Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Back-to school shopping will begin soon for many families. Although the beginning of the 2009-10 school year is still many weeks away, the Harrison High School administration would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students of the following dress code items as they appear in the Student/Parent Handbook. Please consider the following guidelines when shopping for your new school clothes.

Thank you very much for your consideration and see you on September 8, 2009!

Sincerely,
Russell A. Fimbinger, Assistant Principal

STUDENT DRESS

Dress and appearance of the individual students should not call undue attention to themselves or should not violate basic health and safety standards which would disrupt the educational process of others. Parents and students are to use their discretion. It is expected that tastes will reflect good grooming and appropriate dress which the administration has determined to be acceptable to the Harrison Community. Student violators will be asked to change their clothes or be sent home. Parents will be contacted.

Clothing Items Not Permitted:

1. Bare midriffs (if you can’t tuck it in, don’t wear it).

2. Regarding tops, blouses, shirts: the border/neckline of the garment must be high enough so there is no visible cleavage).

3. No spaghetti straps and no tops that show undergarment/bra straps.

4. Cutaway shirts and T-shirts (no shirts that have been cut down the sides).

5. Short-shorts or short skirts (the length of skirts must be mid-thigh).

6. Shredded, torn, ripped, or tattered clothes and sagging pants. No rips, tears, or holes in pants, slacks, shorts, or skirts above the knees.

7. Clothing or jewelry that shows tobacco or alcohol products, is drug-related, has any kind of gang symbol, and has any suggestive or abusive language.

8. Any clothing with sexually inappropriate or offensive words, vulgar slogans, or pictures.

9. Pajamas of any type or pajama pants, no slippers, also no hospital clothing.

10. Hats of any kind including knitted caps, skull caps, “doo rags” and bandannas.

11. Jackets or coats indoors. Backpacks and carry-on bags are not permitted in classroom areas.

12. Chains, dog collars, rings, necklaces, balls and chains, or bracelets that could hurt or injure someone or are excessive.

13. Non-prescriptive or prescription sunglasses unless prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.

14. Clothes for physical education classes are to be work in P.E. class only.

15. Clothing which does not cover the undergarments.

16. No shoes with heelies or wheels are permitted in the high school.

In addition, the following rules apply to student dress:

A. T-shirts or clothing with any type of picture, symbol or message that is determined by the Administration to be in poor taste is not allowed in the high school.

B. Hats or covers are not to be worn in the high school. Specially approved days are the exception.

C. All following shorts are permitted: walking shorts, Bermuda, or shorts which are modest and appropriate for school.

D. Heavy chains are not to be worn in the high school, this includes chains around the neck, arms, legs, or hanging from the body in any manner. Spiked collars, bracelets, and anklets are also prohibited.

E. Gang symbols, swastikas, profane words or drawings, drug symbols, signs or drawings, and other demeaning symbols or words may not appear in the school on a person’s body, clothing, notebooks, school papers, lockers, etc.

Students who dress inappropriately will be given an opportunity to change clothes rather than be sent home from school. We sometimes find that students leave home with one set of clothes and choose to change into something else once they arrive at school. Persistent or repeated violations will result in school discipline.

The final decision whether a student’s attire is acceptable will be made by the principal or the assistant principal.