Student Dress: Hats and Caps - January 2001 Revision

The Board of Education expects student dress and grooming to reflect high standards of personal conduct so that each student’s attire promotes a positive, safe and healthy atmosphere within the school. With increasing awareness of the prolonged health concerns of prolonged or excessive exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation of sunlight, students are encouraged to wear hats and caps while participating in activities out of doors. Out door activities include recess, athletic and sports activities, music rehearsals, and other extracurricular activities.

As with all student dress, the wearing of hats or caps may not present a health or safety hazard, violate municipal or state law or present a potential for disruption to the instructional program. Hats and caps will not advertise, display or promote any drug, including alcohol or tobacco, sexual activity, violence, disrespect and/or bigotry towards any group. Hats and caps that are deemed gang-related attire are prohibited.

As a matter of common courtesy and respect, hats/caps are not to be worn while inside buildings except when there are specific instructional, safety, religious or medical reasons.

Schools may customize their individual dress codes to address the needs and standards of their communities and neighborhoods through use of a process which ensures input from students, parents, faculty and staff of the school and other interested community members. Students and their parents/guardians have the responsibility to be aware of the school specific dress codes and to conform to those requirements. The responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy rests with each principal for his/her school.

This policy should be reviewed periodically with parents, teachers, and student group representatives to enlist their support and encourage pride and good taste.

Cross Ref.: Board Policy J.12

NSBA/NEPN Classification: JICA

Approved: January 16, 2001