The standard of dress and appearance for Benton Consolidated High School is a reflection of the following philosophy: “School is the business of youth.” Students’ attire should conform to standards appropriate to a business. Acceptable appearance at school is primarily a matter of good judgment on the part of both the student and his/her parent(s). Extreme, provocative, or flamboyant dress is not acceptable. The administration staff is vested with the sole authority to determine whether clothing is offensive to this district. The District has established the following restrictions in personal habits that influence the orderly process of the school function, health and safety.

1. Displays of affection will not be tolerated.

2. Clothing or jewelry that display inappropriate words, suggestive dual- meaning phrases, pictures, or promotes alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs WILL NOT be allowed to be worn at school.

3. Shoes must be worn in the building. These shoes will be free of cleats.

4. ALL SHIRTS AND BLOUSES MUST HAVE SLEEVES FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS. A SLEEVE is defined as a piece of material that extends from the shoulder seam that covers the upper-arm and under-arm area.

5. No halter- tops, tube tops, or tank tops are allowed. The length of the shirt or blouse should not allow the midriff to be exposed. Students should be clothed from the shoulder to the mid thigh. Shorts and skirt length must extend past the fingertips when in a relaxed standing position.

6. Handkerchiefs will be securely positioned inside the pocket of trousers or slacks, not on wrists, neck, head, or dangling from pocket. Bandannas will not be allowed on school property or at
school-related activities at home or away.

7. Hats and coats are not to be worn during the school day. Upon arrival, students should place these items of clothing in their lockers until the end of the day. Exceptions to the coat policy will
be allowed (at the discretion of each teacher) if necessary because of room temperature. Appropriate clothing will be available in the main office for students to conform to the rules.

8. Oversized apparel including baggy pants worn low on the waist and overalls with unfastened straps are not allowed.

9. Belts that are extra long, with excess hanging loosely, are prohibited. This includes wallet chains and/or straps of any kind.

10. Under clothing should not be seen.

11. Students can only carry mesh or see-through book bags to class, All other types of book bags must remain in the student’s locker. This includes young ladies’ purses.

12. In direct consideration and concern of student health and safety, students will not wear body-piercing jewelry while attending school or school functions. The only exception to this policy is ear piercing. Ear piercing adornments may be allowed if they are not considered to be a health or safety concern. This shall be at the discretion of the building administration.

Parents are expected to encourage good taste in the clothing of their children. It is believed that students will want to dress in a manner indicative of the pride that they have in their school and in themselves. Violation of these rules will be considered misconduct.