Lake County Dress Policy

Students have a responsibility to be dressed and groomed in a manner that is consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. The principal shall determine when a student’s personal hygiene, appearance, or dress is such that it disrupts or interferes with the educational process or endangers the health and safety of the student or others. Students who are enrolled in career and technical classes shall dress in a manner appropriate for the job in which they are receiving training, including any special protective gear and professional uniforms. [SBP: 5.37] [§1001.43(1)(b), Florida Statutes]

A. Head

1. Caps, hats, headgear, visors, sunglasses, or bandanas shall not be worn while on campus during the school day.

2. Extreme hairstyles, unnatural hair colors, or make-up that is disruptive or does not allow direct eye contact is prohibited.

B. Upper Garments

1. All garments must not be less than sleeveless clothing (defined as the point of the shoulder).

2. Students are not allowed to wear sleepwear, revealing clothing, or clothing that exposes the torso. Examples include, but are not limited to, see-through garments, backless attire, bare midriff clothing that allows any area of the midriff (front or back) to be exposed when sitting, standing, or raising the arm.

C. Lower Garments

1. Clothing must be worn appropriately and properly fastened with no tears that reveal skin two (2) inches above the knee.

2. Clothes shall be worn as they are designed while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment. No over-sized or baggy pants are permitted. Hemlines for dresses, skorts, skirts, and/or shorts must be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee (a second violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action).

3. Skin-tight recreation clothing (e.g., bike pants, tights, leotards, NO leggings—unless worn under shorts or skirts that conform to appropriate dress code policy) shall not be worn.

D. Footwear

1. Footwear must be worn at all times.

2. At the elementary and middle school level—thong sandals, cleated shoes, backless shoes, bedroom slippers, and shoes with wheels are not acceptable.

3. At the high school level—bedroom slippers, cleated shoes and shoes with wheels are not acceptable.

E. Accessories

1. Jewelry worn in pierced body parts shall be limited to the ear.

2. Chains, other than necklaces considered to be jewelry, shall not be worn. Examples include, but are not limited to, heavy chains generally used for utility purposes, animal choke collars, and so-called “hip-hop” chains.

3. Jewelry that contains any type of sharp object or mood bracelets shall not be worn.

F. General

1. All middle and high school students shall be required to wear appropriate dress for physical education as prescribed by the school. A student may be permitted to wear other appropriate physical education attire when the parent/guardian files an objection based on religious or medical reasons.

2. Clothing, jewelry, and accessories with decorations, symbols, mottos, or designs which are offensive to good taste or the maintenance of good decorum are prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, wearing advertisements of commodities, such as alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, and symbols or writings (e.g. swastikas, rebel flags, etc.) that have sexual or racial connotation, gang references, weaponry, or profane language.

Any student who violates the dress policy is subject to the following disciplinary actions:

a. First offense: Verbal warning and parent/guardian contact.

b. Second offense: Ineligible to participate in or attend any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 5 days. Administrator must meet with the parent/guardian.

 

(Level I Discipline Intervention)

c. Third or subsequent offense: Ineligible to participate in or attend any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed 30 days. The administrator must contact the parent/guardian and send the parent/guardian a written letter regarding the student’s ineligibility to participate in or attend extracurricular activities. (Level II Discipline Intervention)

Note: The principal or designee has the final authority for determining whether or not a student’s apparel conforms to the dress code. The principal or designee may prohibit the use of clothing or items that cause disruption during school, on school transportation, or during school sponsored events. When it is determined that the apparel is inappropriate, parents/guardians will be asked to bring clothing to the school which will conform to this Code. Schools may adopt more stringent dress code or uniform policies that include “opt-out” clauses with Board approval. Students who opt-out of school uniform policies must follow the district dress code outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.