Dress Code

The South Edgecombe School staff believes that a safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good school. The staff believes that implementing a dress code policy is a positive way to reduce discipline problems and increase school safety. Having a school dress code policy will help minimize disruptive behavior, promote respect for teachers, build school spirit, and help us to maintain high academic achievement. In support of Safe Schools, it also allows for easy identification of intruders on campus, discourages gang-related activities, and encourages students to concentrate on learning rather than clothing. Students are expected to adhere to standards and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment. 

Financial Considerations:  The school will work with families who, for financial reasons, cannot obtain dress code items. Parents or guardians unable to afford clothing that adheres to the dress code policy should contact the school social worker who will set up a meeting to assess the degree of financial hardship.

Tops: 

• Polo shirts with collars and sleeves– Shirts must be plain, solid color shirts. 

• T-shirts and/or camisoles worn under polo shirts must be one of the colors identified below. 

• Colors: Navy blue, orange, or white 

• School spirit t-shirts may be worn as part of the dress code each day. School spirit t-shirts must have a SEMS or Dragon logo.

Bottoms: 

• Pants, capris, dress shorts, skorts, or skirts. Bottoms must be solid in color.  No jeggings or joggers are permitted. No holes, tears, or rips in pants.

•  All bottoms must be no shorter than three inches above the top of the knee when standing. Pants must fit at the waist. 

• Colors: Navy or khaki 

• Blue jeans may be worn on Fridays for fundraising purposes.  Funds will support United Way first semester and Relay for Life second semester, unless otherwise noted.   No jeggings, leggings, joggers or athletic pants are permitted. No holes, tears, or rips in pants.

Other Considerations:

• Bedroom shoes are not permitted.

• Sweatshirts in navy, white, or orange may be worn over dress code shirts. Shirt collars/turtlenecks should be visible.

• All clothing must be the appropriate size for the student. 

• According to Edgecombe County Public Schools’ dress code policy, accessories and/or adornments such as bandanas, head gear, rhinestones, airbrushing, decorative buckles, long silver chains, large earrings, facial piercings are not part of the dress code policy and should not be worn. 

• Any clothing or accessory that is associated with gangs or other disruptive groups is not permitted. 

Administrators may establish incentive and/or school spirit days on which dress code restrictions may be lessened. These days will be announced in advance and dress expectations will be communicated to students. Wearing clothing that is disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive or obscene, or which endangers the health or safety of the students or others is prohibited. Examples of prohibited dress or appearance include, but are not limited to:

• Any adornment such as chains or spikes that reasonably could be perceived as or used as a weapon 

• Any symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence, violent groups about which students at a particular school have been notified

• Attire that exposes cleavage

• Attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent or vulgar or that advertise any product or service not permitted by law to minors

• Bare midriff shirts, halter tops, strapless shirts, spaghetti straps, t-back tanks, or tank tops (all shirts must cover the entire back and have a sleeve that covers the shoulder)

• Excessively short (hemline must be no more than 3 inches above the knee) or tight garments

• Exposed undergarments

• Hats or head gear of any kind (includes and not limited to scarves, doo-rags, hats, crochet caps)

• Sunglasses should not be worn inside the building without a doctor’s note

• Pajamas

• Sagging pants (waistband of the pants must be above the buttocks)

• See-through clothing (this includes but is not limited to ripped shorts/jeans and opaque tights)

• Painting the face or body is not permitted.  

Dress Code Violation

Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be allowed to call a parent/guardian to bring a change of clothes. Students not able to change will be required to remain in In School Suspension for the entire day or until a change of clothes is provided.