Dress Code:

Blythewood High requires compliance with the dress code policy established by the RSD2 School Board. Code JICA, issued 5/04, appears in italic print; notes from the administration at Blythewood appear in regular print.

Richland School District Two students are expected to dress and be groomed in such a way as to not dis­tract or cause disruption in the edu­cational program or orderly operation of the school. Personal appearance of students should promote health and safety, contribute to a climate condu­cive to teaching and learning, and project a positive image of the district to the community. School Adminis­trators will be responsible for deter­mining dress code violations. The principal reserves the right to amend any provisions that he/she deems to be in the best interest of the student or the educational process. Students should dress for the educational set­ting and not for the recreational pro­cess. The Board will review the policy for any changes needed on a yearly basis.
 

  • Clothing and/or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the edu­cational process. Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive shall not be permitted.Wearing accessories or clothing that could pose a safety threat to one’s self or others is not allowed. This in­cludes heavy chains not made as jewelry, fishhooks, multiple-finger rings (rings welded together resembling brass knuckles or rings that can be used as weapons), studded bracelets or collars, nose/lip-to-ear chains, etc. Unusual body piercing that is disrup­tive to the order of the school, or is a distraction to the learning environment will not be allowed.

  • Attire must not evidence member­ship of affiliation with a “gang” in any negative sense of the term. In determining whether or not a student is in violation of the prohibition of the wearing/display of a gang-related item, the district will maintain, in all of its school offices, an example of po­tential gang indicators including symbols, hand signals, graffiti, and clothing/accessories (as stated in Policy JICF - Secret Societies/Gang Activity). Bandanas and do-rags are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated. Hats are not allowed in school buildings.* Picks and combs are not allowed in hair. Hair items such as plastic headbands, barrettes, and ribbons are permitted. School ad­ministrators will not be held liable for confiscated items.
     

  • Proper shoes must be worn at all times. Open back shoes are permit­ted. Shower shoes and bedroom slippers are not permitted.

  •  Attire must not be immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, in­decent, or offensive. Lower gar­ments should be of adequate length** to assure modesty when the student is seated or engaged in school activities.

  • Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and undergarments are not to be visible. If they do not fit properly, a belt must be worn to keep them in place.

  • eShirts must be tucked in to the extent that belts or waistbands are clearly visible at all times.

  • Sleeveless attire cannot reveal un­dergarments. Shirts [blouses] cannot be tight, low-cut or show cleavage. Shirts [garments] should be loose fitting and fully cover the upper body. Tank tops, halter tops, shirts [blouses/dresses] with spaghetti straps, and see-through shirts [gar­ments] will not be allowed.

  • Clothing must cover waist, shoul­ders and back with no skin show­ing between the top garment and bottom garment.

  • Pants and slacks must not touch the floor (no bagging, sagging, or dragging clothing).

  • No exposed undergarments.

  • No transparent or mesh clothing without an appropriate shirt un­derneath.

  • No apparel that is too revealing.

  • No clothing that is excessively form fitting (i.e. spandex).

  • No sunglasses may be worn inside the building.

  • No wallet chains or other type chains that may be dangerous or disruptive.

*In an effort to be consistent and avoid confusion, do not bring any headgear to school during regular school hours.

 

**Generally, shorts and skirts should be fingertip length when the wearer’s arms and fingers are extended fully.

Students may not continue to at­tend class wearing inappropriate clothing. Parents nor students will place the burden of enforcing the dress code solely on the school. Parents and students are expected to comply to ensure that a comfortable, safe, and non-confrontational envi­ronment is provided for all students. Administrators and faculty members are expected to strictly enforce the dress code at all times.

The school administration will determine the amount of lost instruc­tional time a student must make up due to being out of class for inappro­priate dress. The instructional time will be made up after school and at the financial expense of the student’s parent for a certified teacher to remain and instruct the student. Failure to do so may result in a student repeat­ing the course(s).

Violations of the dress code will result in the following:

· student(s) will be required to return home and change into appropriate attire or parent can bring proper clothing to school or student will be sent to ISD

· repeated violations [two or more] of this dress code shall be treated as disruptive behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct; however, dress code violations shall not carry over on the student’s discipline record to subsequent years.

 

Note: Uniforms for physical edu­cation class are required and avail­able for purchase at the school.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTING AND FOLLOWING ANY CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE DRESS CODE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR.