Lester MS: Policies and Procedures

For safety reasons, all visitors and volunteers must report to the school’s front office immediately upon entering the school.

A visitor/volunteer is someone who is not a school employee or enrolled student and enters the school during operating hours. The school administration has the final determination on visitors/volunteers authorized to be at the school. When visiting, visitors/volunteers may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the front office. All visitors will receive an appropriate visitor’s badge, which is to be displayed conspicuously at all times while on school grounds. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor/volunteer can access a different location within the school. Upon finishing their visit, visitors/volunteers must check out at the front office, return the visitor’s badge, and exit the school. Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction. Approval by school personnel is required for this type of visitation.

Learn more about volunteering at your school's Get Involved page.

DoDEA school administrators, in partnership with sponsors/family members, students, and military leaders, promote communication through the establishment of advisory committees to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school advisory committees.

Learn more about SAC's at your school's Get Involved page.

Proof of Eligibility: The sponsor does not need to be present at registration, as long as the parent or other adult registering the child has all the necessary paperwork, in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, “Eligibility Requirements for Education of Elementary and Secondary School-Age Dependents in Overseas Areas,” September 20, 2006, as amended, and DoD Instruction 1342.26, “Eligibility Requirements for Minor Dependents to Attend Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS),” March 4, 1997. 

The following documents are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Proof of age;
2. Medical records, including information on medical conditions, medications, and all dates and types of immunizations;
3. Official documents to support eligibility (e.g., letter of employment, contract, permanent change of station [PCS] orders, etc.); and
4. Proof of on-base residence (applies to students enrolling in DoD domestic schools).

Contact the registrar at your child’s school to update your child’s information or visit your school's registration page for more information on enrollment. 

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

1. Personal illness;
2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
5. Religious holiday;
6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoDEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day.  Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

More about DoDEA Attendance Policy (dodea.edu/StudentServices/Attendance)

The Principal may authorize an accelerated withdrawal of a student who must withdraw from school 20 or less instructional days prior to the end of a semester, in accordance with Section 3.1.d, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01, “High School Graduation Requirements and Policy,” [TBD]. Accelerated withdrawal will only be considered if the parent/sponsor presents PCS orders. The parent or sponsor must present verification of the date required for the student to depart from the school (e.g., PCS orders). All of the conditions of an accelerated study program outlined by the student’s teachers must be met prior to withdrawal in order for grades to be assigned and credit to be granted. Students who withdraw prior to the 20-day limitation of the accelerated withdrawal policy will receive “withdrawal” grades rather than final grades. In this case, the sponsor/parent should notify the school two weeks prior to the date of withdrawal.

DoDEA accepts the official courses, grades and earned credits of middle school (grades 7–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who transfer to a DoDEA school from other DoDEA schools or who earn course credits in an accredited non-DoD system (public or private), correspondence, online, and/or home-school program. The accreditation for the sending school or school system must be from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting associations, one of the U.S. state education agencies, or by a public- or state-supported system of accreditation for public or private education programs in a foreign nation, in accordance with Section 4.7, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01. Please contact your child’s school for questions regarding course credit transfer process and approval.

At the beginning of each course or grade level, every DoDEA teacher shall make available information regarding grading policy and course requirements to parents and students. This information will be provided to parents and students by the end of the first month of the school year or by the end of the first month of the semester in the case of a semester course.

If any student demonstrates unsatisfactory progress or achievement, teachers must notify parents with enough time to correct the deficiency. Notification must occur as soon as unsatisfactory achievement is evident, and not later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period.

Timely and accurate reporting of student progress shall be accomplished for students in grades 4–12, using the approved DoDEA Electronic Gradebook (EGB) System. All assignments (e.g., quizzes, tests, examinations, homework, speeches, etc.) that are used to assess and report student progress shall be promptly evaluated and/or graded, posted in the EGB, and returned to the student. The normal period of evaluation and posting should be no longer than ten calendar days from the day the assignment is collected, with reasonable exceptions for large projects. At a minimum, one assignment or grade should be recorded per week in the EGB System. To create an account and access the EGB System, please visit the DoDEA SIS Gradebook for instructions.

A traditional letter grading system will be used for grades 4–12 report marks.

For purposes of calculating a student’s high school GPA, the following scales shall be used:

Homework is one means of developing the necessary skills of independent study and learning for present and future use. Homework promotes organizational skills and a sense of responsibility. It is also an opportunity for parents to become actively involved in their child's learning and for each child to reach his/her full potential. Through homework, students are given the opportunity to complete additional practice and application to strengthen skills; to expand and/or enrich regular class work; to complete work started in class; to make up work due to absence.

Teachers may assign homework as determined necessary to enhance student learning that is taking place in the classroom. Each child works at his/her own pace, so the amount of time needed to complete specific assignments may vary. The types of homework may vary to enable the student to have experience/practice in reading, writing, computational skills, and other subject areas during a given week. Frequency and length of assignments will be grade appropriate. At a very minimum, a child should read or be read to 15-20 minutes nightly

Students are responsible for ensuring that they:

• Understand the homework assignment.
• Take home all books and materials needed to do the assignment.
• Complete the homework in the assigned format and turn it in when it is due.
• Participate actively and cooperatively in the evaluation of their homework when appropriate.

Parents are encouraged to provide an environment which fosters the development of life-long learning skills.

This includes:

• A quiet place to work.
• Necessary materials.
• A regular study time.
• Review the student planner.
• Encouragement and praise.

The DoDEA School Meals Program (SMP) supports academic achievement by providing nutritious meals to your students through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  

• The School Meals Program is a budget friendly and convenient program for parents that can save time, energy, money and reduce stress.  
• Households must reapply every school year for free and reduced-price meals, beginning no earlier than July 1st.
• All meals must be paid for in advance or at the point of sale.
• A best practice is to fund your child’s account every pay day through the next pay day.

Visit your school's School Meals Program page for more information and the latest school menus.

Students are expected to actively participate in the educational process, including school-sponsored activities in and outside of the classroom, as deemed appropriate. Students should bring to the attention of a school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

Students shall:

1. Comply with policies, procedures and standards for student behavior;
2. Refrain from conduct or behavior that is disruptive;
3. Respect the rights and human dignity of other students and all school employees;
4. Attend school and classes regularly, and punctually and make a conscious effort in all classes;
5. Participate in and take advantage of educational opportunities provided by DoDEA schools;
6. Assist school employees in operating a safe school by abiding by the laws of the United States, the local military installation, the host nation, and DoDEA policies, regulations, and procedures;
7. Properly maintain school property and use school property and equipment for educationally authorized purposes;
8. Promptly bring to the attention of a DoDEA school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others and to cooperate with school threat assessment procedures; and
9. Promptly report to the DoDEA School Principal, or another DoDEA school employee, incidents or complaints, including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or non-sexual harassment, based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or status as a sponsor, parent or legal guardian; intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyberbullying), or retaliation against persons who report or participate in the investigation of such incidents herein.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Please refer to your school’s Web site or school handbook for specific dress code policy.

Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, sponsors/parents/guardians, teachers, and the military command and school communities in general, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Student behavioral management consists of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors. Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff with courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students with courtesy, fairness, and respect. All students will be disciplined in a fair and appropriate manner. School administrators shall operate and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. School administration will ensure prompt investigation and response to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members.

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021, discipline shall be progressively and fairly administered. Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, conferences, detention, time-out, alternative in-school placements, school service programs, community service and counseling programs. Other behavior management techniques will be considered prior to resorting to more formal disciplinary actions that remove a student from school for a suspension (short or long term). Long-term suspension or expulsion following a first offense may be considered when a student poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others (e.g., offenses involving firearms or other weapons, fighting or violence, or the possession, use, or sale of drugs). Additional rules and procedures can be reviewed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01.

In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. DoDEA implemented a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.

Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.

In DoDEA schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to ensure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.

Each student, together with the student’s parent or guardian (if applicable), shall acknowledge and sign Form 700, “Use of DoDEA Internet and Use of Information Technology Resources,” before he or she is assigned a user account. In accordance with Enclosure 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 6600.01, “Computer Access and Internet Policy,” February 16, 2010, the following are required of all students:

1. Students shall use DoDEA information technology (IT) resources, including computers, electronic mail, and internet access, only in support of education and for research consistent with the educational objectives of DoDEA; 
2. Students shall respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to, and use of, DoDEA’s IT resources; 
3. Students shall be polite in all electronic communication;
4. Students shall use courteous and respectful language and/or images in their messages to others;
5. Students shall not swear, use vulgarities, or use harsh, abusive, sexual, or disrespectful language and/or images;
6. Students who misuse DoDEA IT resources are subject to disciplinary measures; and
7. Students’ accounts will be deactivated upon transition out of a DoDEA school.

The signed agreement (Form 700) is to be retained in the administrative office at the student’s school for the duration of the student’s enrollment. A copy will be provided to the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent or guardian.

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged.  The only acceptable form of social media communication between parents/teachers/students is through official school social media.

Student transportation is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, during the mid-day and for return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day.  DoDEA principals are responsible for monitoring student loading/unloading zones when students are coming and going from school sites, including administering discipline.  A school bus or any device operating to provide student transportation will function as an extension of the school.  The walking distance for students in grade 6 and below should not exceed one mile from the student’s primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  Students in grades 7–12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods.  In locations having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6–8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7–12.  

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal.  No other transportation between the assigned bus stop and the school will be charged to commuting transportation unless stated in a special education student’s IEP and/or required by Section 504 guidelines.  “Curb-to-curb” only applies to students with disabilities who require such service as documented in the student’s IEP.  DoDEA District Superintendents, in coordination with the District Logistics Chief and the supporting military installation commanders, will establish a commuting area to determine eligibility for transportation of dependent students.

Eligibility Rules for Interscholastic Athletic Competitions

School administrators, athletic directors, and coaches shall ensure that the eligibility rules are observed in all DoDEA interscholastic athletic competitions in accordance with in DoDEA Manual 2740.1 and the Far East Programs Procedural Guide (FEPPG) - 15 Oct 2021

Student Travel Eligibility

DoDEA Manual 2740.1 and the Pacific Area Interscholastic Athletics Program Manual provide a uniform interscholastic athletic program and guidance on student travel eligibility. This policy extends to both academic and athletic events.

Athletic Contests: Students must participate in ten days of practice prior to competing in any athletic contest. Athletes participating in consecutive athletic seasons are exempt from the 10-practice rule as long as 10 days have not passed between active participation in the preceding sports season. Students transferring from another school may begin participating in contests immediately if the 10-day practice requirement has been met.

Far East Tournaments: Students may participate in the Far East Tournament if they have been a member of the team/activity for at least one-half of the season. Before departure for any Far East event another parent/player meeting will occur to review the Code-of- Conduct and to discuss expectations while attending the event. Players whose parents do not attend this meeting will not travel to the Far East event and/or participate in any games at the event.

Attendance Prior to Events: Students who do not attend school will not be permitted to participate in or attend any school- sponsored event that same school day, which includes a practice or game. Principals are authorized to make exceptions to this policy. (DoDEA Administrators’ Manual – 1005.1).

The Lester Information Center (IC) provides students with access to a variety of resources, print, non-print, and electronic. The mission of the Information Center is to encourage students and staff to become more effective users of information and to promote a love of reading.

CHECKOUT POLICY
Students may check out a maximum of three items at a time for a two week period. Items may be renewed if necessary. If an item is lost or damaged the borrower is responsible for replacing it, please contact the Information Specialist.

HOURS
The IC is open to students from 0705 until 1400. LMS encourages students to come to the IC on a regular basis. Students coming to the IC from another class are required to have a signed pass.
Students may use the IC during lunch and sign in on arrival.

All students are entitled to an educational program comparable to those offered in public schools in the United States. Students are entitled to enjoy the opportunity to participate fully in school unabridged and unimpaired because of race, religion, sex, creed, national origin, disability or intellectual ability, or marital status. All students will be extended equal opportunities to participate in educational and school-sponsored activities. Additionally, students shall be free from verbal, physical, visual, and psychological sexual harassment, including uninvited sexual advances, from other students and adults.

STUDENTS

Student involvement in the educational process is a basic right. Active involvement of students in their education, including planning and evaluation, fosters a spirit of inquiry in which students may freely express their own views and listen to and evaluate opinions of others. Basic to this belief is the concept of mutual respect between faculty and students. The school staff, parents or sponsors, installation commanders, and students have the responsibility of working together so that all students have the opportunity to develop to their full potential under a democratic system.

PARENT
The role of parent participation in the education of our children is an important one. In order to prepare our students for success in a dynamic global environment we need to form a strong bond between home and school. To this end, Lester Middle School has several organizations and activities that encourage parental involvement including School Advisory Council, PTO, and community events.
Lester Middle School would like to extend an invitation for Parents and Guardians to take advantage of our open door policy. A 24-hour notice to administration and teachers is required if you wish to shadow your student for any part of the school day. Lester Middle School would like to extend an invitation for Parents and Guardians to take advantage of our open door policy. A 24-hour notice to administration and teachers is required if you wish to shadow your student for any part of the school day. All visitors must sign in at the office before they proceed to shadow their student.

COMMUNICATION
There are a variety of avenues that LMS uses to communicate with students and parents which include newsletters, Facebook, the school web page, AT HOC, LED sign at the front of school, and speaker system. School information, articles, news and special events will be announced using one of these options. Parents are encouraged to call the school if you have any questions or concerns.

STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONES
School telephones are for official school business only. Students may be granted permission to use the phone by the front office staff. Please help us avoid unnecessary classroom interruptions by planning your day prior to sending your children to school.
 

MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS
It is important that classes not be interrupted when instruction is in progress. Messages from home can be accepted. Students will be called out of class to answer for emergencies. Non-emergency messages will be passed on to the student at the end of the school day. Parents should ensure that students know how they are getting home before they leave home in the morning and what their after-school options are.
 

HALL PASSES
Any student who must is in the halls, other than at passing times, must have a pass or other approved authorization in the student’s possession that states student’s name, date, time, destination, and teacher’s signature or a designated hall pass. This includes before school, during classes, during lunchtime, and after school. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain an appropriate pass.
 

LOST AND FOUND
Books, keys, coats, etc., which are found in the building or on the campus should be turned in to the office. Larger lost items are placed in the supply room. Smaller lost items, such as keys or glasses, can be claimed in the office. Unclaimed lost and found items will be given to charity organizations at the end of each quarter. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to mark clothing, especially hats and jackets, and school supplies with the student’s name. Loss of personal property due to thefts by other students is a serious matter. Students should take all possible precautions to safeguard their property. At all times, lockers (book and PE) must be secured. Students should not share their lock combinations with peers. Additionally, they should not leave personal items unattended. If a theft does occur, it should be reported immediately to the main office. Standard procedure is to attempt to resolve issues of this nature at the school level. In our experience, the majority of items lost or stolen are located within twenty-four hours. The military police will only be called when the administration deems it appropriate. However, parents may wish to file an official report with the military police on their own. The school will cooperate fully in investigations involving theft of personal property.
 

LOCKERS
Each student is assigned an individual locker that may not be shared at any time for any reason. Use of the locker is both a privilege and a requirement. Proper locker use minimizes the possibility that property and books are misplaced or stolen. Students should not share their lock combinations. The school is not responsible for personal property kept in lockers. Students are not allowed to paint, attach stickers, mount permanent pictures, or deface the locker in any manner (inside or outside).
Students who violate this rule will be held responsible for the destruction of government property and face disciplinary action. Lockers must be maintained properly and must be locked at all times. A locker may be opened by a school official or the Military Police, to search for stolen or prohibited items, may also be opened by the sponsor, or in the case of reasonable suspicion. Locker checks may be randomly conducted throughout the school year.
 

BOOKBAGS
Book bags must be of reasonable size and easily able to fit in a student’s locker. Once students arrive at school book bags, tote bags, or any other carrier, must be left in the student’s assigned locker until they leave campus. This procedure provides personal and property safety. Students will be expected to organize their daily routines to best meet their schedule needs.

BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOOL PROPERTY
Textbooks are furnished free of charge. However, students are held financially responsible for loss or damage of these books. For any missing textbook or library book lost, a loss of government property letter will be issued to the sponsor with DD Form 1131. Payment for missing books will be due within three weeks at the Disbursing Office of Accounting and Finance (Bldg. 721, Kadena Air Base) with the DD Form 1131 for lost or damaged books. If the book is found, parents must bring the book and paid receipt to the school supply office for paperwork that must be taken back to the Finance Office on Kadena for reimbursement. Students are required to sign for books and must return the same numbered books when withdrawing or at the end of the school year. Sponsors are also responsible for payment in case of loss or damage to laboratory equipment, audiovisual equipment, computer materials, musical instruments, and any other school property or equipment that may be lost or damaged.

BICYCLES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Students may ride bicycles/scooters/skateboards to school but not on school grounds during the school day, before school, or at dismissal. Students are to get off their bicycles at the curb by the street and walk them to the bike racks. Bicycles must be locked. The school is not responsible for bicycles ridden to school or parked on school grounds. Any student who chooses not to follow these rules will lose the privilege of riding a bicycle to school. Skateboards and scooters are not allowed on school grounds. Athletic equipment, such as basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, etc., are considered non-educational items. Balls may be brought to school and stored in students’ lockers for use at break in designated areas. They are not to be used in the courtyard and/or hallways. Students violating this policy will have their equipment taken to the front office for pick up by parent/guardian. Skateboards can be stored in the front office.

PEDESTRIAN/NON-BUS RIDERS
Students are to exercise prudence and NOT walk between the busses when coming to school in the morning or departing in the afternoon. Students who walk or ride bikes to school should arrive no earlier than 0705. Additionally, they are to depart from school grounds before 1355 and must use the crosswalks only. Students are not allowed to loiter for any reason and should maintain movement via the crosswalk nearest the front of the school, toward their final destination, until reaching that final destination. Students must not play or ride skateboards/scooters/rollerblades/roller shoes/bicycles/etc. in any area near the school grounds, even if off school grounds, as busses are departing. This is a school safety issue for students even if they are off campus. Repeated offenses will result in disciplinary action.

SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES/PROCEDURES
The school is inspected regularly for compliance with fire and safety regulations. Evacuation drills for storm, fire, and/or bomb threats, which are required by military and DoDDS regulations, are held by month through the year. In case of fire drill, fire, or other emergency evacuation procedure, a loud continuous ringing bell will be sounded. Each office and instructional area has a posted evacuation plan. Students will follow the evacuation plan posted in the room and leave the room in an expeditious, orderly and quiet manner. Students are not to return to classrooms during or after emergency evacuation procedures until given permission by an appropriate authority. Emergency evacuation procedures will be practiced every week during the first month of school and every other month thereafter. The school is provided security protection at the level currently in force or the military community.

ACCESS TO SCHOOL FACILITIES
Schools shall allow equal access to school facilities being used for student sponsored non- curriculum related activities, if a school allows any such group access to its facilities.

NONCUSTODIAL PARENT RIGHTS
Parents and/or guardians must supply the school with a copy of any type of court order that may affect the student (e.g., who is allowed to visit the child, who has legal custody, etc.). These orders will be maintained in the student’s cumulative file. If any changes take place during the school year with the court order, the school must be notified immediately. Teachers will be notified of any restrictions that affect students in their classes.

SCHOOL SPONSORED NIGHTS

Some events such as induction ceremonies, band and choir concerts, AVID events, drama performances, and dances will occur after school hours. The dissemination of this information will vary depending upon the intended audience. Activities for all students will be announced by teachers and over the intercom at the end of the school day.

The Pacific South District Okinawa Schools believe that student dress is a shared responsibility between parents, students, and the schools. It is understood that students express themselves via the clothing they choose to wear. All students are expected to respect the school community by dressing appropriately for a K-12 educational setting. Student attire should facilitate participation in learning activities, along with the health and safety of all students.

Requirements:

1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to no shorter than 8 inches above the knee cap. (see images below). Tops are to have at least 2 inch wide shoulder straps. Rips or tears in clothing should be lower than 8 inches above the knee cap.
2. Midriffs should not be visible at any point in time. This includes bending over, sitting down, or reaching over your head.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment.
4. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code.
5. Headgear including hats, hoodies with the hood up, and caps are not to be worn inside the building.
6. Hoodies with the hood down are allowed.
7. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Clothing Parameters:

1. Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
2. Clothing may not display or imply vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.
3. Clothing may not state, imply, or depict hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.
4. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
5. Clothing and accessories that endanger students or staff safety may not be worn.
6. Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

The administration at each school reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress. Upon seeing a suspected dress code violation, a teacher or other staff member will send the student to an administrator to address the suspected violations. The administrator will determine whether the student is in violation of the dress code and address the violation as discreetly as possible between classes or at lunch in order to minimize the loss of instructional time. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines are required to correct the dress code infraction before returning to class. Parents will be called if appropriate clothing is not available, or if the student refuses dress-code appropriate clothing. Students may be subject to discipline for violating the dress code, particularly for repeat offenses, and for refusing to cooperate with teacher or administrator requests to bring the student into compliance with the dress code.