Student Dress Code

LEXINGTON CITY SCHOOLS 

STUDENT DRESS CODE

The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning. Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable. However, the board prohibits any appearance or clothing that does the following:

  1. violates a reasonable dress code adopted and publicized by the school;

  2. is substantially disruptive (for information on gang-related attire, see policy 5.3.4.10 LSHS Policy on Gangs and Gang Activity);

  3. is provocative or obscene; or

  4. endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

Before Before receiving disciplinary consequences, a student who is not in compliance with this policy or a school dress code will be given a reasonable period of time to make adjustments so that he or she will be in compliance. Disciplinary consequences for a student who fails to comply after being offered this opportunity shall be consistent with Policy 5.3.4 Consequences for Violations of Student Behavior Policies. The superintendent or designee shall list within the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for violation of the dress code.

  1. Lexington City Schools prohibits clothing which is sexually suggestive, provocative, or revealing or contain suggestive or provocative messages. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Bare midriff tops

  • Halter tops, off-the-shoulder tops or spaghetti strap tops that show cleavage

  • Short shorts or low-cut pants that are revealing or show under garments

  • Swim wear or tube tops

  • Muscle shirts

  • Pajamas and slippers with fuzz or lace

  • Pants that expose undergarments, sagging or baggy

  • Leggings without proper length covering garment

  Lexington City Schools prohibits clothing that is unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous to health. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Facial piercing that becomes a safety issue for other students or staff

  • Socks or sock-like footwear without shoes or slippers

  • Shoes that have open heels or without straps including slides and flip flops

  • Sunglasses in the classroom

  • Hats worn in the classroom

  1. Lexington City Schools prohibits clothing and jewelry that advertise tobacco, alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances, illegal acts, weapons, or that promote violence.

  2. Lexington City Schools prohibits any outward appearance of gang-related clothing that, upon specific guidance of law enforcement agencies, is considered gang-related. Due to changing trends in gang attire, clothing, jewelry, accessories, and grooming styles, restrictions may change as necessary. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Shorts when worn with socks touching the bottom hem of the shorts

  • Spikes or chains on any article of clothing

  • Head coverings such as hats, visors, bandanas, caps, hair nets, and scarves (except for medical or religious reasons)

  • Monikers or other gang markings

  • Jewelry/buckles with gang symbols or initials other than your own

  • Visible tattoos (gang, prison, or obscene), piercings, eyebrow cutting

  • Steel-toed shoes or boots

  • Student backpacks, notebooks, folders, or other carrying bags that display graffiti, obscene symbols, signs, slogans, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or degrading depictions.

The “fingertip” rule will be applied in cases of length garments should be below the student’s finger tips when arms are positioned naturally along the side. This includes shorts, dresses, skirts, and garments worn as a top over leggings and other such apparel.

Exceptions may be made at the elementary level based on principal discretion.

This policy does not apply to school-sanctioned uniforms and costumes approved for  athletics, choral, band, dance, or dramatic performances. Except as specifically noted in this policy based  on an exception or accommodation, this policy applies at all times when students are present on school  property or in attendance at official, school-sponsored event.