St. Mary’s County Public Schools

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Standards for appropriate attire shall include the following:

Clothing and Accessories in General

* Clothing displaying or suggesting profanity; sexual activity through graphic images, words, or innuendos; weapons; drugs/alcohol or drug paraphernalia; violence; or tobacco products may not be worn.

* Clothing with identifiable gang/crew representation or paraphernalia may not be worn.

* Suggestive or provocative clothing such as see-through clothing or shirts/blouses/dresses with low necklines which show cleavage may not be worn.

* Official St. Mary's County Public Schools’ athletic uniforms may be allowed at the discretion of the coach.

* Student dress for mixers (informal dances) must be in compliance with the Student Dress Code.

Head

* Hats/Headdresses may only be worn indoors with written notice to the school principal/designee for religious or health reasons.

Shirts and Blouses

* Shirts and blouses should be continuous from the neckline to the waist of the pants/skirt/skort. Shirt straps should be at least two (2) inches wide over the shoulder or covered by a sweater, jacket, or other shirt and in any case, strapless shirts/blouses may not be worn. The midriff area (front, back, and sides) must not be visible at any time even when seated.

* No undergarments should be exposed.

* Shirts having large armholes and neck holes, such as muscle shirts, may not be worn.

Skirts and Dresses

* Skirts, dresses, and spandex skirts should be approximately one (1) inch below the fingertips.

* Dress straps should be at least two (2) inches wide over the shoulder or covered by a sweater, jacket, or other shirt and in any case, strapless dresses may not be worn.

Pants and Shorts/Skorts

* Pants and shorts/skorts should be secured at waist: no sagging below waist to expose undergarments.

* Tights, stretch pants, leggings, and spandex body suits must be worn with clothing which meet the skirt/dress directives.

* Shorts/skorts should be approximately one inch below the fingertips.

* Pajama pants may not be worn.

Shoes

* Shoes must be worn that are safe for all activities.

* Elementary school students must wear shoes that are secured behind the ankle.

* Shoes with wheels may not be worn.

Accessories

* Jewelry, belts, chains, and other accessories that may be used as or look like a weapon or create a significant disruption may not be worn.

* Studded accessories are not permitted.

It is recognized that age and maturity may be considered in determining the appropriateness of a student’s attire.  Appropriateness will be determined by the school principal/designee.

Please refer to the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct for further information.