DRESS CODE

The following exceptions for student dress have been established bu the McDowell County Board of Education to promote a safe and optimum learning environment.

The following dress standards will be observed in all McDowell County Schools:

• Pants must be worn at or above the hip line and should not extend below the shoes due to safety reasons.
• Shirts, blouses and dresses shall completely cover the abdomen, back and both shoulders. There will be no see through clothing. Shirts and tops must meet the waistband of the pants, shorts and skirts at all times with no midriffs, cleavage, or underwear visible at any time.
• Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for the classroom activity. With the exception of medically prescribed footwear, soles and heels are not to exceed a total of 3 (three)  inches.
• Any clothing, jewelry, accessories or book bags that depict, advertise, or promote gangs, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco or that convey sexually explicit, inflammatory or vulgar language or images are prohibited. There will be no trench coats.
• Skirts, dresses, shorts must be no more than 4 (four) inches above the top of the knee.
• Jewelry or accessories that could be used as a weapon are prohibited.
• No head coverings of any sort shall be worn in the classroom.
  

The principal may allow exceptions to this dress code only on special occasions, such as holidays, pep rallies or special performances. A principal may further prescribe additional dress requirements appropriate to certain classes such as physical educational, vocational classes, and science labs.