Suffolk Public Schools Student Handbook: 

2023-2024 SPS Student Handbook

Suffolk Public Schools Code of Conduct:

2023-2024 SPS Student Code of Conduct

Northern Shores Elementary Student Handbook:
2023-2024 NSES Student Handbook

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT DRESS 

Section 9-11.8 Statement of School Board Policy: Student attire impacts the teaching and learning environment. It can either promote a more effective educational environment or it can disrupt the educational climate and process. In order to ensure that our students’ education is conducted in an environment where safety risks, disruptions, and distractions are minimized, all students enrolled in Suffolk Public Schools shall adhere to dress regulation promulgated by the School Superintendent. (Adopted March 8, 2012; Ordinance Number 11/12-15; Effective Date: July 1, 2012) Legal Authority ─ Virginia Code §221.78 (1950), as amended. 

REGULATION Section 6-9.2. An appropriate environment for learning required; appropriate dress required; prohibited clothing.

A. The School Board and Suffolk Public Schools Staff rely heavily on parents and students to support the division's policies. One of the fundamental purposes of school is to provide an appropriate environment for learning. A student will maintain personal attire and grooming standards that promote safety, health, and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

B. Suffolk Public Schools has established the following guidelines for student dress while in the classroom or participating in school-sponsored activities:

• Shirts and blouses must include at least 3" width on shoulders, garments. Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, muscle shirts, off-shoulder shirts, and tank tops are not allowed. The appropriate length of skirts, dresses and shorts will be determined by the "fingertip rule." The length of skirts, dresses and shorts, must extend below the student's fingertips when the student's arms are extended at his/her sides. Only leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants that are opaque (i.e., not able to be seen through) are allowed. Rips and holes in clothing are prohibited.

• Clothing must not reveal undergarments such as underwear and bras. This includes any article of clothing that does not cover the midriff, back, reveals cleavage, sags below the beltline, or is sheer.

• Clothing and accessories may not advertise alcohol, tobacco, vaping, cannabis, or any illegal substances, depict lewd graphics, display offensive or obscene language, promote violence, or are gang related. Apparel that depict sexually suggestive expressions or actions, profanity, obscenity, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or which degrade the integrity of individual groups are prohibited. Slogans and graphics are prohibited across the buttocks.

• Sunglasses may not be worn within the building, unless prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate reason. Wallet chains are not permitted.

• Unless worn for religious or medical reasons, head coverings are not permitted. This includes hats, hoods, bandanas, combs, and picks. Headbands, headwraps and/or scarves as they relate to a student’s customary country of origin, religious attire or ethnic affinity are allowed.

• All shoes worn should not pose a safety concern. Slides, flip flops, and slippers are permitted. Sandals with a back strap are permitted. • Sleepwear may be worn only during designated school functions.

• Clothing worn by a student must not cause a disruption and/or distract others from the educational process or pose a health or safety concern.

Revised July 12, 2018; Revised January 13, 2022) Legal Authority - School Board Policy §9-11.8.