Dress Code
One of the goals of the Manatee County School District is to provide a safe environment that promotes learning. To aid in achieving this goal, the School Board authorized the development of a dress code. This dress code is designed to limit distractions as well as teach students about appropriate dress.
Students are expected to come to school appropriately dressed for the business of learning with proper attention given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness. Students whose personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of other students or teachers from their school work, shall be required to make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or they may be sent home by the principal. Students who fail to meet the minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness, neatness, and decency as determined by the principal and as specified in this rule and district procedures, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures including suspension.
Young men are expected to maintain a healthy, natural look; to have hair clean and combed and not wear hats, scarves, bandanas, etc.; to dress in a manner which is in good taste for the school environment and is neither a distraction or safety hazard to themselves nor to others. Bizarre clothing or styles, clothing which displays messages contrary to a positive school environment, and ill-fitting garments are not allowed
Young ladies are expected to maintain a healthy, natural look avoiding excessive make-up; to have hair clean and combed and not wear hats, curlers, scarves, bandanas, etc.; to dress in a manner which is in good taste for the school environment and is neither a distraction or safety hazard to themselves nor to others. Bizarre clothing or styles, clothing which displays messages contrary to a positive school environment, or clothing (including dresses, shorts, skirts, and blouses) which is excessively short, tight, or revealing are not allowed.
Individual schools, with the approval of the School Advisory Council, may develop additional dress code requirements which will be communicated to students and parents in a variety of ways.
Individual schools may establish a mandatory uniform policy if all conditions referenced under the School Uniform rule are met.