RSMS Student Dress Code

The purpose of the dress code is to help create a positive learning environment for all students. Students need to be dressed comfortably, but neat. Their bodies should be appropriately covered from just below their necks to at least above their knees through a full range of motion (bending over, raising arms, etc.) Clothing should fit appropriately.

Shirts Shirts should cover students’ bodies from just below the neck to sufficiently below the waistline of the pants. Students should be able to raise their arms above their heads and not expose their midriff. On the contrary, students’ shirts shouldn’t be so long as to be considered “over-sized.” Also, students’ shirts should cover the entire top of the shoulder. Shirts that are either made or modified with the sleeves removed should not be worn. Finally, any images, logos or writing on the shirt should be smaller than a credit card (the only exception to this will be items that display any Scott County Schools logo.)

Examples: APPROPRIATE (any solid color or pattern) INAPPROPRIATE Polo style shirts Any shirt with a logo or printing larger than a credit card. Dress shirts (button downs) Sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops. Mock or turtle neck shirts or sweaters Shirts that expose the midriff, back or cleavage. Henleys Lace or see-through shirts, mesh or jerseys. T-shirts Exposed undergarments. Sweatshirts (including “hoodies”) Clothing worn inside out. Any Scott County Schools shirt or sweatshirt Any coat or jacket that zips or buttons over shirts that are not in dress code .

Pants Pants should cover the students’ bodies from the waistline to at least just above the knee. The test for the length of shorts and skirts should be the “Flamingo Test.” 1. The student stands upright. 2. The student bends one of their legs back at the knee until the lower leg is parallel to the floor. 3. The bottom of the clothing in question must touch the back of the calf while the leg is horizontal. 4. If it touches, the clothing is in dress code. 5. If it does not touch, the clothing is too short. Pants should not have holes/ fraying or writing of any kind (either from the factory or modified by the student.) Pants should be appropriately sized. They should not be body-conforming (too tight) or too loose fitting. Finally, pants should not be so long that they become a tripping hazard (hanging over the shoe and dragging the ground.)

Example: APPROPRIATE (any solid color or pattern) INAPPROPRIATE Jeans Sagging pants or shorts (not at waist level) Khakis Body conforming stretch-pants, leggings Cargo pants Jogging pants, sweat pants, parachute pants Shorts or skirts in the styles mentioned above Gym shorts (basketball, soccer, etc.) Capris or Jumpers Exposed under garments

The following dress code items are considered inappropriate for Royal Spring Middle School: - Caps, hats, bandannas, head scarves, combs, rakes, rags, picks, sweat bands, rollers. - Sleepwear and house shoes or slippers. - Chains or other jewelry items that may be perceived as dangerous or a weapon. - Any clothing that advertises or identifies drugs, alcohol, obscene language or suggestive expressions, gang emblems or symbols and all tobacco products. - Any type of material, written symbol or clothing that may be perceived as a gang emblem or symbol including bandannas, banners or graphics. - Sunglasses in the building. - Any other items deemed inappropriate or distracting by the administration.

IN ADDITION: Large winter coats, book bags, backpacks, pouches, purses, fanny packs, etc. are to be stored in the student’s locker during the school day. Clothing for Physical Education classes may be carried to and from class in a mesh, clear or plastic bag (Kroger or Wal-Mart type is fine.) Shirts for Physical Education classes must follow the dress code regulations (see above) and gym shorts must fit properly and reach mid- thigh length or reach the student’s fingertips when placed at their side.

If any type of clothing worn in the building leads to confusion or misunderstanding, the administration will make the final decision as to the clothing’s appropriateness. Interventions and assistance will be given to put students into final compliance. Disciplinary action will be taken for non-compliance/ defiance.