HASD Passes New Dress Code

Yesterday the Hazleton Area School Board approved revisiions to the Dress and Grooming Policy.

The revisions stem from a survey completed in April.

The changes are a draft of the policy, which still requires PSBA review before a final copy will be published. The following changes will take effect for the 2018 - 2019 school year.

Dress and Grooming Policy


Guidelines
The Board has adopted this school Dress Code for all students in grades K through 12 and shall be strictly enforced pursuant to discipline guidelines.
All students shall attend school each day in accordance to the Dress Code.
All clothing must be appropriately sized for the student, that is, clothing must be no more than one (1) regular size larger than the student actually measures. Extra wide, extra full, extra-long, baggy, or sagging pants and shorts are not acceptable.
Clothing may be purchased at any store/vendor as long as clothing conforms to this Dress Code.
Shorts, as described in this policy, are permitted to be worn from the beginning of the school year until October 1 of that year. In the spring, shorts may be worn starting April 20 until the end of the school year. 
Shirts may be worn outside the pants, but the bottom of the shirt cannot extend past the middle of the pants pocket, and dress shirts must be tucked inside the pants. If the shirt exceeds acceptable length, it must be tucked inside the pants. Jeans are permitted as long as there are no holes in them.
Only clear or mesh backpacks are permitted in K-8 school buildings, in accordance with school guidelines. Backpacks are not permitted in 9-12 buildings.

Discipline Guidelines
The following discipline guidelines apply to all students in grades K through 12:
1. First Offense – At the direction of the principal, the student shall be retained in the office until the student/parent/guardian provides a proper change of clothing, not to exceed one (1) day. If a parent/guardian is unable to provide a change of clothing, the school will issue something in compliance, when extra clothing is available.
2. Second Offense – The student shall receive in-school suspension.[4]
3. Third Offense – This and all subsequent violations shall result in loss of privileges and/or out-of-school suspension.[4]
Classes missed because of noncompliance with the Dress Code shall be governed by the attendance policy.[5]
When possible, the school shall attempt to provide a student who is wearing a noncompliant top with a top that is in compliance. Discipline shall still apply.

Articles of Noncompliance
This list is only a guide and not complete, as other items may not be listed:
1. No baggy/skateboard pants.
2. Medical-type scrubs or pajama pants will not be allowed.
3. No spandex, stretch, or leggings pants except for medical reasons or if a dress is over top of the described pants.
4. No mini/micro skirts (no more than three (3) inches above the knee).
5. No hats, caps, headbands, or bandanas.
6. No bare midriff or low cut, scoop neck tops.
7. No tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, or sleeveless shirts.
8. No off-the-shoulder garments.
9. No sheer clothing.
10. No chains, dog collars or spike bracelets/necklaces.
11. No clothing or article deemed sexually suggestive or condoning violence, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, suicide or vulgar language.
12. No dresses, shorts, skirts, or skorts that are more than three (3) inches above the knee.
13. No display of any undergarments.
14. No camouflage clothing.
15. No open toed shoes or “flip flops” are permitted.

Purpose
The Board recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a expression of personal style and individual preference.
Authority
The Board has the authority to impose limitations on students' dress in school. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational program of the schools or constitute a health or safety hazard.[1][2]
The Board shall require students to wear standard dress, as stipulated in Board policy.[1][2]
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, technical education, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.[2]
This policy is effective for the 2018-2019 school year and beyond, until it is modified and approved by the Board.
Delegation of Responsibility
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to monitor student dress and grooming, and to enforce Board policy and school rules governing student dress and grooming.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all rules implementing this policy impose only the minimum necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student's taste and individuality.[2]
Exceptions to the Dress Code may be made by the Superintendent for medical or religious reasons.
Staff members shall demonstrate, by example, positive attitudes toward neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance.[3]