FILE: JCDB
STUDENT DRESS CODE
All students are expected to be responsible in their dress and grooming by avoiding extremes and manifesting self-discipline with regards to these regulations. Cooperation of parents is expected.
The policy of the Caldwell Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire shall be considered proper for school wear that distracts or disrupts classroom and school decorum. The School Board feels it is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment in one's total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the purpose of school. Cleanliness shall be a basic consideration.
In questions regarding student dress and grooming, the principal or his/her designee of each school shall make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress according to the guidelines provided.
NOTIFICATION
The School Board shall notify the parent or guardian of each student of the dress code specifications and their effective date.
If the School Board modifies the existing uniform policy, it shall notify, in writing the parent or guardian of each student of the policy adoption or uniform policy modification at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the new or revised policy. Each school shall display any uniform selected for a reasonable period prior to the proposed effective date for wearing of the uniform.
However, nothing shall prohibit the School Board from requiring a new or revised dress code or uniform policy without the required notice in the event of an emergency. For the purposes of this policy, emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.
BODY ARMOR
It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann.§14:95.9. School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities. A firearm-free zone means any area within one thousand feet of any school campus and within a school bus.
Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
SCHOOL DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
To promote a respectful and distraction-free learning environment, all students are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for school. The following guidelines apply to all students:
General Requirements
Clothing must cover shoulders and extend to at least the upper arm.
Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be
No more than 4 inches above the center of the knee for students in grades 4-12
Fingertip length for students in PreK-3 - 3rd grade
Clothing must cover the body fully when sitting, stretching arms upward, or bending over — no exposed skin or undergarments in any position.
Clothes must not be too tight or too baggy; clothing should allow for comfortable and respectful movement throughout the day.
All clothing must be free of vulgar, profane, or suggestive language, images, or graphics.
No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign or other things which are evidence of affiliation with drugs, alcohol, violence, hate speech or gang related activities.
No holes or rips in jeans or bottoms, including factory made rips.
Biker shorts, leggings, and similar form-fitting bottoms are not permitted unless worn under dresses/skirts that meet the 4-inch length requirements.
Caps, hats, durags, bandanas, chopsticks, hair rollers, metal combs, picks shall not be worn.
Hoods may not be worn inside the building. Exceptions may be made for religious or medical reasons with prior approval from the principal.
No pajamas or pajamas pants.
Pierced jewelry may only be worn in the ears or nose.
Hair is to be kept neat and clean.
No sunglasses in the building, unless prescribed by a doctor.
No long coats, trench coats or dusters.
Only clear or mesh book bags shall be allowed.
Additional Expectations
Tops must cover the midsection completely — no crop tops or open-back shirts.
Tops must not be low and reveal cleavage or chest.
Pants must sit at the waistline with no sagging or dragging.
Footwear must be safe and appropriate for school activities. (No swim or beach footwear including rubber flip flops, house shoes, slippers or slides.) *For grades 9-12, Crocs are not allowed, and shoes must have a solid permanent back and worn as manufacturer designed.
The principal has the discretion to make decisions as necessary.
Our goal is to foster a learning environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and ready to learn. This dress code supports modesty, minimizes distractions, and ensures students are dressed in a way that prepares them for both school and future professional environments.
| Revised: December, 2001 | Revised: August, 2010 |
| Revised: April, 2002 | Revised: August, 2015 |
| Revised: September, 2002 | Revised: July, 2018 |
| Revised: October, 2003 | Revised: July 13, 2023 |
| Revised: January, 2004 | Revised: July 10, 2025 |
| Revised: December, 2008 |
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.9, 17:81, 17:111, 17:239, 17:416, 17:416.7
Scott v. Board of Education, 304 N.Y.S.S. 2d 601 (1969)
Karr v. Schmidt, 460 F. 2d 609 (5th Cir. 1972)
Board minutes, 7-15-77, 9-7-99, 1-11-00, 1-18-00, 3-07-00, 5-1-01, 12-4-01, 9-10-02, 7-1-03, 1- 13-04, 1-13-09, 9-14-10, 7-13-23, 7-10-25
Caldwell Parish School Board