DRESS CODE

Section 6-9.2. An appropriate environment for learning required; appropriate dress required; prohibited clothing. — A. The School Board and Suffolk Public Schools Staff rely heavily on parents and students to support the division's policies. One of the fundamental purposes of school is to provide an appropriate environment for learning. A student will maintain personal attire and grooming standards that promote safety, health, and avoid unnecessary disruptions. 

B. Suffolk Public Schools has established the following guidelines for student dress while in the classroom or participating in school-sponsored activities: 

1. Shirts and blouses must include at least 3" width on shoulders, garments. Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, muscle shirts, off-shoulder shirts, and tank tops are not allowed. The appropriate length of skirts, dresses and shorts will be determined by the "fingertip rule." The length of skirts, dresses and shorts, must extend below the student's fingertips when the student's arms are extended at his/her sides. Only leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants that are opaque (i.e., not able to be seen through) are allowed. Rips and holes in clothing are prohibited. 

2. Clothing must not reveal undergarments such as underwear and bras. This includes any article of clothing that does not cover the midriff, back, reveals cleavage, sags below the beltline, or is sheer. 

3. Clothing and accessories may not advertise alcohol, tobacco, vaping, cannabis, or any illegal substances, depict lewd graphics, display offensive or obscene language, promote violence, or are gang related. Apparel that depict sexually suggestive expressions or actions, profanity, obscenity, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or which degrade the integrity of individual groups are prohibited. Slogans and graphics are prohibited across the buttocks. 

4. Sunglasses may not be worn within the building, unless prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate reason. Wallet chains are not permitted. 

5. Unless worn for religious or medical reasons, head coverings are not permitted. This includes hats, hoods, bandanas, combs, and picks. Headbands, headwraps and/or scarves as they relate to a student’s customary country of origin, religious attire or ethnic affinity are allowed. 

6. All shoes worn should not pose a safety concern. Slides, flip flops, and slippers are permitted. Sandals with a back strap are permitted. 

7. Sleepwear may be worn only during designated school functions. 

8. Clothing worn by a student must not cause a disruption and/or distract others from the educational process or pose a health or safety concern. 

(Issued Date: March 18, 2012; Effective Date: July 1, 2012; Revised July 12, 2018; Revised January 13, 2022) 

Legal Authority - School Board Policy §9-11.8.