In keeping with the Wilkes County Schools dress code and in order to provide and preserve a safe and neutral learning environment without disruptions, students are required to dress and groom themselves in a professional manner conducive to learning and leadership. School staff will be diligent and equitable in addressing dress code concerns with students. Appearance of clothing which is disruptive, obscene or which endangers the health or safety of students or others is prohibited. All rooms are air-conditioned and students should dress accordingly.  Administrators have the responsibility and right to determine what is disruptive to the school environment. These decisions will be made in accordance with, but not limited to guidelines:

• Students may not wear articles of clothing that display or promote advertisements of alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and/or pictures offensive to other individuals or groups. 
• No chains, spikes or other accessories that may pose a safety hazard. 
• No costumes or face painting. Exceptions may be made by administration for special events.
• Shoes must be worn at all times. No cleats or skates. Tennis shoes or sneakers will be required for all students participating in physical education classes.
• Students are not to wear caps, hats, toboggans, bandanas, hoods, or any other item considered to be headgear inside any school building. Being able to identify people in our building is paramount to safety. 
• Exposed undergarments are not permitted.
• Bottoms must meet the following guidelines:
• All shorts, pants and skirts should be a modest and non-distracting fit and appropriate for the student’s physical development.
• Pants, shorts, skirts or dresses must be of at-least upper-thigh length and not have holes or rips that expose undergarments or skin in a revealing or provocative manner.  
• Shirts must meet the following guidelines:
• Have straps that cover shoulders (No spaghetti straps, halter tops or tube tops, off shoulder shirts, racerbacks, etc.)
• No visible skin below the armpit line (in the front or back). 
• Must be long enough to cover midriff AND back while standing, sitting, or leaning over.
• Additional dress requirements may be made for students who come to school with inappropriate clothing and/or appearances that are disruptive to the learning environment.
• Visitors should also adhere to our school’s dress code requirements.

Students not meeting the expectations of this dress code will be asked to change, may be provided with clothing resources at the school, or parents/guardians may be contacted to help provide students with appropriate clothing for the remainder of the day. Students who repeatedly fail or refuse to meet these expectations may be assigned school discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.