Dress and Grooming Regulations

The dress and grooming regulations at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School supports student apparel choices that are neat, clean, and modest. It is important that we recognize the rights of students to express themselves through their attire as well as the rights and responsibilities of parents to determine the standard of dress for their children. Student apparel should reflect responsibility, self-respect, and an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, not destructive or disruptive. These regulations aim at avoiding suggestive, biased, offensive and harassing messages, avoid communicating or advertising illegal substances, and should not interfere with the identification of a student. Good grooming is expected at all times.

Specific requirements regarding the dress and grooming regulations are as follows:

• Clothing that exposes the midriff, upper thighs or has an unreasonably low neckline is not permitted in the school building during school hours. The list of restricted items includes: backless to the waist tops and dresses, tube tops, mini-skirts/dresses or shorts that are shorter than mid-thigh. Undergarments must not be visible. Sheer blouses that show undergarments or bandeaus are not permitted. Clothing which is not worn appropriately, not properly fastened or with tears or holes that are indecent will not be permitted.

• Clothing, accessories or jewelry that include messages associated with gangs, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products or other illegal substances or paraphernalia, sexual connotations, indecent/lewd writings or pictures or cartoon images that support or depict discrimination on the basis of age, handicap, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation of gender are not allowed.

• Personal grooming including combing, brushing, spraying hair spraying of perfumes or colognes and applying cosmetics is allowed only in restrooms and designated areas.

• Pants must be worn at the waist and must be securely fastened.

• Articles of jewelry that can potentially cause a safety concern or hazard or can easily deface school property are not permitted.

• Footwear must be worn in the building at all times. The safety of footwear is at the discretion of the Administration.

 

• Headgear is not to be worn in the building during school hours. Head accessories worn for religious purposes will be permitted if accompanied by a note from an official representative of the religious institution or a parent. In addition, students having a medical condition, which may require headgear, will be permitted if accompanied by a parent note or medical excuse.

• No sunglasses may be worn during the school day unless medically prescribed.

The Administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of dress. Violators of these student dress and grooming regulations will be required to make arrangements to obtain suitable clothing immediately. Failure to comply will result in the student’s parents being notified, and/or being sent home. Repeat offenders will be subject to the discipline policy, which may include detention, Saturday detention or suspension.