The Board of Education requires students to attend school in attire that meets health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process of other students. The Board also requires students to wear appropriate protective gear in certain classes (e.g., home and careers, technology, physical education).
Unless otherwise required for medical or religious purposes, the Board bans all inappropriate attire including clothing or accessories that disrupt the educational process. This includes, but is not limited to, attire bearing any expression that can be considered obscene, promoting violent behavior, promoting tobacco, alcohol, or other drug use.
Also prohibited:
- revealing attire: showing underwear, midriff/stomach, buttocks or cleavage. (i.e. tube tops, net tops, halter tops, plunging necklines, and sheer/see through garment), no pants worn below the waist, “sagging”, or visible undergarments; any skirts/shorts that are revealing in nature
- gang paraphernalia
- sunglasses
Also note:
- At the discretion of the administration, students may wear coats (outerwear) inside school buildings during the school day.
- Students must wear footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
- Hats/headgear: Students may wear a hat or other form of head covering in school (except hoods in the hallways), unless it is disruptive to the educational process or creates a safety hazard; students must remove it in class if, in the teacher’s determination, it blocks the teacher’s (or other students’) view of the student’s face or prevents the student from obtaining a clear an unobstructed view of the teacher and classroom (e.g., hats with brims).
- wearing of earbuds or smart watches is prohibited.
- use of medically approved masks are acceptable (i.e. N-95, N-93, hospital masks, etc.) Gators, ski masks and other masks are not permitted.
The Superintendent of Schools, administrative personnel, as well as faculty and staff, have the authority to require a student to change his/her attire should it be deemed inappropriate according to the above guidelines. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, according to the school discipline code. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, according to the school discipline code.
Education Law Section 2801(1) — definition of school function
NOTE: Refer also to District Code of Conduct on School Property
Adopted: 6/19/12
Revised: 8/8/23
Watervliet Elementary School ONLY: Students are required to wear footgear that allows them to participate safely in all school activities. Students go outside on the playgrounds daily for recess, and participate in physical education at least twice a week. Shoes such as rubber flip flops, athletic slides, and unsafe heels are inappropriate for these situations—all
footgear must attach securely to the student’s feet.
Note: Any adult in the building can make a judgment on inappropriate attire. Appeals should be brought to the administration.
Consequences
First offense:
- Student asked to substitute the article of clothing for a suitable one
- Contact parent/guardian, if necessary
Second offense:
- Student asked to substitute the article of clothing for a suitable one
- Contact parent/guardian
- Will be considered as insubordination and subject to discipline including in-school suspension.
Third offense and thereafter:
- Student asked to substitute the article of clothing for a suitable one
- Contact parent/guardian
- Will be considered as insubordination and subject to discipline up to out of school suspension