Dress Code

Dress Code                                        (Policy 5132)

     The Portsmouth School Committee, in carrying out its responsibility to provide a safe healthy and orderly learning environment, will encourage students to wear appropriate clothing and to practice good grooming.   Students will be expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good school environment.  Their appearance or mode of dress shall not, in the judgement of the principal, disrupt the educational process or constitute a threat to health and safety.

 

     The School Committee reserves the right to add to, revise and update the following rules and regulations concerning specific items of dress which threaten the safety and health of students and cause disruption to the learning environment.  The interpretation of these rules and regulations is at the sole discretion of the building principal or his/her designee.

    1. Clothing and hair styles worn at school during school hours must reflect cleanliness, neatness, and appropriateness for the activity in which the wearer is involved.  Clothing of an overly revealing fashion is not acceptable
    2. Clothing or hair style which constitutes a health or safety hazard will not be worn.  This would include loose or highly flammable clothing or unrestrained hair styles in laboratories, around machinery, or in areas where a fire/safety hazard may exist.
    3. Clothing which will cause excessive wear or damage to school or personal property will not be worn.  Such clothing which includes metal taps or cleats on shoes or metal studs or rivets on clothing.
    4. Clothing, insignia buttons, jewelry, labels, arm bands, signs or other items which criticize or insult, degrade, or have potential to incite any individual, group, profession, religion, or religious/political beliefs will not be worn, carried, or distributed on school property.
    5. Clothing that causes a disruption of regular classroom routine will not be worn.
    6. Outdoor clothing - including hats, caps, bandannas, and other forms of outdoor headgear - will not be worn in school except for medical reasons or on special "dress up days".  Students who must go outdoors may wear appropriate clothing when necessary. This provision may be waived by the classroom teachers involved when classrooms are too cold for comfort.
    7. Appropriate and safe footwear must be worn.
    8. Sunglasses will not be worn in school buildings unless required for medical reasons.
    9. Attire designed exclusively for school physical education classes may be worn for that activity but not in the classroom.
    10. The wearing or possession of any electronic devices not required for classroom work is Prohibited.
    11. Exceptions to the dress code may be allowed at the discretion of the building principal for exceptional conditions such as health, safety, handicap, school activities/functions and other unusual circumstances which may warrant consideration.
    12. Students in violation of the dress code will be required to immediately make the necessary adjustments to comply with code.  Students unable to comply because of the need of other clothing or modification of appearance will be sent home to correct the situation.

       Repeated violations of the dress code will result in after school detention or assignment to In School Alternative Education Program.  Upon assignment to detention the student is subject to the policy of detention.  All hats and outerwear should be place in the student's locker, upon arrival to school.  They will be kept in the locker until the end of the school day.

Dress Code for School Dances

The following is the dress code for semi-formal dances at Portsmouth High School. This dress code is to be followed for all dances except those which are stated as being casual. Any student attending the dance cannot wear the following articles of clothing:

  1. Jean
  2. Sweatpants
  3. Sweatshirts
  4. Work boots
  5. T-shirts
  6. Muscle shirt/Tank tops
  7. Gym or Beach wear

**Any student who fails to abide with this dress code will not be admitted into the dance!!