts, halter-tops, or shirts with spaghetti straps.
·   No “short shorts” or short skirts. Shorts and skirts must be long enough to extend below the extended fingertips of the wearer or two inches above the knee. Any slits in the garment must open below the fingertips.
·   No transparent or mesh clothing without an appropriate shirt underneath.
·   No accessories or clothes that could pose a safety threat, including heavy chains not made as jewelry, fishhooks, brass knuckles, multiple-finger rings, rings that can be used as a weapon, studded bracelets/collars, nose/lip-to-ear chains, etc.
·   No picks or combs in hair.
Students MUST
·   Tuck in shirts (especially t-shirts) so that belts or waistbands are clearly visible at all times unless it is clear that contraband or a weapon cannot be concealed under the shirt.
·   Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times to ensure safety.
·   Wear covered toe shoes in labs and designated shop areas.

This is only a summary of the policy. The full policy can be found on the district’s website at http://www.dcsdschools.org/.

Audrey Childers
Public Information Officer
Office of Communications
Darlington County School District
Office: (843) 398-2283

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Dress Code