CLEAN ... NEAT ... MODEST
Alto ISD will enforce compliance with dress code this fall
BY LELAND ACKER

Alto ISD released the dress code for the 2007-08 school year just in time for summer.

"I wanted everyone to get this going into summer so parents will know what type of clothing to buy their children over the summer," said Superintendent Dr. Ray DeSpain. "(This year's dress code) will be mostly the same as last year. There are a couple of clarifications, removing ambiguity."

The dress code states, "Students are to be dressed and groomed at all times in a manner that is clean, neat and modest."

The dress code goes on to say, "Alto ISD prohibits any clothing or grooming that, in the principal's judgement, may reasonably be expected to cause disruption, call attention to one's self, or interfere with normal school or classroom operations."

The dress code calls for compliance with the following rules:

Proper undergarments are to be worn at all times. At no time is any student to have an exposed midriff, cleavage or undergarments showing. Bras and bra straps (to include sports bras on uniforms) are to never be visible.

Pants (jeans, slacks or shorts) are to be properly worn with no "sagging" allowed. Students who pose a problem with this rule will be required to "cinch" their pants at the waist with a belt. Pants with holes, rips, or tears will not be allowed. Overalls are allowable, so long as bib buckles remain buckled at all times. Belts must also be buckled at all times and excessive belt lengths will not be allowed. Shorts may be worn to school, but may be no shorter than four inches above the knee. For grades three and above, athletic shorts or shorts of a sheer material may not be worn to school except during gym or athletic periods.

Shirts or blouses may be fashionable, but must be modest. No material, which is sheer or see-through, will be allowed. For grades three and above, boys are to wear shirts tucked in at all times. Boys' shirts must have at least a full half-sleeve (no cut-off or muscle shirts may be worn). Jerseys are not allowed unless a full tee shirt is worn underneath. Tops with spaghetti straps, halter-tops, or backless shirts are not allowed.

Skirts and dress lengths may be no higher than four inches above the top of the knee. This includes slits in both skirts and dresses. Dresses with cut-outs are not allowed.

Soled shoes must be worn at all times. Bare feet are not allowed at any time. House shoes or slippers are not allowed. Shoes with built-in wheels are not allowed. Shoe-laces are to be tied at all times. Heels exceeding three inches are not allowed. At the elementary level, shoes must have straps and/or buckles to fasten securely (no backless shoes) as a safety measure.

Body piercing (nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue, or facial) is not allowed by any student.

Girls may wear earrings, but they shall not be questionable and/or disruptive in nature.

Excessive jewelry is not allowed. This is to include: chains on clothing or wallets; "grills" on teeth; spiked jewelry; multiple rings/bracelets; etc. that call attention to oneself or are disruptive in nature.

Sunglasses may not be worn in the building.

Tattoos must be covered at all times.

Caps, hats, hoods, stocking caps, skull caps and sweat bands are not allowed to be worn by students at any time in any building.

Caps or hats may be worn outside, provided they are worn in the proper manner (front facing, not "cocked" or backwards). Combs and/or picks may not be worn in the hair.

Trench coats, dusters and blankets are not allowed in any building.

Inappropriate modes of clothing that are disruptive or suggestive, including but not limited to spandex and/or tight-fitting tops or pants are not allowed.

Pajamas are not allowed to be worn at school.

No lewd, vulgar, obscene or suggestive depictions of sex, violence, drugs or drug related items, alcohol or alcohol related items, tobacco, profanity, death, satanic themes, nudity, hate slogans or pictures, swastikas, pentagrams, or gang related/ affiliated materials (described as, but not limited to: dress/ornaments as deemed inappropriate by school administrators) shall not be worn or displayed at any time by any student.

Bandanas are not to be worn or exhibited by any student at any time.

Hair is to be neatly combed, brushed, and out of the eyes at all times. For boys, hair may not touch the back of the collar. Hair may not be of an unnatural (dyed or bleached) color. Bangs may not be below the top of the eyebrow.

Boys are not allowed to have facial hair, and need to be clean-shaven. Boys may not wear ponytails. Hair may not stand up more than three inches on top of the head. No numbers, letters, or symbols may be cut into the hair.

Students with offensive odor will be counseled and sent home to wash and/or change.

The dress code applies to all school events, on campus and off.