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(1) Rationale

In order to provide a safe and secure school, strengthen the educational focus, and establish an orderly learning environment while preparing students for success in the professional work place, students, parents and faculty at Cleveland Middle and Cleveland High Schools have established the following standards for student dress and appearance.

(2) General Information

Students are expected to adhere to dress code at all times while on campus during regular school hours. The school staff will correct any fixable violations, with repeated violations possibly carrying disciplinary consequences. If a student arrives at school and cannot comply with the dress code, he/she will not be allowed to attend classes. The student will be isolated and a parent called to bring appropriate clothing. If there is a question regarding a questionable item, please obtain clarification from the school administration before wearing the item.

(3) All Apparel:

- Solid (single) colored, size appropriate, and free from holes, rips, tears, cuts, or frayed hems.

- Logos must not be of an inappropriate nature including racially/religiously inflammatory language or pictures, confederate images, gang affiliation, profanity, etc.

- Extraneous zippers, metal studs, or dangling cloth strips are forbidden.

(4) Bottom Wear:

- Solid blue, khaki, gray, and black colored pants which are fabricated of cotton, cotton/polyester twill or denim.

- Long enough to reach at least within two inches of the crease of the knee.

- For female students, any slits in skirts or dresses must not extend more than two inches from the hem.

- Slacks, shorts or skirts will be worn at or above the hip point and be able to stay up without a belt;

- NO undergarments are to be visible at any time.

- Belts, when worn, must be leather or fabric and must have a plain buckle.

- Unacceptable items include (but are not limited to): yoga pants, sweat pants, velour pants, overalls, oversize bell- bottoms, jogging pants, polyester, nylon, parachute cloth, spandex, leather, suede, and tight stretch pants.

(5) Dresses and Skirts

- For female students, solid-colored dresses or skirts are acceptable if they meet the length guidelines for bottom wear.

 (6) Shirts:

- Shirts must be solid color, golf/Polo type or button-up and have sleeves, buttons and a standard collar.

- Logos must be contained to the pocket area.

- School approved t-shirts which are clearly visible as Cleveland Blue Raider, Cleveland High School, or Cleveland Middle School apparel may be worn.

- Cleveland High School students may wear college and military related t-shirts.

- Shirts are to be buttoned to the base of the neck (or top of collarbone).

- Unacceptable items include, but are not limited to: items that will not stay tucked in or expose the waist; items with a low neckline (such as V-neck and scoop neck); unbuttoned or partially buttoned shirts over a tank top or T-shirt; see-through type materials.

 (7) Sweaters, Vests, Anoraks, and Pullovers

- A sweater alone is not considered proper apparel.  A crew or v-neck sweater may be worn over a dress code shirt, or a turtleneck or mock turtleneck may be worn under a proper dress code shirt.

- Only solid colors are allowed.  Alternate color striping or accents are not allowed.

- No oversized or distracting logos other than Cleveland Middle and/or Cleveland High School.

- Hoods may not be worn over the head. Hoods and other coverings create a safety issue, in respect to a possible intruder in the building and identity of our students.

- Any item bearing the logo of any school other than Cleveland Middle and/or Cleveland High School(s) is strictly forbidden at Cleveland Middle School while college and military logos are acceptable at Cleveland High School.

(8) Shoes

- Shoes must be worn at all times. Examples of shoes which can be worn are leather, suede, or athletic in style.

(9) Coats and Jackets

- No long or trench coats are allowed at all.

- Coats and jackets are not permitted to be worn in the school building (exception: when entering or leaving the building or when there is a defect in the heating system)

- Coats and Jackets are defined as items that are normally associated with outdoor wear and/or worn over indoor clothing for protection from outside elements.  Blazers and Sport coats are designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors.

(10) Headwear

- Headwear is not to be worn or carried in view by any student while in the school building.

- This includes hats, ball caps, wool hats, bandanas, do-rags and skull caps.

 (11) Cleveland Middle or Cleveland High School Apparel

- Top wear that is issued to or bought for students who participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, band, choir, dance, cheerleading and vocational can be worn at any time. This apparel must be golf, Polo type, sweatshirt, or t-shirt style and must be clearly visible as Cleveland Blue Raider apparel. Any item that is sleeveless must have a shirt with sleeves worn underneath it.

- Clothing brought or issued for PE classes (Wellness, Weight Lifting or Sports) will not be worn at any time or place other than the class for which it was brought or issued.

(12) Piercing

- Body piercing (except for the ear) that is visible to teachers, administrators, and students is strictly prohibited.

(13) Accessories

- Large, long and/or heavy chains, studded or chained accessories are prohibited including wallet or belt chains.

- Sunglasses indoors are prohibited

(14) Special Situations

If a student cannot comply with the standardized dress code based on religious belief, vertical disability or by the request of a doctor, a parent or guardian may write a letter explaining the situation to the principal with a copy to the Public Information Supervisor at the Administrative Offices Building.  Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis and if the parents and student are not satisfied an appeal may be sent to the Director of Schools.

(15) Additional information

The principals, designated by the Board of Education as the educational leaders of Cleveland Middle School and Cleveland High School are generally responsible for the attitude, manners, and conduct of the students and staff. Therefore, the principal, subject to confirmation by the Director of Schools and the Board of Education, has specific authority to determine a standard of dress and good grooming that will be compatible with a wholesome school situation. All students are expected to adhere to common practices of modesty, cleanliness and neatness; to dress in conformity with the accepted standards of the community; and to contribute in such manner to the academic atmosphere and not detract from it. No attempt will be made to dictate fashion styles as long as they are in keeping with Cleveland City Schools’ policies. It should be noted, however, that it is the responsibility of the student and parent to adhere to the Dress Code. The Administrators of Cleveland Middle and Cleveland High School shall have the right to appraise any current fashion or fad and determine whether or not it is appropriate for school. Fashions that the principal deems a distraction to the educational process will not be allowed.  In manners of opinion, the judgment of administrators will stand.