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Parents: Buy clothes that cover your kid

Secondary school dress code

By MICHELE MILLER
Published July 28, 2005

Dress code taken from the Pasco schools Web site.

We're smack in the middle of the tax-free holiday, which is great if you know what you're supposed to buy.

The timing presents a quandary of sorts. Lots of local folks won't be hearing about the school dress code or getting their school supply lists until Pasco County holds its school orientation days: Tuesday for middle and high school students and Aug. 3 for elementary students.

In need of a little help?

If you're thinking proper back-to-school attire that won't merit a phone call to parents, it seems the rule of thumb is to "cover up." That means you'll want to forgo the short shorts, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts or any kind of top that leaves the belly bare. Spandex and beach-wear are out, and while low-riders are okay, administrators don't want to see anyone's BVDs. They also don't want to see hats or T-shirts promoting tobacco, drugs or alcohol products. Flip-flops are in - or out - depending on what your school administrators say. For more specific information, see the Pasco County school dress code listed below.

If you're wondering about school supplies, you might be out of luck. Or maybe not. Some schools have their supply lists available at stores such as Office Depot or Staples. Pine View Middle School let parents know what to buy in the principal's newsletter mailed to families in mid July. Others, such as Anclote Elementary, have posted their school supply lists online. Unfortunately, not all school Web sites are up to snuff. To access a specific school online, go to http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ and click on schools. If that fails, go ahead and give the school a call. But remember, schools are closed Fridays during the summer break.

Students shall keep their clothes, bodies, and hair clean.

Students shall wear shoes or sandals held securely on the feet for protection and safety while on the school grounds or aboard school transportation.

Students shall not wear hats or head coverings inside school buildings unless previously approved by the principal for medical or religious reasons or for special school activities.

Students shall not wear decorations, symbols, mottos, or designs on the body or clothing showing unacceptable products (tobacco, alcohol, drugs), inappropriate clubs or groups, or inappropriate pictures or words.

Students shall not wear spandex and/or beach-type clothing to school.

Students shall not wear very short shorts or miniskirts, see-through clothing, or tops that leave the stomach showing.

Students should wear clothing that lets them move and play safely (examples: tennis shoes, shorts, T-shirts) when physical education is scheduled.

Students' clothing shall be worn appropriately as designed. For example, pants are to be worn securely at the waist.

Jewelry shall be worn in a way that does not present a safety or health hazard or cause a major distraction to the educational process.

Wallet chains shall not be permitted.

The principal, or designee, will make the decision if a student's appearance meets school and community standards. The principal's decision on the appropriateness of dress is final.

Students shall wear modest clothing of such style and design as shall be consistent with community standards as determined by the school principal. Refer to specific guidelines distributed by the school.

Sexually implicit or explicit clothing, bikini and tank tops, and spandex clothing, (kinds of clothing usually worn at beaches and while engaging in recreation activities) are not appropriate wearing apparel for the regular school session.

Students may wear shorts and skirts as long as they are of a modest length. Modest length is no more than 4 inches above the knee.

Students' clothing shall be worn appropriately; e.g., pants shall be worn securely at the waist. No abdomen skin or underwear is to be exposed.

Blouses, shirts, and sweater necklines cannot dip below a line formed between the right and left armpit.

Muscle shirts and tank tops are not permitted. Spaghetti straps and strapless tops are not acceptable. Tops must be long enough to clearly overlap the belt line or stay tucked in during the course of normal movement throughout the school day.

Students shall keep their clothes, bodies, and hair clean and well groomed.

Students shall not wear hats or head coverings on the school campus during the regular school day unless previously approved for medical or religious reasons or special school activities by the principal.

Students shall wear shoes for foot protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds or on school transportation. Slippers are not acceptable.

Decorations, symbols, mottos, or designs imprinted or attached to the body or clothing which are offensive to good taste or the maintenance of decorum, or which advertise tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or which identify them as members of secret antisocial groups or gangs shall not be worn to school or school functions.

Jewelry shall be worn in a way that does not present a safety or health hazard or cause a major disruption to the educational process.

Wallet chains or dog collars shall not be permitted.

Michele Miller can be reached in west Pasco at 727 869-6251 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext 6251. Her e-mail address is miller@sptimes.com

NOTE: Check out more school information in the Pasco Times Back to School Section on Sunday.

[Last modified July 28, 2005, 01:10:15]