Medina High School believes that pride in one's self and school is often reflected in the way students dress. In order for a student to look his/her best, he/she should be knowledgeable about health, grooming, and choice of clothing. Poise and confidence are derived from an individual looking his/her best. It should also be noted that you would behave as you dress. We, as administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community, have the right to expect a higher standard of dress in the school atmosphere than if you were going to a park or picnic. All of us want the Medina City Schools to be thought of as the best in the area and the only impression many observers have of us is our personal behavior and appearance.

While the major responsibility for good grooming rests in the home with the student and parents, the school has certain concerns based on consideration of health, safety, and the maintenance of the school atmosphere that promotes study and learning. Reasonable conformity to current fashions in student dress is to be expected and is appropriate: however, when student appearance becomes extreme and, in the considered opinion of the school administration, violates health or safety regulations, is not in keeping with appropriate dress for school, or violates commonly accepted standards of modesty; such appearance is not acceptable.

The following statements are provided as guidelines to promote understanding of a few areas of concern:

1. Any apparel showing suggestive or profane pictures or wording; showing alcohol, tobacco, or drug-related sayings or pictures; promoting sex, violence or self-destructive behavior; or any item that defames the nation, state, community or an individual will not be permitted.

2. Tight-fitting or excessively short shorts, skirts, or slacks such as spandex, leggings, jeggings, etc are not permitted.

3. Clothing should be so constructed and worn in a manner that is not unduly revealing. Tops that may NOT be worn are tank tops, muscle shirts, tube tops, halter tops, backless shirts, tops with spaghetti straps, sheer or fishnet shirts, fishnet stockings, and cut-offs or other tops which show midriff. All shirts must have a sleeve. Navels, cleavage, hipbones, or underclothing should never be visible.

4. Dresses/Skirts/Shorts: Dresses, skirts, and shorts must
be knee length., including dresses, skirts, shirts and sweaters worn over leggings.

5. Clothing with group markings or clothing associated with a non-school group or gang will not be permitted; e.g. shirts, sweats, drooping/sagging pants or shorts, or coats of the same color or marking.

6. Chains, spiked collars, spiked belts, or spiked wrist wear may not be worn on school property at any time. Items will be confiscated.

7. Hairstyles: In the instances where long hair and/or hair which are not clean can be hazardous to the wearer, or to the health and comfort of other persons in the vicinity, an administrator may direct that steps be taken to correct the hazardous or offensive condition. Such conditions may exist where lack of proper hygiene results in the spread of germs or offensive odors, or where certain types of machinery or some activities are involved.

8. Proper footwear must be worn at all times in the school buildings. High heels are not recommended.

9. Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.

10. Hats, headbands, bandanas are not to be worn in the building and are to be kept in assigned lockers. Students who choose to wear hooded sweatshirts are not permitted to wear the hoods on their heads. All hair bands worn by students must be approximately two inches in-width must be worn off the forehead and must be holding back hair. Students who violate this rule will be subject to immediate disciplinary actions.

11. Any new “fads” in clothing or anything not specifically covered in the above guidelines, which is considered inappropriate dress shall be dealt with at the discretion of an administrator or designee.

12. No undergarments showing (male or female) whether standing or sitting.

13. Coats/Jackets are not to be worn during school hours. (Warm up apparel is appropriate)

If there are any questions as to the appropriateness of any type of clothing, the school should be contacted in advance.

In the event inappropriate clothing is worn or displayed, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to immediately remedy the situation. Students will be retained in the office until appropriate clothing is obtained. Any student violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.