Student Resources

Students of Carroll County Public Schools are required to groom themselves in a manner that is modest, clean, appropriate, decent, and not disruptive to the educational process. Students are expected to abide by this dress code from the time they arrive to the school until the end of the school day. The requirements include, but are not limited to:

Head Coverings

• Hats, sunglasses, or head coverings of any kind, including bandanas and visors, shall not be worn in the school building unless approved for religious or medical reasons. Certain headbands, scrunchies, etc. which are used to hold hair in place and do not cover the entire head are permitted.

Shirts

• Cover the entire back (i.e., no cutout backs, no shirts that tie in back).
• Cover the midriff area (bottom of the shirt must meet the top of the lower attire at all times).
• Cover undergarments (tank-top undershirts and skin-tight compression shirts are considered undergarments, and must have a shirt over them).
• Not be see-through.
• Fit modestly so that cleavage area is covered.
• Have two straps, one on each shoulder (no tube tops or halter tops).

Dresses/Shorts/Skirts/Skorts/Pants

• Dresses, skirts, skorts, and shorts should not be excessively short. The guideline for “excessively short” is clothing that does not reach the student’s fingertips when the student is standing with arms extended at the side. Pants will cover undergarments at all times and not be excessively long as to drag on the floor.

Other

• No shoes with wheels shall be worn.
• No bedroom slippers or pajamas shall be worn.
• No chains which could inflict bodily harm if used as weapon, spiked clothing or accessories shall be worn.
• No mutilated, cutout or ragged clothing shall be worn that exposes the bare skin between the upper chest and mid-thigh or creates a significant distraction.
• Underwear shall not be showing and shall not be worn as outerwear.
• Clothing shall not convey advertisements for or promote the use of condoms or other birth control devices, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons, stated or implied.
• Clothing shall not convey messages that express hate, racial slurs, or sexual harassment.
• Clothing shall not convey establishments or products whose names can be directly interpreted or construed as carrying a “double meaning” involving sexual innuendo, gang symbols, or sexual activity.

A student found wearing clothing that does not meet dress code requirements will be asked to change or remove the item, and be given an opportunity to do so. Should the student not be able to change or remove the item, clothing may be provided by the school. All student dress code violations will be addressed respectfully. Student failure to cooperate will be referred to an administrator. Any student not complying with the direction of a teacher or administrator may be considered insubordinate and subject to appropriate disciplinary action. The Superintendent/Designee may enforce additional restrictions in order to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Requests for Exceptions

Decisions concerning exceptions to the dress code for the purpose of school spirit activities by clubs or organizations are made at the discretion of the school administration.