The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, teach respect for authority, and reinforce community standards.

The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal’s judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interference with normal school operations.

The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writing on clothing or on the body that:
• are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene, or
• advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, gangs, drugs, or any other prohibited substance.

In addition, unacceptable dress and grooming include:
• shorts
• tight or revealing clothing (Cannot expose midriff)
• clothing with slits, tears, or holes
• see-through clothing (Transparent or translucent)
• exposed or frayed edges on clothing (All edges must have finished seam)
• pajamas or pajama-like clothing
• house shoes
• sunglasses
• clothing intended or designed for sports (Athletic shorts, football pants, sweatsuits, windsuits, etc.)
• hip-hugger or low-cut pants (Cannot expose midriff)
• visible undergarments
• dressing without appropriate undergarments
• shirts/blouses/dresses without sleeves (No split-sleeves or “sleevelets”)
• shirts, jackets, or coats longer than mid-thigh length
• shirts unbuttoned or blouses cut more than three(3) inches below the clavicle (Whether or not another garment is worn beneath)
• tube/tank tops, halters, crop-tops, shirts that expose any part of the midriff
• shirts with split side, backless blouses or scooped necklines
• hats or head covering of any type
• sweatbands, bandanas, hair nets, scarves, towels, or rags
• large or distracting jewelry including earrings
• jewelry requiring body piercing- limited to ears; no tongue, eyebrow, lip studs
• exposed tattoos that are distracting or exhibit profanity, vulgar language or obscenity
• chains (e.g. on wallets, etc.)
• sagging or baggy pants ( Pants must be worn with waist of pant at individual’s waist)
• dresses/skirts or slit in dress or skirt shorter than fingertip length plus length of ID badge
• any hair style that is not neat, clean, and well-groomed
• any hair style that is distracting (i.e. Mohawks, long pony-tails, stripes or bright colors, etc.)
• gang related hair style’s, hair designs and clipped eyebrows
• facial hair must be well kept, neat, and not a distraction

Inappropriate clothing/styles of dress include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
Baggy or Saggy Pants: Pants must be an appropriate size for the wearer and must be worn at the waist. Pants must be less than seven inches in measurement from the outside of the knee to the seam and the waist must be within two inches of the actual waist size. Pants must be able to stay up at the waist without a belt. NO sagging!

Military style web belts, initial belt buckles or chains: These items are not allowed, even when worn as belts or security for wallets/billfolds.

Any shirt, blouse or top that extends more than 2 inches below the belt line must be tucked in. No shirt, blouse or top may extend below mid-thigh including jackets, coats or sweaters.
Any style of clothing or grooming that can be associated with gang membership: Even if the wearer is not “in a gang” we do not want other students, or gangs, to make assumptions regarding gang affiliation. Items that are associated with gangs or might cause a disruption in the educational process as determined by the La Vega High School staff and administration will not be allowed. An updated list of prohibited grooming or clothing will be kept in the Principal's Office on each campus. All items currently prohibited in the dress code plus the following: (list should be developed by the principals with La Vega ISD Administration input).

Excessive make-up: This includes black lipstick, extremely heavy mascara and/or eyeliner, etc.
The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the Principal’s (or designee) judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interference with the educational process.

Baggy or Saggy Pants: Pants must be an appropriate size for the wearer and must be worn at the waist. Pants must be less than seven inches in measurement from the outside of the knee to the seam and the waist must be within two inches of the actual waist size. Pants must be able to stay up at the waist without a belt. NO sagging!

Military style web belts, initial belt buckles or chains: These items are not allowed, even when work as a belt or security for wallets/billfolds.

Any shirt, blouse or top that extends more than 2 inches below the belt line must be tucked in. No shirt, blouse or top may extend below mid mid-thigh including jackets, coats or sweaters.

Any style of clothing or grooming that can be associated with gang membership: Even if the wearer is no “in a gang” we do not want other students, or gangs, to make assumptions regarding gang affiliation. Items that are associated with gangs or might cause a disruption in the educational process as determined by the LaVega Jr. High School-George Dixon staff and administration will not be allowed. An updated list of prohibited grooming or clothing in the Principal’s Office on each campus. All items currently prohibited in the dress code plus the following: (list should be developed by the principals with LaVega ISD Administration input).

Excessive make-up: This includes black lipstick, extremely heavy mascara and/or eyeliner, etc.

The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the Principal’s (or their designee) judgment may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interference with normal school operations.

DRESS AND GROOMING
The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Students are to be well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times.

The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal’s judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interference with the normal school operations.

The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing or on the body that:
• are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene; or
• advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance.

In addition, unacceptable dress and grooming includes:

• Shorts (no shorts allowed)
• tight or revealing clothing
• clothing with slits, tears, or holes
• see-through clothing
• visible undergarments
• dressing without appropriate undergarments
• shirts/blouses without sleeves even worn under a jacket: ( Shirts/blouses must cover the mid-riff skin front and back)
• shirts, jackets, or coats longer than mid-thigh length
• shirts unbuttoned lower than three (3) inches from the collar
• tube/tank tops, halters, half-shirts, crop-tops, shirts with split sides, backless blouses
• hats of any type
• rubber thongs (beach flip flops) or house slippers
• sunglasses
• bandanas
• large or distracting jewelry, including earrings
• grills (cosmetic mouth piece) are not allowed
• jewelry requiring body piercing (limited to ears)
• exposed tattoos
• chains (e.g., on wallets, etc.)
• sagging pants or over sized pants (students must wear a belt to prevent this from happening)
• dresses/skirts shorter than fingertip plus badge length
• any hairstyle that is not neat, clean, and well-groomed
• any hairstyle that is distracting (i.e., mohawks, stripes or bright colors, etc.)
• facial hair with the exception of mustaches that do not extend down on the lip or beyond the corners of the mouth
• goatees and chin whiskers
• long sideburns

Book bags are allowed in the classroom and must be able to fit inside a locker for safety reasons.

The District’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Students are to be well groomed and neatly dressed at all times.

The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal’s judgment, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption or interference with the normal school operations.

The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing or on the body that:
• are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene; or
• advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance.

In addition, unacceptable dress and grooming includes:
• tight or revealing clothing
• clothing with slits, tears, or holes
• see-through clothing
• exposed or frayed edges on clothing
• visible undergarments
• dressing without appropriate undergarments
• shirts, jackets, or coats longer than mid-thigh length
• shirts unbuttoned lower than three (3) inches from the collar
• tube/tank tops, halters, half-shirts, crop-tops, shirts with split sides, backless blouses
• hats of any type
• flip flops, thongs, or house slippers
• sunglasses
• bandanas
• large or distracting jewelry, including earrings
• jewelry requiring body piercing (limited to ears)
• exposed tattoos
• chains (e.g., on wallets, etc.)
• sagging pants
• pants/shorts/dresses shorter than fingertip length when student’s arms are placed at his/her sides
• any hairstyle that is not neat, clean, and well-groomed
• any hairstyle that is distracting (i.e., mohawks, long pony tails, stripes or bright colors, etc.)
• facial hair with the exception of mustaches that do not extend down on the lip or beyond the corners of the mouth
• goatees and chin whiskers
• long sideburns
• skate shoes
• trench coats
• muscle shirts
• make is not permitted in grades Pk-6th

All District employees shall adhere to all dress and grooming standards during regular school business hours (including staff development/workdays/open house/parent meetings) and while attending and acting in an official capacity at school-related activities or events.  It is expected that employees be neat, clean, and dressed in compliance with District standards. 

Additionally, when employees are attending professional activities out-of-the-District, employees should pay extra attention to their dress and grooming to ensure that they promote a positive, professional image of the District.  Men are encouraged to wear ties and women are encouraged to wear panty hose for such activities, as these items reflect a more professional appearance.

Specific dress and grooming standards for male and female employees, with the exception of maintenance, custodial, and Family Resource Center employees, are outlined on the following pages.  Maintenance, custodial, and Family Resource Center employees shall adhere to their respective uniform requirements.  Additionally, the District has adopted a voluntary, standard uniform for employees.  This uniform consists of navy or khaki pants, skirts, or jumpers and white, blue, or yellow/gold polo-styled shirts.  It is acceptable for employees to wear this standard uniform every day of the week. 

Supervisors and administrators will use their professional judgment to monitor employee dress and grooming.  The standards outlined below are not intended to be exhaustive; therefore, the District will rely on the professional judgment of supervisors and administrators to identify any other types of dress and grooming that may be inappropriate.

On the first serious violation, the supervisor/administrator will allot a reasonable amount of time to allow the contract employee to go home and change without penalty.  However, should the contract employee have any subsequent serious violations which require the employee to miss duty time, the loss of time will count against available leave.  Non-contract employees will be required to clock out anytime they are sent home in order to return to compliance.  Continued violations of the employee dress and grooming standards may result in more serious employment action, up to and including termination.

Any exceptions to the District’s dress and grooming standards, such as requests for special spirit days, etc., shall be approved by the Superintendent.  A written request to grant an exception must be submitted to the Superintendent PRIOR to the date on which the exception is being requested.  Written confirmation from the Superintendent will be provided if the exception is approved.

An employee may request a medical exception to the dress and grooming standards.  Such requests will be considered on an individual employee basis.  Requesting employees shall be required to submit written documentation from their physician to the Personnel Office PRIOR to receiving a medical exception.  The employee shall receive written notification indicating the approval or disapproval of a requested medical exception.

The LVISD Employee Dress and Grooming Standards will be reviewed annually, and updated as appropriate, as a part of the annual update/revision of the LVISD Employee Handbook.
 
 

PANTS

• Must not be too tight or form fitting, including jeans
• Must not have any rips, tears, holes, or frayed edges
• No knit/jersey-type leggings
• No overalls
• No cargo pants
• No spandex or lycra tights or pants
• Jeans (blue or colored) are permitted on designated spirit days with designated school spirit shirts only
• No denim pants of any style or color are permitted except on spirit days 
• Cropped pants may be worn if they meet the following standards:
• Must be below mid-calf in length (may not fit tightly around the knee)
• Must be tailored; not tight fitting
• Must not have any rips, tears, holes, or frayed edges
• No knit/jersey, spandex or lycra material

SWEATSUITS

• Not allowed

SHORTS AND WINDSUITS

• Allowed only for PE teachers/coaches and warm-ups must be school designated/approved
• Shorts are allowed only for P.E. coaching activities and are NOT permissible in the classroom, office areas, cafeteria/commons area, etc.
• Walking Shorts & Skorts should be no higher than badge length (approx. 3 inches) above the knee and must wear matching jacket or sweater or vest
• No bibbed “short-alls”/overall shorts
• Allowed for food service employees without a matching jacket or sweater as long as the length requirement is met

• Allowed for nurses, nurse’s aides, and instructional aides working in self-contained special education classrooms and teachers and instructional aides working in behavior adjustment classrooms

SHIRTS, BLOUSES & DRESSES

• Must not be tight, low cut, or revealing
• Must not be see-through
• No tank tops, halters, “spaghetti straps “ or bare midriffs (must reach waist line)
• Sleeveless may be worn only if the shoulder seams extends to the shoulder and must cover undergarments
• Appropriate undergarments must be worn
• No t-shirts with advertisements/slogans of any kind
• P.E. teachers/coaches may only wear t-shirts provided by District
• T-shirts with school/holiday motifs may be worn on designated spirit days only
• Dresses & Skirts Must not be too snug or tight
• No higher than badge length (approx. 3 inches) above the knee
• No slits higher than badge length (approx. 3 inches) above the knee
• Appropriate undergarments must be worn

SHOES

• No thong or thong-styled shoes, “flip-flops”, or beach shoes
• No house shoes of any type
• Athletic shoes (e.g., Nike, Reebok, etc.) may be worn on designated spirit days with spirit shirt and jeans only
• Canvas tennis shoes (e.g., Keds) are acceptable
• Food service employees, nurses and nurse’s aides may wear athletic shoes 
• Any shoes worn must have an appropriate sole/walking surface
• No bare feet, shoes must be worn at all times

EARRINGS

• Limited to two (2) earrings per ear
• No large or distracting earrings
• Not allowed for food service employees

BODY PIERCING

• Must not be visible
• Must be removed or fully covered by clothing

TATTOOS

• Teachers, instructional aides, office staff, administrators, food service workers, and other employees who work with students shall not have any visible tattoos.  Tattoos that are not covered by clothing shall be covered with a bandage.  Custodians and maintenance employees are not required to cover existing tattoos; however, any new tattoos must be covered by clothing or a bandage.

FINGERNAIL POLISH

• Same color on all nails
• Not allowed for food service employees

HATS

• Not allowed indoors

 PANTS

• Must not be too tight or form fitting
• Must not have any rips, tears, holes, or frayed edges
• No overalls
• No cargo pants
• No spandex or lycra tights or pants
• Jeans (blue or colored) are permitted on designated spirit days with designated school spirit shirts only

SWEATSUITS

• Not allowed

SHORTS, WINDSUITS, & WARM-UPS

• Allowed only for P.E. teachers/coaches and food service employees
• Must be school designated/approved
• Shorts are allowed only for P.E. coaching activities and are NOT permissible in the classroom, office areas, cafeteria/commons area, etc.

• Allowed for nurses, nurse’s aides, and instructional aides working in self-contained special education classrooms

SHIRTS

• Must have a collar
• Must not be tight
• Must not be see-through
• No tank tops or bare midriffs
• No sleeveless shirts
• No t-shirts with advertisements/slogans of any kind
• P.E. teachers/coaches may only wear t-shirts provided by District
• Shirts with a shirttail must be tucked in
• T-shirts with school/holiday motifs may be worn on designated spirit days only

SHOES

• No thongs or thong-styled shoes
• No house shoes of any type
• Athletic shoes (e.g., Nike, Reebok, etc.) may be worn on designated spirit days with spirit shirt and jeans only
• Food service employees may wear athletic shoes 
• Any shoes worn must have an appropriate sole/walking surface
• Canvas tennis shoes (e.g., Keds, Nike) or deck type shoes are acceptable
• No bare feet, shoes must be worn at all times

EARRINGS

• Not allowed

BODY PIERCING

• Must not be visible
• Must be removed or fully covered by clothing

TATTOOS

• Teachers, instructional aides, office staff, administrators, food service workers, and other employees who work with students shall not have any visible tattoos.  Tattoos that are not covered by clothing shall be covered with a bandage.
• Custodians and maintenance employees are not required to cover existing tattoos; however, any new tattoos must be covered by clothing or a bandage.

FINGERNAIL POLISH

• Not allowed for male employees

HATS

• Not allowed indoors

In addition to the standards outlined above, the following items are allowed for field trips, field days, and summer school:
 

• Sleeveless blouses, shirts, and dresses
• Athletic shoes
• Jeans (blue or colored)
• Hats

Employees should consider the field trip destination when determining the appropriateness of athletic shoes, jeans, and hats.