Recent revisions to the dress code will give students of Troup County School System a little more direction as to what to wear to class beginning in the fall.

            “Most of our students make appropriate selections with regard to what they wear and how they present themselves in schools and in the public in general,” said Dr. Edwin Smith, superintendent of Troup County Schools.  “However, it’s very important that all of our schools have the support they need to maintain environments that are orderly and conducive to learning. We also believe that, as educators, we have the responsibility to help our young people understand the concept of appropriateness in any setting.”

            By communicating the updated policy early and making it available through the media, community organizations, and the school system website, Troup County School System hopes to give parents and students plenty of time to plan for the new school year. Many families will purchase clothing throughout the summer with school in mind. The revised policy is more explicit to help parents and students as they make school clothing selections.

1. Pants must be worn at the waist, with or without a belt. “Busting slack” is not allowed.  Students should not have to hold pants up while walking.
2. Shorts, skirts, and dresses are permitted but must be of appropriate length and style.  The general rule is shorts and skirts should be no shorter than the tip of the middle finger when arms are extended by the side.
3. Clothing with pictures, writing, and/or symbols promoting gangs, alcohol, sex, tobacco, profanity or suggestive/crude messages is prohibited.
4. Hats/caps, “hoodies,” sweatbands, stocking caps, curlers, ear warmers or sunglasses are not to be worn inside the school building. Bandanas are not permitted at any time.
5. Clothing designed as undergarments or night wear (pajamas, flannel pants, negligee, etc.) worn as outer garments are unacceptable.  This includes “leggings” or tights.  If leggings or tights are worn, the outer wear covering these garments must meet the minimum requirements set forth in this dress code (i.e. shorts, skirts, or dresses worn over leggings/tights must meet minimum length requirements).
6. Students should not wear clothing of abbreviated style and/or revealing nature (no exposed cleavage), including but not limited to bare midriff tops, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, see-through clothing, blouses, pants, cutout garments, shirts or blouses with large armholes, and blouses with revealing necklines.  (If the student's midriff or waist area shows when the arms are extended parallel to the floor, it is considered a midriff top).  Shoulder straps on blouses, shirts, and dresses must be a minimum width of 2 inches.  Shirts and dresses must have both shoulder straps.
7. All pants, shorts, and other clothing with holes at or above the knee are unacceptable.
8. Other unacceptable dress:  biker shorts, gym shorts, or any type of warm-up that is tight and clings to the body; dog chains, wallet chains, "spiked chokers,” and hanging shoulder straps, or any apparel that may be used to harm or impair another.
9. All students must wear shoes at all times for health and safety reasons. It is also recommended that shoes with a smooth sole such as thongs or flip flops not be worn.  Bedroom slippers are prohibited. 
10. With approval of the principal, activity sponsors may establish different rules for dress and grooming for participation in special activities.
11. Other attire deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive to the learning environment by the building principal may be subject to disciplinary action.