Wylie ISD Dress Code Policy

 

STUDENT CONDUCT: STANDARD DRESS CODE (Grades 5-12)ALTERNATIVE DRESS CODE (Grades PK-4)

FNCA (LOCAL)

STANDARD DRESS CODE	Grades 5 – 12 and alternative campuses will follow the board-approved standard dress code.
PURPOSE	The use of standard dress is established to improve students' self-esteem, reduce ethnic and racial tension, bridge socio-economic differences among students, and promote positive behavior, thereby enhancing school safety and improving the learning environment.
EFFECTIVE DATE	August 1, 2006
IMPLEMENTATION	Students in grades 5 – 12 will comply with the standard dress guidelines as established by Wylie ISD.  If the principal determines that a student has violated the standard dress code, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school, for the first offense. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected. After the first violation, any further standard dress code offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action. Appropriate discipline procedures shall be followed in all cases in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. [See FO series] It is expected that all WISD students in grades 5-12 will comply with the standard dress code.   Students in grades 5-12 entering WISD for the first time will have 10 calendar days to comply with the standard dress code and must follow the alternative dress code during that time.  Students in grades 5-12 will be expected to follow the general guidelines for grooming as identified in the Alternative Dress Code. The alternative dress code is the same code used by elementary students in grades PK through 4.  Elementary students (PK-4) must comply with the WISD Alternative Dress Code.
WAIVER	A parent or guardian of a student may request that the student be waived from the standard dress requirement. In order to exercise this option, the parent or guardian shall provide a written statement that states a religious or philosophical objection to the standard dress requirement and shall submit a completed standard dress survey form. Each campus for which standard dress is adopted shall maintain a form upon which parents can note their religious or philosophical objections to the standard dress requirement and a standard dress survey form.
EXEMPTIONS	Exemptions are granted for specific items or circumstances rather than for the entire standard dress guidelines.  Examples of exemptions that might be granted are as follows:  Elastic pants for students who cannot button or zip No belt No collar shirts for an autistic student who can’t tolerate something near his face No tuck-in requirement   Exemptions will be based on a specific student need rather than a desire to not follow the standard dress guidelines.  Exemptions should be reviewed each year to determine if the need still exists.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES	The principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students who violate dress and grooming standards established for such an activity may be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the principal or sponsor, and may be subject to other disciplinary action, as specified in the Student Code of Conduct. [See FO series]
DRESS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS	The principal at any campus has the authority to allow all or part of the student body of the campus to vary from the standard mode of dress and establish a particular mode of attire for special occasion days or for particular school-sponsored or school-related activities.
NONDISCRIMINATION	District or campus personnel shall not discriminate against any student whose parents choose for religious or philosophical reasons an exception to the standard dress policy.

Recommended guidelines for Standard Dress Grades 5-12-revised August 9, 2007
Spanish Version 
Visual Examples 

ALTERNATIVE DRESS CODE   (Grades PK-4)

Grades PK – 4 campuses will follow the board-approved alternative dress code.

PURPOSE	It is the philosophy of the Wylie Independent School District that the public school system is responsible for the academic and life skills development of each child enrolled within its schools. To assure the accomplishment of this task, the learning environment must be maintained to encourage learning. The District's alternative dress code is established to create a positive learning environment, teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, teach respect for authority, and develop an awareness of appropriate attire in grades PK through 4.  It is also used as the interim dress code for students in grades 5-12 who are entering WISD for the first time.
GENERAL GUIDELINES	Students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that shall not be disruptive or a safety hazard to themselves or others. The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the principal's judgment may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations. Grooming includes, but is not limited to, length of hair, color of hair, and appropriate hairstyles. Facial hair must also be well maintained and not disrupt or interfere with normal school operations.
	The student and parent may determine the student's personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the general guidelines set out below and with the student alternative dress and standard dress codes as outlined in the student handbooks:
	The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writing on clothing that depict violence or are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene in nature. Clothing that may be used as a weapon or gang-related clothing are not allowed. Any clothing that advertises or depicts tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under FNCF(LEGAL) shall not be worn. The length of any shorts, skirts, or dresses may be no shorter than three inches as measured from the top of the knee. Any slits in garments are subject to the same limitations. Clothing such as shirts, blouses, and dresses are required to have sleeves. Clothing must be comfortable and modest; clothing that is too tight or too short shall not be worn. Multiple earrings that are disruptive to the classroom environment or any earrings that are inappropriate or cause safety concerns are not allowed. Tongue rings and other visible body piercings are not allowed. Tattoos and body art shall not be visible. A team or group uniform that does not adhere to the general guidelines of the alternative dress code policy may not be worn during any instructional portion of the school day. Baggy clothing or clothes that sag shall not be allowed. Clothing with low-cut necklines and clothing that exposes the midriff shall not be permitted.
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES	The District's philosophy states that the District is responsible for the development of the whole student; this includes good dress and grooming habits. Given that all staff members have a responsibility to serve a positive adult role models for students, they are expected to exhibit personal dress and grooming practices that are reflective of the high standards associated with the profession, thereby enhancing their ability to enforce the student alternative dress code policy. It is the responsibility of all professional personnel to administer the dress and grooming guidelines.
	Each professional employee shall be evaluated yearly on his or her competence and ability to follow the philosophy, policies, and guidelines determined by the Board. It is the primary responsibility of the first-period teachers to verify that the students in their classrooms are in compliance with the District dress and grooming policies; however, all staff members are responsible for ensuring that alternative dress code guidelines are enforced. The principal or designee shall make the final determination and administer the required discipline.
VIOLATIONS	If the principal determines that a student has violated the alternative dress code, the student shall be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school, for the first offense. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day or until the problem is corrected. After the first violation, any further alternative dress code offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action. Appropriate discipline procedures shall be followed in all cases in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. [See FO series]