DRESS CODE POLICY

The Neshaminy School District dress policy is as follows:  School attire must meet reasonable standards of cleanliness, not endanger student or public health, not be disruptive to the educational process and meet reasonable standards of appropriateness.

It is important that children come to school with the intention of doing their best.  The way a child dresses usually reflects the child’s preparedness for learning and actions in school.  We ask that children refrain from wearing shorts that are not at least finger tip length, tank tops and tops that expose the mid-section, see-through clothing and sandals or open-toed footwear.  This last item is particularly important as children participate in gym regularly and play on the playground daily.  Also, footwear that has wheels attached is strictly prohibited.  Not only are these items unsafe in school, they do irreparable harm to the flooring surfaces in the hallways and classrooms.

Policy 508 - Student Dress Code:

          I.        STATEMENT OF POLICY

          School attire must meet reasonable standard of cleanliness, not endanger student or public health, not be disruptive to the education process and meet reasonable standards of appropriateness.  Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extra-curricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to insure the health or safety of the student.

          II.       EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE DRESS

                   A.  Hats worn in the building
         B.   Bare or stocking feet.
         C.  Apparel with offensive words or pictures
         D.  Heavy clothing normally worn only outdoors.
         E.  Any apparel that overexposes the body.

          III.      IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY

A.    The entire school staff shall be responsible for encouraging appropriate standards of personal appearance and for the carrying out of this policy. 

B.    Guidelines shall be published in staff and students handbooks and be sent to parents by way of appropriate media.

We are asking for your cooperation in enforcing the District Dress Code. Parents/Guardians of students wearing inappropriate clothing will be called so that you may bring in an appropriate item of clothing.

WARM WEATHER

The word "reasonable" can be widely interpreted.  So, we are asking each and every parent to consider the clothing their children wear to school.  Kindergarteners may dress differently than emerging adolescents.  It is suggested that students would be able to touch their shorts when their hands are straight at their sides.  Shirts should cover the trunk of the body and should not show any part of abdomens.   Please consider the happy medium between warm weather and appropriate school attire. As a parent, we are asking you closely to closely monitor what your child is wearing to school.

COLD WEATHER

Sometimes parents leave the house before their children and they are not aware of what a particular child is wearing to school.  Or, sometimes children decide to switch jackets at the lat minute thinking that one would be better than another.  Temperatures can drop dramatically during the day and that lightweight jacket will no longer keep a child warm.  Consequently, we ask our Recess Aides to please check to see that every child has warm clothing before going outdoors for recess in the cold weather.  Those children who seem to need something more are sent to the Health Office for a warmer coat or sweatshirt to wear.  After recess, it is quickly and easily returned.  We never give hats to children because of our concern about the possibility of spreading head lice.