The Baird Independent School District’s dress code has been established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards.  Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they follow the standards set out below.

We expect students to come to school in clothes that are clean and neat, and we expect students to exhibit basic cleanliness and grooming that will not be a health or safety threat to themselves or to other students or staff.  The principal or designee makes decisions about dress and grooming violations.

If the principal or designee determines that a student’s grooming or dress violates the school’s dress and grooming standards, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school. We will make efforts to notify a parent as soon as possible, and if the student changes clothes or otherwise comes into compliance with dress and grooming standards, she or he will return to regular classes immediately. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school suspension for the remainder of the day, until the problem is corrected, or until a parent or designee brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school. Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Baird ISD Student Code of Conduct.

The principal or designee has the discretion to make exceptions to the dress code for special events such as pep rallies, spirit days, etc.  Sponsors of extracurricular groups such as band or athletics may impose additional restrictions on dress and grooming as a requirement for participation in the extracurricular activity.

The student dress code will be enforced on district property from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Definitions

The following terms are defined for the purpose of this dress code.

• Sagging: Wearing pants in a manner low enough to expose the underwear
• Approved Hemline: 5 inches from the top of the kneecap

Dress and Grooming Standards

Pants and Tops

• Shorts, dresses, or skirts are permitted if hemmed to meet the approved hemline requirements. Cut-off shorts and Spandex shorts are not permitted.
• Leggings, tights, yoga, or similar pants are permitted if worn with a top that meets the approved hemline requirements.  Leggings with sheer inserts are not permitted.
• Jeans may have holes above the approved hemline only if tights are worn under the jeans. Jeans must be worn at the waist and “sagging” is not permitted.

Shoes

• Appropriate footwear is required. Certain classes (e.g., science, physical education, welding, or vocational agriculture ) may require students to wear specific types of footwear for safety reasons.
• Wheeled shoes and house shoes are not permitted.

Jewelry and Body Art

• Ear piercing is permitted. 
• Nasal piercing is permitted but limited to one stud. 
• Gauging is not permitted.
• Body art/tattoos must be covered.

Hairstyles

Extreme hairstyles that attract attention to the extent that the learning environment is disrupted are not permitted.   Hair should be kept clean, well-groomed, and styled in a manner that does not cover the eyes. 

Hats and Hoods

• Hats are not permitted inside buildings.  
• Hoodies are permitted, but the hoods must be lowered while in a building.

Prohibited Items

• Excessively tight clothing is not permitted.
• Low-cut tops that expose cleavage or midriff are not permitted.
• Explicit or insinuative apparel, adornments, or body art that is disruptive to the educational process is not permitted.  This includes items that are vulgar or that advertise or promote alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, sex, or violence.
• Pajamas are not permitted.
• Trench coats are not permitted.
• Gang related dress or grooming items are not permitted.