JICA -Student Dress - Effective School Year 2023-2024
JICA - Student Dress
Effective School Year 2023-2024
The Board recognizes that the responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with
individual students and their parent(s)/guardian(s). The Board will not interfere with this right unless
the personal choices of students create a disruptive influence on the school program or affect the health or safety of others.
Marshwood schools are places of learning. Student dress is a reflection of the learning environment we create as a school district. This policy is intended to be applied universally to all students regardless of gender or other personal characteristics. Students are encouraged to use sound judgment and reflect respect for themselves and others in dress and grooming. In the event a student dress issue arises, a growth mindset focused on creating a learning opportunity for the students is expected. In keeping with the goals of MSAD 35 to provide a safe, healthy and nondiscriminatory environment to educate students for maximum academic and social development, the following restrictions on dress shall be enforced.
A. Articles of clothing that promote the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs are prohibited.
B. Clothing, footwear, insignia or accessories that are intended to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang are prohibited.
C. Articles of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd or indecent or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs) are prohibited.
D. Clothing that is destructive of school property (e.g., cleats, pants with metal inserts that scratch furniture) is prohibited.
gender or sexual orientation.
F. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
G. During the academic day, undergarments should not be visible while at rest, and clothing covering one's midriff and buttocks are required.
H. Appropriate athletic apparel is expected during participation in athletic activities outside of the school day.
I. Students who are concerned that their learning environment is being adversely impacted due to dress issues are encouraged to express their concerns to the peer or staff members and/or connect with a professional within the building to help navigate the situation.
J. As required by Maine law there shall be no discrimination against students whose grooming includes hair texture, Afro hairstyles and protective hairstyles including braids, twists and locs.
This policy will be enforced on school grounds and at all school functions.
School administrators or teachers may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for students participating in physical education, certain extracurricular activities, work with or around machines or other activities. However, no particular brand may be required.
Students and staff should work to create a learning environment that is best for instruction and learning. High School and Middle School Administration is expected to meet with representative student groups to discuss student dress, trends and policy.
Policy Adopted: May 7, 1980
Policy Revised: December 18, 1996; August 15, 2007; December 21, 2016, March 15, 2023