Research concludes that students are able to perform at their highest level in a safe and secure environment. Efforts are being made by MASD to ensure the highest standards of performance for all. A strong correlation exists between student appearance and the perception and/or reality of school violence. The following modes of dress or grooming are prohibited at the Middletown Area Middle School: Clothing
1. Pajamas or “scrubs”
2. Clothing which displays music groups, sex, violence, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, death, gang or hate slogans, witchcraft, lewd or offensive gestures, slogans, or pictures
3. Bare feet, house shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slippers, “Crocs”, or military type boots.
4. Exposed midriff/torsos or cleavage
5. Clothing that is fringed, frayed, torn or unsafe
6. Camouflage attire (military type dress)
7. See-through shirts (e.g. thin or mesh)
8. Clothing worn so tight, faded, or immodest as to be distracting to the educational setting
9. Shorts (girls may wear pants that are mid-calf or longer in length)
10. All-black attire
11. Chains on clothing or wallets, or as necklaces
12. Spaghetti straps, tank tops, baseball jersey (unless worn over an appropriate garment, such as an acceptable tee shirt)
13. Underwear as outerwear, exposed underwear or no under garments
14. Jackets or coats during the school day
15. Pants worn below the waist (“sagging” garments are not acceptable)
16. Oversize or overlong baggy jeans (pants with pant legs that totally cover or hide the shoes are inappropriate)
17. Inappropriate accessories, dress, cosmetics, or the like which the principal determines to be unacceptable in light of community standards and/or could be considered a distraction to the educational setting.
18. Muscle shirts, sweatsuits or jogging outfits, sweatpants with elastic bottoms or lettering.
19. Girls’ skirt length higher than one or two inches above the knee.
Grooming
1. Non-natural colored hair (green, blue, purple, orange, cherry-red, etc.)
2. Hats, caps, sunglasses
3. Hairstyles/wigs that are disruptive (head and facial)
4. Any type of wristband or headgear (headband, bandanas, hairnets, skull caps, pre-wrap, etc.)
5. Body piercing jewelry (other than jewelry in the ears)
6. Jewelry – swastikas, pentagrams, spoons, drug related items
7. Heavy or spiked jewelry (e.g. dog collars, heavy chains)
8. Writing on the body
9. Tattoos with provocative, profane or offensive pictures or writing
Students who do not abide with the provisions of the dress code can be expected to be counseled by teachers, counselors, or administrators. Consistent violation of this code may result in further actions as deemed necessary.