Dress Policy

The Christiana Middle School (CHMS) dress code is in coordination with all middle schools in Rutherford County. Decency, good taste, and the normal standard of the community are to be maintained in dress and grooming by all students. The CHMS dress code has been devised with the idea of promoting a positive learning atmosphere and wholesome attitude for each student and the school as a whole. Any dress or hairstyle that is considered contrary to good hygiene, distractive or disruptive in appearance, detrimental to the educational environment or to the public image of the school will not be permitted. The administration has the right to determine if attire or appearance is inappropriate for school. Students should follow these guidelines:

1. Student dress will not lead school officials to believe, apparel, activities, acts or other attributes are gang related or would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and/or educational objectives.

2. Any dress considered too revealing will not be allowed. See-through outfits, bare midriffs, open backs, low-cut tops, tube tops, tank tops, halter-tops, mesh or sleeveless shirts are not permitted. No skin should be visible between shirts and pants while sitting or extending hands over head.

3. Shoes must be worn at all times. (No plastic/rubber thongs, flip-flops or house shoes). Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building except when prescribed by a doctor for inside wear.

4. Shorts and skirts must be as long or longer than the tip of the longest finger when the students’ arms are by the side of the body. Biking shorts, spandex, tights or boxer shorts are not permitted. Shorts and pants are to be hemmed or stitched; no cut-offs are allowed. No holes of any kind in clothing are allowed.

5. Clothing, accessories, or any item that advertises substances which are illegal for teenagers (drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, etc.) or which are otherwise inappropriate (profanity, sex, obscenities, violence, gang related, etc.) are not to be worn or brought to school. Hats, scarves, hair picks, stocking caps, hair curlers, and other head covering, disruptive hair styling or unnatural hair color may not be worn in school.

6. Clothing must be size appropriate. All shirts must be tucked in and waistbands clearly visible and worn at the waist. Sagging is not allowed. All belts, buttons, and fasteners must be fastened at all times. Belts are required for all pants and shorts with belt loops.

7. All chains and chains with medallions must be tucked beneath shirts. Chains worn on pants are not allowed.

8. Pierced accessories are allowed only on the ears.

9. Dress Down Days/Special Events and Spirit Days: Scheduling and dress for these days will be under the direction and discretion of the individual principals.

10. Students are to keep coats/jackets, book bags, backpacks, and large book size purses in their lockers at all times.

When a student is attired in a manner that is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal will administer appropriate consequences. These consequences include, but are not limited to, calling parents to bring appropriate clothing, detention, in-school suspension and/or other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate. Our goal is modestyand no distractions during the learning process.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS

1 st Offense – Written warning and correction of the problem.

2 nd Offense –1 day ISS and loss of privilege.

3 rd Offense – 3 days ISS

4 th Offense – 3 days OSS

***EXCEPTION : Students with no belt inappropriate shirt will follow these guidelines:

1 st Offense – warning and correction of the problem.

2 nd Offense – Send to ISS and remain there until problem is corrected.

3 rd Offense – 1 day ISS

4 th Offense – 3 days ISS

Miscellaneous Items

Certain items should be left at home. These include but are not limited to dice, cards, CD’s, radios, tape recorders, telephones, Game Boys, matches, lighters, any type of fireworks. Money in excess of ten ($10.00) dollars, valuable jewelry, and other personal items should be left at home. This is for your protection. Faculty members have been requested to take any of these items collected from students to the office. Parents are requested to come to school for the return of these items