NORTON HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE
Norton High School is committed to providing a safe, appropriate, educational environment for students. In general, school dress should ensure health, welfare, safety, and enhance a positive image of our students and our school. We expect students to maintain the type of appearance that is not distracting to students, teachers, or the educational process of the school. Students are required to wear appropriate, comfortable, and safe clothing that is neat, clean, and in good taste. Articles of apparel, clothing, or accessories that present a hazard to the individual or to other people will not be permitted (Sixth Circuit Rule 206). Dress that constitutes a threat to the student’s health and safety distracts from the educational process, damages school property or presents immoral public display shall be prohibited.
Norton High School expects students to voluntarily comply with the dress code. Failure to comply with the dress code guidelines is considered insubordination and will be treated as such. The school administration shall enforce these guidelines equally and reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the dress code.
Students should consider the following questions when dressing for school:
- Does my clothing expose too much?
- Does my clothing advertise something that is prohibited to minors?
- Are there obscene, profane, drug-related, gang-related, or inflammatory messages on my clothing?
ACTING IN LOCO PARENTIS, THE SCHOOL ESTABLISHES THESE GUIDELINES:
Apparel that has any stated or implied reference to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, gangs, cults, symbols of death, violence or obscene language is not permitted. Any dress or statement that causes, intends to cause, or is likely to cause a hostile, intimidating, degrading, offensive, harassing, or discriminatory environment is prohibited.
Clothing must be worn as designed: all undergarments are to be covered. Suggestive, revealing, see-through clothing is not permitted. Clothing that is ripped, torn, or has holes above the knee is not permitted.
Pants: are to be secured and underwear covered, even when seated. Baggy, saggy or oversized clothing that compromises the safety of students is not permitted. Pajama bottoms or flannel material pants are not permitted.
Skirt and dress length: will be no shorter than mid-thigh length. Slits in skirts and dresses are to be no higher than mid-thigh.
Shorts and/or skorts: will be no shorter than mid-thigh length and are to be worn with no undergarments showing even when seated.
Shirts, tops, and dresses: must be long enough to be tucked in and stay tucked inside the pants, shorts, or skirt. Tops and bottoms must overlap at all times, including when arms are raised. Dresses or tops with narrow or spaghetti straps, must have a covering. Tank tops or any other top revealing cleavage, tube tops, halters, or any shirt that reveals any part of the torso when seated, is not permitted. Students are not permitted to wear athletic T-shirts (muscle shirts) without a covering. Shoulders and upper arms must be covered.
Blankets and gloves: are not to be carried/worn in the building. These must be stored in student lockers during the school day.
Sunglasses and head coverings: such as hats and/or bandanas are not permitted to be worn inside the school building unless approved by the principal, a physician and/or the school nurse. These items are to be removed when entering the building and placed in lockers. They are NOT to be carried around all day.
Foot apparel: designed for street wear must be worn at all times. Items such as slippers and cleats are not permitted.
Jewelry/Belts: that is distracting, unsafe (large, sharp), studded and/or spiked accessories and chains such as those attached to wallets or clothing are not permitted.
No single dress code can address changing style or fads. The building Administrators shall make the final determination whether the student’s dress or garments meet the school’s requirements. School uniforms (i.e. cheerleaders, football, etc.) and “special event” days approved by the principal are exempt for certain portions of the code. Violators of the dress code will be required to change. If unable to get appropriate clothing from home, the student will be placed in the in-school suspension room. Repeat violators will face more serious consequences.