STUDENT DRESS CODE
DRESS AND GROOMING
The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, minimizes safety hazards, and maintains a positive learning climate. Hawley ISD's guidelines for student dress may be more conservative than those of other districts; however, the Hawley ISD Board of Trustees has established what it feels are appropriate guidelines to teach hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption and maintain a proper learning environment.
Many fashions, fads and trends might be appropriate or accepted for leisure activities, such as going out with friends, to the mall, on vacation or even at home, but not all of these fashions are acceptable to wear during the school day.
Hawley ISD's dress code is designed to be flexible and broad so that it can be adapted to address ever-changing fads and fashions. Interpretation is up to each school principal, and his or her decisions regarding dress and grooming are considered final. If parents have questions about whether something is considered appropriate for their child to wear to school, they are encouraged to ask the school principal prior to their child wearing it.
If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school, and return to the classroom. If the problem cannot be corrected at school, the principal will work with the student and parent to obtain an acceptable change of clothing for the student in a way that minimizes loss of instructional time.
Repeated or severe offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
DRESS CODE FOR ALL STUDENTS
Clothing containing offensive slogans, symbols, “gang-related” messages,and other suggestive or controversial designs are not allowed.
Startling, unusual or immodest attire (i.e corsets, boxer shorts, pajamas, muscle shirts etc) of any sort shall not be permitted. Fads in hairstyles, clothing or anything designed to disrupt the orderly conduct of the classroom or campus is not permitted.
Facial hair must be neat, clean and well groomed. Facial hair may not exceed two inches below the jawline.
Hair must be kept neat, clean and well groomed. Hair must be out of the student’s eyes at all times.
Extremely baggy clothing will not be allowed. Pants, shorts, etc. are not to be worn below the waistline (no “sagging”) and should be appropriately sized.
Shorts and skirts may be worn, but must be no shorter than the tip of your thumb with a straight arm. Athletic shorts with slits on the sides of an inappropriate length will not be allowed.
Visible body piercings other than earrings and single stud nostril piercings (at secondary level only), are not allowed. Non-approved body piercings must be removed and not covered up.
All shirts must be 2 inches on the shoulder. All undergarments must be covered.
Hats, bandanas, hair coverings and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building. They need to be in the locker throughout the day. HS students, only, may wear hats and they must be forward facing at all times.
Extremely torn clothing will not be permitted. Holes in jeans must not be any higher than the point where your longest finger touches your legs with arms straight down your side.
Slippers (house shoes) or any footwear that may damage the floor are not allowed.
The following is not allowed: bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, bare backs, or razorbacks.
Leggings may be worn as long as your shirt is loose and long enough to adequately cover for modesty.
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FOR DRESS CODE
The Hawley ISD’s philosophy states that the district is responsible for the development of the whole student; this includes good dress/grooming habits. It is the responsibility of all the professional personnel to administer the dress and grooming guidelines.
It is the primary responsibility of the first period or home room teachers to verify that the students in his/her classroom are in compliance with the district dress/grooming policies. All teachers must enforce the dress and grooming code by counseling and/or informing students who, in the teacher’s judgment, are not in compliance with the guidelines. School officials have the authority to take up from students any items that are not allowed to be worn or carried in their possession.
If any teacher is unsuccessful in gaining student cooperation and conformity to the dress and grooming guidelines, the teacher will refer the student(s) to the principal’s office. The principal or designee shall notify one of the parents or the legal guardian of the student whose dress/grooming is inappropriate. In cases of repeat offenders, parents or legal guardians will be informed that the student must conform to the guidelines before returning to classes. Students under eighteen(18) years of age whose parents cannot be contacted will be kept at school but not permitted to attend classes until they conform to the guidelines.
If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day, or until a parent or designee brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school. Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.