The Benton Middle School community views school dress as an integral part of the educational process. Standards for dress are essential to maintain an academic focus, student safety, and prepare students for school to work transition. Just as employers and companies have dress standards, the school must also establish a standard of dress which properly prepares students for business and work. School dress must be neat and must display a positive self-image. “Oversize, baggy or saggy, faded and/or torn clothing is prohibited.” Student dress must not detract from the learning process, must not endanger the student’s safety, must show proper attention to modesty and must depict a student serious about learning. Surveys of school districts that have mandatory uniform policies indicate that student safety problems are greatly reduced, which is the primary objective of the policy. The district also notes that student’s attitudes are more academically focused, discipline problems and office referrals are reduced, suspensions and serious offenses are greatly reduced, and economic differences between students are less visible. As parents read the school dress code, they will note that directly-quoted portions of the district school uniform policy is printed in quotes and italics. The school site dress code is printed in block letters. The Benton Middle School Dress Code will be modified as needed to address student safety issues.

Students coming to school improperly dressed will be detained until acceptable clothing is provided. Objectionable items worn or brought to school will be confiscated, turned in to the assistant principal, and returned only to parents. Confiscated items will be returned to parents after school, during parent conferences and/or at end of the school year. Items not picked up by the end of the school year will be donated to charity.

DISTRICT SHOOL UNIFORM STATEMENT OF POLICY, RULES AND REGULATIONS (Paraphrased)

“Beginning with the 1997-1998 school year, uniforms will become mandatory. Each school shall communicate to parents information specific to the individual school site.”

“White shirts” with a collar, “white blouses” with a collar, “or school logo spirit shirts are acceptable.” All tops, shirts and blouses must be hemmed and properly buttoned.

Specifically not allowed are:

Tank tops that exposes upper torso and do not have at least a 1 inch wide strap over shoulders, extra-long shirts (untucked, not to exceed 2” below buttock), spaghetti straps, strapless, backless, or halter tops, low necklines, (no cleavage), bare midriffs (when arms raised), tube tops, fish net or ventilated type fabrics, and tattered look. Undergarments are not to be visible at any time. No plain white T-shirts.

II. PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, DRESSES

“Dark navy blue pants, skirts or dresses.” Jumpers which are solid color navy blue are permitted". Short pants are permitted if they are no longer than the knee and no shorter than fingertip length when arms are straight to the side. Skirts and dresses are to be no shorter than fingertip length when arms are straight to the side. “Pants must not be more than 2 inches larger in the waist, thigh and mid-calf.” Pants, shorts, skirts and dresses are to be of proper length and hemmed (no cut-offs, no draggers, no flooders, no half-mooners, no pants with slits).

III. SOCKS, SHOES, BOOTS

Protective footwear must be worn on campus at all times. Open-toed shoes are not recommended. All shoes must be securely fastened with heel and side supports.

Specifically not allowed are:

Thongs, beach wear, steel-toed shoes, white knee-high socks.

IV. HATS, CAPS

The only hats permissible on campus are Benton hats which can only be worn outside of class. Hoods, bandanas and beanies may not be worn.

V. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR

“Dark blue or navy blue, white, yellow or gold jackets (combinations of these colors or all one of these colors) are permitted as determined by appropriate weather conditions.”

VI. GRAPHICS, PRINTS, SIGNS AND SYMBOL

It is recommended that clothing be of a solid color. Graphic designs, signs or symbols that promotes racism, hatred, violence, and sex are not acceptable. This includes shirts with dual meaning when one of the meanings matches the prohibited items explained above.

VII. BELTS

Belts must be properly threaded inside the belt loops.

Specifically not allowed are:

Black web belts, military belt buckles with and without initials, hanging belts, motorcycle chains, choke chains, studded belts, and wallet chains.

VIII. MAKEUP

Very light makeup that enhances a positive self-image is permissible. Excessive makeup or extreme lipstick colors are not allowed.

IX. HAIR

Hair should be neat and clean at all times.

Specifically not allowed are:

Excessive hairstyles and color, shaved/lined designs.

X. JEWELRY

Jewelry should complement a students’ appearance and should not be distractive or unsafe. We recommend that students do not wear expensive jewelry, watches or gold chains to school.

Specifically not allowed are:

Body piercing (not including ear piercing), large hoop or extended length earrings, spiked jewelry, heavy rings and brass knuckles, sun glasses (unless medically prescribed). Jewelry that promotes racism, sexism, ethnic or religious bigotry, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, graffiti or other illegal activities.