Dress Code

  • Appropriate student dress is important to maintaining a positive school climate; it is conducive to teaching and learning, and helps to eliminate unnecessary distractions. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for school so as to maintain an attitude of respect for self and others. Student dress is governed by the following rules:

    1. Clothes must be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. Tops must cover bras and pants must fully cover underwear or boxers.
    2. Clothing NOT allowed includes, but is not limited to: oversize or sagging pants, short shorts, muscle shirts, flannel pajamas or lounge pants, jeans with holes or rips above the knee, mini-skirts, gloves or hats indoors, bandanas or other head coverings including hoods.
    3. Any clothing or jewelry that could create an unsafe situation in any classroom is not allowed. This includes clothing or jewelry that may get caught in machinery. Chains, including wallet, bicycle, and certain necklaces could be used to cause harm and are therefore prohibited. Any jewelry or other items are prohibited when worn on any pierced body part other than the ear or nose.
    4. Slippers or Heeleys are not allowed.
    5. Any clothing or facial covering that contains language or symbols supporting drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, contains vulgar or profane language or is sexually suggestive, or promotes gang or cult activity is prohibited. Any dress, accessories, or SCHOOL CITYOF MISHAWAKA PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK 2022–2023 22 jewelry that contain symbols or signs that degrade or slur on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, disability or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited.
    6. Shorts, skirts or dresses must be long enough to reach the tip of the fingers when hands are placed on the side. All tops worn to school must be long enough that the midriff is not exposed in any way during normal school activities. Tops without sleeves must have fabric that extends to the edge of the shoulder. (No strapless tops or spaghetti straps.)
    7. Hair, including facial hair, must be neat, clean and well-groomed and not disruptive to the educational process.
    8. Students who are in violation of the dress code will be counseled and given the opportunity to modify the inappropriate clothing. Modifications may include: turning a shirt inside out, removing inappropriate jewelry, or changing clothes.
    9. Students who repeatedly violate these guidelines may be subject to disciplinary consequences including parent and student conference, detention, or other school based sanctions.

    The school administration reserves the right to make the final judgement/decision concerning the appropriateness of student dress.