FOR GRADES 6 THROUGH 12
The Sevier County School System recognizes the effect which student dress and grooming have upon student behavior and commitment to learning. Attire considered disruptive to health or safety is not appropriate. The following rules concerning dress and grooming are mandatory in grades 6-12, beginning with the 1999-2000 school year.
Bottom Wear (Waist and Below-pants, skirts, shorts, skorts). |
Bottom wear must be size appropriate for the wearer, with no sagging or bagging, and must be worn securely at and around the waist so as not to reveal undergarments and to prevent pant legs from touching the floor. Large bell-bottoms that expose less than one-fourth of the foot, large pockets, cargo pockets, spandex, or leggings shall not be allowed.
Skirts, shorts, or skorts must be no shorter in length than two (2) inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12, and not shorter in length than four (4) inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8. Slits must be no higher than two (2) inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12, and no higher than four (4) inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8. |
| Belts |
Belts are required if pants have belt loops. Belts may be fabric or leather only. |
Top Wear (Waist and Above) |
Shirts must be size appropriate for the wearer, have sleeves which cover the deltoid muscle, and be worn either tucked in or no more than three inches below the top of the waistband, but in no event shall the bottom of the shirt cover any portion of a pocket opening. Bare midriffs shall not be allowed. Size-appropriate fleece pullovers; light jackets; long sleeve crewneck, v-neck, or cardigan sweater vests; or sweatshirts may be worn over an approved shirt. |
| Dresses |
Girls may wear dresses appropriately sized for the wearer with the length no shorter than two inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12, and no shorter than four inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8. Dresses may either have sleeves or be a sleeveless dress as long as no undergarments are visible. Dresses will not have string or spaghetti straps, but will have straps that come to the edge of the shoulder. |
| Shoes |
Shoes must be worn at all times. |
| Coats |
Coats, heavy jackets, or raincoats shall not be worn inside the building unless otherwise directed by the school principal or his/her designee in an unusual situation. |
| All Apparel |
Clothing shall be neat, clean, hemmed, and shall not have holes, rips, cuts, or frayed edges. Articles of clothing shall not be worn which imply or promote alcohol, sex, drugs, tobacco, violence, gangs, racial slurs, or offensive language. |
| Head |
No headgear or sunglasses will be worn in the building (except those worn for obvious medical reasons and the results therefore). |
| Accessories |
Any accessory that is studded, spiked, contains chains or can tabs, or in any way presents a potential danger to self or others is prohibited. |
| Other |
Tattoos, whether permanent or temporary, will be covered if possible. Visible body piercing jewelry (except of the ears) is prohibited. Hair is not to be sprayed or dyed in unnatural colors (such as blue, pink, green, orange, yellow, etc.), spiked, or mohawked. |
| Special Days |
Schools may develop special dress days for special occasions at the direction of the school principal. |
| Special Situations: |
If a student cannot comply with the standardized dress code based on special conditions or religious beliefs, his or her parent or guardian may write a letter explaining the situation to the Superintendent or his/her designee, with a copy to the school principal or his/her designee. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis. To insure the health and safety of students, the school principal or his/her designee is allowed to further restrict manner of dress or style of hair in specific curriculum areas (shop, chemistry lab, etc.). |
| Book bags: |
Book bags must be constructed from materials that allow the contents of the book bag to be visible. Any band instrument or necessary sports bags must be dropped off at an area designated by the building level principal. |
Any student not attired in accordance with the foregoing policy shall be subject to disciplinary consequences as per board policy. In addition to the foregoing, when a student is attired in a manner that is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal shall take appropriate action.
Legal Reference: T.C.A. 49-6-4215 |
