Newlon Elementary School does not require uniforms and believes all students have the right to an equitable education and should be able to dress, and style their hair, for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of unnecessary discipline or body shaming. Enforcement of this universal dress code shall not create disparities, reinforce stereotypes or increase marginalization of any group.

Unacceptable Items

The following are not acceptable on school grounds, in school district vehicles, or at school functions or activities: 

• Shorts, dresses, skirts or other similar clothing shorter than mid-thigh length

• Items that make the students face unidentifiable (protective masks, clothing/headgear worn for religious and medical purposes are excepted)

• Sunglasses and/or hats worn inside the building

• Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing that bare or expose typically private parts of the body (e.g., midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, etc.)

• Clothing with narrow straps, (less than 1 inch in width)

• Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments that are or contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:

  • Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons

  • Are of a sexual nature

  • By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which are associated with drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior

  • Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous

  • Threaten the safety or welfare of any person

  • Promote any activity prohibited by the school or district policy

  • Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process

Guidance

We encourage families to send students to school in clothing that is comfortable and suited for the daily activities they will engage in at school. The clothing should provide adequate protection and be suitable for the expected weather of the day. Importantly, sneakers should be the standard for daily footwear at school. Please See board policy JICA for more information on the DPS dress code policy. Please see the Equitable Dress Code for Students Best Practices and Recommendations for the document used to guide development of the dress code.

Enforcement

The role of a dress code is to both allow a student to express their individuality AND to do so safely in a way that keeps the focus on learning. We will not discipline students for violations but will intentionally work with the student and family to resolve a violation in a way that respects the student’s dignity and identity. This dress code will remain responsive and adjust as needed to meet the needs of the community.