Dress Code

The Board of Trustees of Kimberly School District recognizes the individual right of students to choose their style of dress. The Board expects and requires students to dress appropriately for the K-12 educational environment. This means students are to dress in such a manner that their clothing or grooming does not jeopardize the health and/or safety of themselves or others. The school dress code shall be gender neutral during the school day as well as school activities. The District will allow students to dress in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity as long as it is not in violation of the dress code. This policy is intended to provide guidance for students, staff, and parents.

Front and Back 

Minimum Requirements: 

1. Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 to 4 inches in length on the upper thighs (see images below). Tops must have shoulder straps. Rips or tears in clothing should be lower than the 3 to 4 inches in length. Undergarments must be covered.
2. Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment.
3. See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code.
4. Headgear must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student of staff. Hoodies must allow the face and ears to be visible to school staff. Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors.
5. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.
6. Clothing and visible tattoos may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
7. Clothing and visible tattoos may not depict or imply pornography, nudity, or sexual acts.
8. Clothing and visible tattoos may not display or imply vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.
9. Clothing and visible tattoos may not state, imply, or depict hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.
10. Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.
11. Apparel, jewelry, accessories, visible tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

The principal and staff at each school may establish reasonable dress and grooming regulations for times when students are engaged in extra-curricular or other special school activities.

A student seeking a religious exception to the dress code will be handled by the administration.

The administrators as well as teachers are charged with the responsibility of enforcing student dress codes in their classes, hallways, and within campus boundaries. If it is determined that a student’s attire is disruptive of the educational atmosphere or is detrimental to the health and safety of the student or other students, or otherwise violates this policy, said student will be asked to change their clothes (if possible) at school, or will be sent home to change into suitable clothing before coming back to school. Parents or guardians will be notified each time a student is asked to leave school because of inappropriate attire

If a student is repeatedly sent home under this policy, the student and their parents will be required to meet with the Superintendent, or his/her designee, to discuss and resolve this matter. All time missed from classes for failure to adhere to this policy will be deemed unexcused absences. Repeated failure to follow this policy may result in further discipline.

Policy History:
First Reading: October 21, 2004
Adopted on: November 18, 2004
Revised on: July 16, 2009; April15, 2010; January 16, 2016, April 16, 2020