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Student Dress Codes and Uniforms

It is a fundamental function of the district to create and maintain a positive educational environment by devoting attention to learning, increasing school safety, encouraging good behavior and discipline, and minimizing disruptions and distractions. WSD believes that appropriate attire and grooming contribute to a productive and effective learning environment. Thus, all students are expected to be groomed and dressed appropriately for age, grade level, school, and school activities. 

Student attire or grooming that substantially or potentially disrupts the educational environment or school program creates a distraction which interferes with the educational process or classroom activity or presents a health or safety hazard to the students or school community is not permitted. The determination of what constitutes a safety or health hazard, or what constitutes a distraction of students from a classroom activity, or what constitutes a disruption of a school program or excessive maintenance of school property shall be made by the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall have final authority to decide if a student’s attire complies with a dress code or uniform dress code and shall use reasonable discretion in interpreting and implementing the provisions of this policy. The dress and uniform codes as described below shall be applicable for the district.

WSD recognizes that individual students have a right to free expression and that right must be balanced with the WSD’s responsibility to provide classrooms and campuses which are safe, secure, and orderly and an educational environment which is supportive of the school system’s academic goals and educational responsibilities. In support of these goals and expectations, WSD establishes the following dress codes for District students. 

Definitions

  • Attire means clothing, headwear, jewelry, book bags, accessories or other articles of personal appearance.
  • Dress Code means a set of parameters that describes acceptable and unacceptable student apparel to ensure the health and safety of all students and creates a positive learning environment; and refers to the district-wide and/or School Specific Dress Codes.
  • District-Wide Student Dress Code means a set of parameters as determined by the School Board, that describes acceptable and unacceptable apparel to ensure the health and safety of all students and creates a positive learning environment.
  • School Specific (Standard) Dress Code means a set of parameters determined by the school site that describes acceptable and unacceptable student apparel and appearance, including but not limited to, clothing, makeup, tattoos, and jewelry. 

Clothing Assistance

It is a policy of WSD that no student will be denied attendance at school or otherwise denied an education for failing to wear clothing that complies with the district-wide, School Specific (Standard) Dress Code, if such failure is due to financial hardship. Parents may request such assistance from the principal or designee. The identity of the family or child shall not be disclosed.