DRESS CODE

Decency, good taste, and the normal standards of the community are to be maintained in dress and grooming by all students. The Stewart Creek Middle School 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 that is considered contrary to good hygiene, distractive or disruptive in appearance, or detrimental to the educational environment or the public image of the school will not be permitted. Students should follow these guidelines:

1. Student dress will not lead school officials to believe that such behavior, 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, sleeveless shirts, bare midriffs, open backs, low-cut tops, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, thin strapped shirts, mesh shirts are not permitted. No skin should be visible between the shirts and pants while sitting or extending hands over head. Undergarments must be covered.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times. (No house shoes). Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building unless prescribed by a doctor for inside wear.
4. Shorts and skirts must be as long as or longer than the tip of the longest finger when the student’s arms are extended along the side of the body. Biking shorts, spandex, tights, pajamas, or boxer shorts are not permitted. Skin or under garments may not be seen through clothing.
5. Form-fitting clothes, such as leggings, are allowable only if they are worn under clothing that meets dress code (with the shirt, skirt, or dress being as long as or longer than the tip of the longest finger when the student’s arms are extended along the side of the body).
6. The only holes in pants that are allowed are those that are at or below the tip of the longest finger when the student’s arms are extended along the side of the body.
7. Clothing, accessories, or any item that pertains to or 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.
8. Hats, scarves, hair-picks, stocking caps, hair curlers, and other head covering may not be worn to school.
9. Dress Down Days/ Special Events/ Spirit Days: Scheduling for dress for these days will be under the direction and discretion of the individual principals.
10. Students are to keep book bags, backpacks, and large purses in their lockers at all times.
11. The principal or assistant principal will make the final judgment concerning attire or accessories that do not fall into one of the above categories but may still be considered inappropriate or disruptive to the educational program. Dress code may be changed anytime at principal’s discretion.

When a student is attired in a manner which 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 modesty and no distractions during the learning process.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students shall not use, access or display personal communication devices while on school property or on school bus unless used for educational purposes as assigned by a teacher. A person who discovers a student using, accessing, or displaying a personal communication device in violation of this policy shall report the violation to the principal. Any student who possesses a personal communication device in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action. Students may use cellular telephones while attending after school activities. I-pods, cameras, and other electronic devices are not allowed at school.

FIELD TRIPS

All school rules regarding appropriate dress and student behavior apply during field trips. Permission slips and money for field trips must be turned in by the assigned deadline. Students will not be permitted to call home for “forgotten permission slips” to attend a field trip on the morning of the field trip.

HALLS

Students should be in the hall only at the beginning and end of the school day, going to or from lunch or assemblies, or during class when they have special permission. When in the hall during class time, a student must be accompanied by a faculty member or have his agenda signed by his teacher.

STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A student has full rights and citizenship as defined by the Constitution of the United States and assumes the responsibility to take positive actions relative to the Constitution, the laws of the State of Tennessee and policies, rules and regulations of the Rutherford County Board of Education, and Stewarts Creek Middle School.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

A student must bring a note from his parent anytime a transportation change is necessary. A written request is also required when a change in bus transportation is necessary. This request must be processed in the office and approved by the administration. The office personnel will not accept transportation changes over the telephone, and students will not be allowed to call home for a note.

VANDALISM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE

Our school building and equipment are made available through taxes paid by all citizens of Rutherford County. Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for loss or damages. Suspension or expulsion may result from the willful destruction of school property. Accidental damage to school property should be reported to a teacher or to office personnel immediately.