BRATTLEBORO — It is the responsibility of parents to monitor their children's personal appearance during school time. [This policy] is based on the need to foster a climate conducive to a caring learning environment that nurtures personal growth and promotes safety, security, and positive attitudes. Paramount to this effort is the expectation that students dress appropriately for the school setting. Apparel that draws undue attention to the wearer can detract from the educational process and is therefore inappropriate.
School regulations prohibit student dress or grooming practices which:
• Present a hazard to the health and safety of the student or to others in the school
• Materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program.
• Cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
• Prevent students from achieving educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.
• Obscure or mask a student's identity.
The following are specifically prohibited:
• Decorations and/or designs, symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms that convey offensive, vulgar, profane, violent, gang-affiliated, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive messages on any personal item or any attire.
• Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms advertising or promoting tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or that profess violence or hatred toward fellow humans.
• Exposure of undergarments.
• Strapless or one shoulder upper garments.
• Halter tops.
• Bare midriffs, low cut necklines that reveal cleavage or bare backs. (Upper garments must be of appropriate length to cover the midriff, cut and/or fit to meet these requirements while sitting and/or bending.)
• Bare feet.
• Spiked clothing, including, but not limited to, dog collars, wristbands, chains, or belts containing metal studs that pose a safety concern for the students or others. Students' attire must also adhere to the following regulation:
• Skirts or shorts must reach the tips of the fingers when extended in the standing position. (Appropriate shorts may be worn for physical education activities and athletic practices.)