Dress Code

For more information, please visit the Scotland County School’s Informational Bulletin and the Scotland County School Board Policy Code 4316: Student Dress Code.

The Scotland County School board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students.  The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning.  Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable.  However, the board prohibits any appearance or clothing that does the following:

1. violates a reasonable dress code adopted and publicized by the school;

2. is substantially disruptive;

3. is provocative or obscene; or

4. endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

Before being punished, a student who is not in compliance with this policy or a school dress code will be given a reasonable period of time to make adjustments so that he or she will be in compliance.  Disciplinary consequences for a student who fails to comply after being offered this opportunity shall be consistent with Section D of policy 4300, Student Behavior Policies.  

The purpose of a dress code is to communicate the school’s clear expectation that the focus of school is to promote learning.  In order for students to learn in a safe and orderly school environment with minimal disruptions, they shall attend school in clothing that is neat, clean, safe, and which covers them appropriately.

Students will not be allowed to attend school wearing clothing or accessories which interfere with the maintenance of good order and discipline, or which otherwise disrupt learning.

In accordance with this dress code/policy, Carver Middle School will enforce the following dress code:

1. Midriffs shall be covered and appropriate neckline must be evident at all times. Attire that exposes cleavage may not be worn. 

2. Shoulders shall be covered (three-finger rule) and halter tops, tank tops, muscle shirts or shirts with large arm openings are not permitted, though sleeveless apparel is acceptable.

3. Undergarments (bra straps, boxers, etc.) shall not be visible.

4. Pants shall be worn at the waist and not sagging.

5. Belts are required to be worn if pants will not stay above the waist.

6. Shirttails that hang at the top of the back pockets may remain out.  However, shirts that cover the back pocket shall be tucked in and must remain tucked in throughout the day.

7. Shorts, dresses, and skirts shall remain at least fingertip length in front and back.  Therefore, appropriate bandage skirts and other tight, spandex skirts/ dresses that move above the fingertip mark of measurement when walking, bending and sitting are not allowed.

8. Leggings may not be worn as pants, and if worn there shall be an outer garment that meets dress code (fingertip length, not see-through, etc.).  Form fitting, spandex “jogger” pants are considered leggings for the purpose of this dress code.  Pants with back pockets are not considered leggings and may be worn.

9. Clothing with holes, tears, or “see through” shall follow the dress code as stated above. Therefore, no skin should be visible above the fingertip measurement. No revealing tops or pants are acceptable—mesh shirts and see-through shirts may be worn if another shirt is worn beneath.

10. Shoes must be worn at all times.

11. Sleepwear (i.e. pajamas and bedroom shoes) shall not be worn.

12. Sunglasses, goggles, and head covers (including but not limited to bandanas, wraps, scarves, hats, earmuffs, and hair nets) shall not be worn on campus during school hours, or in school buildings, and must be placed in lockers at the beginning of the school day and retrieved only at the end of the school day.

13. Clothing and accessories, as well as messages on clothing or accessories, shall not be lewd, vulgar, provocative, obscene, degrade individuals or groups, or promote violence, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. 

14. All masks must be school appropriate.

The foregoing is intended as examples only and in no way limit the scope of Carver Middle School’s dress code.

Certain excerpts were taken from SCS Board Policy Code 4316:  Student Dress Code.