DRESS CODE

The administration and staff of IAHS recognize that students must be aware of the importance of acceptable standards of personal appearance as they move into the adult world.  The school also recognizes that students are more productive when their appearance is "neat and conservative" as opposed to "sloppy and extreme."  It is with these concepts in mind that the following regulations are set forth pertaining to personal appearance and grooming.

It is believed by the school that parents/legal guardians should recognize that the main purpose of public education is to provide an education for students that will allow them to become useful citizens in a global society. Thus, any disruptions or concerns caused by students as a result of dress will call for appropriate disciplinary action by the school.

Teachers must inform students regarding unacceptable attire.  This must be done during homeroom period each day.  The principal or designee must make judgments as to whether a student is properly groomed or dressed.

The Itawamba County School District has a compelling governmental interest to establish a school environments which will promote a more effective climate for learning; aid students in concentrating on school work; uphold modesty standards; promote a campus atmosphere of respect, pride and self-esteem; instill students with discipline; promote a wholesome environment; and be safer for the students, faculty and staff; therefore, the Itawamba County School District adopts the following dress code for its students:

  1. Students in grades 6-12 will not be allowed to wear shorts, tube tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, overalls, sweatsuits, jogging pants or windsuit pants.
  2. No student will be allowed to wear any clothing, item or article that promotes or advertises alcohol or the consumption of alcohol or that promotes or advertises tobacco or tobacco use or that contains profanity or suggestive or obscene writing.  Clothing that advertises casinos is prohibited.
  3. No students will be allowed to wear excessively baggy pants.  All pants must be fitted so that no illegal or unauthorized items may be hidden therein.
  4. No student will be allowed to wear fatigue pants or shorts.
  5. No student will be allowed to wear a trench coat.
  6. No student will be allowed to wear suggestive or indecent clothing.
  7. No student will be allowed to wear clothing with suggestive or obscene symbols, pictures, numbers or writing, either manufactured or handwritten.  No fraternity jerseys or shirts shall be worn.
  8. Undergarments of any kind shall not be visible.
  9. Skirts or dresses shall be knee length or longer.
  10. Hats, caps, hoods, bandanas, head covers, or dark glasses may not be worn inside school buildings.  Other articles which may interrupt the educational process may not be brought to school.  Prescription sunglasses may be worn in the classroom upon order of a doctor.
  11. Clothing and general appearance are not to be the type that would cause a disturbance or interfere with the instructional program and shall not constitute a health or safety hazard.
  12. Shoes must be worn at all times.
  13. Midriffs shall not be exposed.
  14. No see-through clothing shall be permitted.
  15. Clothing with holes that expose skin or undergarments shall not be worn
  16. No clothing top shall be so low as to expose any part of the breast or an excessive part of the back.
  17. Shirts must be buttoned.
  18. Belts, if worn, must be buckled.
  19. Pants are to be worn at the student's waist.

The following actions will take effect when a student violates the Student Dress Code.  All offenses accumulate on a per semester basis.

Offense                     Consequences

First                            Warning and required to change clothes

Second                        Three days out of school suspension

Third                            Ten days out of school suspension