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As the new school year is approaching,
many students and their families are beginning their annual "back-to-school"
shopping. As you begin looking for new clothes and jewelry for the upcoming
school year, it would be helpful to review the new countywide dress code
policy. The new dress code was developed with input from many groups,
including parents, students, teachers, principals, and school board members.
The purpose of the dress code is to promote
an orderly learning environment. Administrators have the right to determine
if items of clothing are too casual, too revealing, or too distracting
for school dress. The full text of the dress code is available on the
school system web site at www.cherokee.k12.ga.us, under #29 in the "Student
Offenses and Discipline Code" section of the "Principal's Handbook." There
is a link to the Principal's Handbook directly off the school system web
site home page. The dress code is also available at any school in Cherokee
County, or from the school system's main office in Canton.
The new countywide dress code was sent
home with students the last week of school, so families would have plenty
of time to prepare for the next school year. Please refer to the actual
text of the dress code for complete details, since these highlights just
provide an overview.
Highlights of the dress code include:
Shorts may be no shorter than 5" from the
top of the kneecap.
Skirts and dresses may be no shorter than
3" from the top of the kneecap. Slits may not extend above the 3" rule.
(Note: A 3x5 index card provides a convenient way to measure lengths.)
Blouses and shirts may be long or short
sleeved, or sleeveless with appropriate, snug-fitting armholes.
Shirts may not have writing, pictures,
or graphics that cause disruption or interference with school operations
(e.g., vulgarity, sexual innuendo, display of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
products, or gang related symbols or paraphernalia).
Tank tops, spaghetti straps, and halter-tops
are not allowed.
Form fitting, skin tight, or see-through
clothing is not permitted.
Clothing that shows the bare midriff, bare
back, bare shoulders, or has a deep-scooped neckline is not permitted.
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Exposure of
undergarments is not allowed.
Appropriate shoes and undergarments must
be worn.
Hats, sunglasses, and caps are not to be
worn in the school building unless approved for special occasions.
Visible piercing type jewelry or paraphernalia
(other than the ears), including tongue piercing, is not allowed.
Chains hanging from wallets or clothing are
not permitted. Heavy chains are not permitted.
Jewelry that is offensive, distracts, or
is studded or pointed is unacceptable.
The length of shorts and styles of shirts
allowed in the dress code may be modified by the principal in grades K
- 6.
Uniforms and P.E. clothes are acceptable
as approved by the school administration. Female cheerleaders must wear
warm-ups under their cheerleading uniforms except during pep rallies and
games.
School administrators may alter the dress
code for special occasions or extracurricular activities. Parents who
require an exemption from the dress code for medical reasons, religious
reasons, or cultural reasons may make application for the exemption with
the principal.
Failure to comply with the dress code will
be dealt with in accordance with the discipline code, including notification
of the parents, with an opportunity to correct the dress. Additionally,
a conference with the student and/or parent may be requested to discuss
the situation.
Refusal to comply with the dress code, repeated
offenses, or violations of a serious nature may result in a higher degree
of discipline, as outlined in full detail in the Student Offenses and
Discipline Code, under offenses #13, #17, #18, #22, #23, #37, and #38.
Principals would use their discretion in each case in determining an appropriate
discipline for violations of a serious or repeated nature. The Discipline
Code is posted on the school system web site under the Principal's Handbook
section, and is also sent home with students the first week of school.
The new countywide dress code allows enough
flexibility for individual tastes, while having reasonable guidelines
to encourage an orderly learning environment. Specific questions about
the dress code may be directed to the principal at your child's school.
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