After 20 years, Toano Middle School did away with school uniforms but it is now clarifying the school’s dress code.
Last Thursday, Tracey Jones, the school’s principal, sent an email to families, giving them more information about the dress code policy, said Eileen Cox, spokeswoman for Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. Cox said all of the middle school principals in the district sent out information on the new changes.
“The principals worked together to ensure consistency in both practice and language,” Cox said.
These emails also provided information on the clarifications to cellphone use in the student code of conduct.
RELATED STORY: WJCC school board approves ‘clarification’ in code for cellphone use
In Jones’ email, the principal asked parents to discuss the changes with their students to make sure they would be successful in the next school year.
“Doing our best and being successful every day relies on looking and feeling our best,” Jones wrote in the email. “Clothing and dress can be a form of individual expression; however, it should always convey a sense of personal pride and confidence that is conducive to learning.”
Here are the updates to the dress code policy:
- Clothing or accessories bearing obscene, offensive, profane, suggestive/abusive statements or images will not be permitted.
- Clothing must not advertise, advocate and/or promote activities illegal for minors.
- Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes with laces must be tied. For safety reasons, shoes with secured straps are highly encouraged.
- Any clothing, make-up, hairstyle or manner of appearance that disrupts the educational/school related environment will not be allowed.
- All clothing and its material (when worn) are not to be transparent.
- Shorts/skorts/dresses/skirts must measure at least 6 inches above the top of the knee when worn at the natural waist. When standing, this length must be consistent all the way around the article of clothing.
- Clothing that exposes or reveals the midriff, navel, cleavage, buttocks, or upper back is not allowed.
- All undergarments must remain properly under the appropriate clothing or cover.
- Ripped, frayed, slashed or torn pants or made to appear as such are not allowed unless something is worn under them to cover holes above the knee.
- Pants must be worn at the natural waistline. Sagging is not permitted.
- Sleepwear, pajamas, slippers or blankets are not allowed.
- Bandanas may not be worn or displayed in any fashion.
- With the exception of standard headbands, headwear will be removed prior to entering the building (this is to include sunglasses). Religious headwear will be permitted and administration will be aware of those wearing headwear for religious reasons, Cox said.
- Sweaters, sweatshirts, and light jackets may be worn during the day. No hoods on any article of clothing can be worn during the school day.
The code also stated that clothing or items that are deemed questionable for school can be restricted by school administration.
RELATED STORY: After nearly 20 years, Toano Middle School does away with uniforms
Jones said goal is to create a safe learning environment for students that prevents distractions that are not conducive to education.
To learn more about the district’s dress code policy for middle school students, call 757-566-4251.
