Student Dress Code

Approved by Mifflin County School Board on June 29, 2006

Good grooming, cleanliness and appropriate dress are important institutional concerns.  Notwithstanding the value of individual choice in the selection of appropriate clothing to wear to school, the Mifflin County School District strongly encourages parents to instruct their children of the importance of good taste in the selection of school clothing.  The school setting is first and foremost a center for group learning; therefore what an individual does will have impact on others.  It is in this context that the Mifflin County School District’s policy statement on appropriate dress is written.

All persons who attend or visit schools and activities in the Mifflin County School District are urged to use reasonable discretion in the selection of wearing apparel.  Persons who wear clothing which is improperly fitted or is otherwise a significant disruptive influence on the learning-teaching environment, will be requested to meet privately with the school principal.  If the problem cannot be rectified, the principal shall notify the district superintendent for further direction.

Good grooming, cleanliness and the use of reasonable discretion in the selection of clothing are proper concerns of the school district.  Further, the Board of Directors and professional staff of the Mifflin County School District believe that students and adults do exercise prudent judgment in these personal matters.  The School Board reserves the right to adopt a dress code anytime where it is deemed that student dress is not appropriate during the school year if problems develop.

The following is an itemization of clothing or conditions deemed to be inappropriate dress for pupils in the Mifflin County School District and are not to be worn:

(Exceptions will be made by Principals for recess, proms, and phys ed, and certain other events.)

1. Tank tops / muscle shirts.
2. Spaghetti straps / halter / mesh tops / strapless.
3. Bare midriffs are not permitted.  This is defined to mean no skin showing between the bottom of the shirt and top of the pants area.
4. Underclothing may not be exposed.
5. See-through blouses or shirts.
6. Hats, caps, scarves, or headbands on the head in the building at any time.
7. Logos or sayings on clothing or person may not promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang/cult behavior, offensive language, or inappropriate behavior, nor cause distraction from the educational process.  This also includes pins and buttons.
8. Footwear must be worn at all times.
9. Both shoulders need to be covered at all times.
10. If shorts or skirts are worn, the shorts or skirts can be no shorter than halfway between the knees and the waistline.

Staff members shall be instructed to demonstrate by example positive attitudes toward neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance.

We are fortunate to live in a free society with freedom of choice and expression.  Students have the right to express themselves unless expression materially and substantially interferes with the educational process.