Dear OMS Families,
As we are coming into the Spring and the weather becomes warmer, please take a moment with your family to review the FCPS dress code policy:
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, productive, and positive educational environment, one which reinforces the mission of the school system while respecting students' First Amendment rights. FCPS provides the following standards for dress recognizing school administrators may impose additional standards specific to the needs of their individual schools, provided such standards balance the students' First Amendment rights with the school's need to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, and consideration is given to input from the school community. Such standards are to be consistently and fairly applied to all students regardless of gender.
1. Students are restricted from wearing clothing that is unduly revealing (e.g. cut low at the neck or under the arms, exposes bare midriff, pants worn below the hips exposing the student's underwear or skin).
2. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing or items that promote illegal or violent conduct such as unlawful use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons.
3. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing or items that are obscene, libelous or feature sexually offensive or vulgar words, pictures, phrases, drawings, etc.
4. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing or items containing derogatory expressions or language demeaning an identifiable person or group such as based on a person's race, color, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability that could disrupt or materially interfere with school activities.
5. Students are prohibited from wearing specific gang-related attire.
6. Students may be restricted from wearing clothing that may conceal weapons or other illegal items such as drugs (outerwear jackets, etc.), and items that may be used as weapons (metal belts, chains attached to wallets/keys, etc.). Students may be asked to keep such items in their assigned locker during the school day.
7. Students are prohibited from wearing head gear (unless an exception is provided as outlined under #13 below).
8. State regulations require the wearing of shoes in public places at all times.
9. Students are expected to follow all school rules governing safety in specialized programs that may require the wearing of protective clothing, safety glasses, proper foot protection, or other similar requirements
10. Unless excused by an identified exemption, students are required to follow rules imposed as they relate to face masks/face coverings.
11. Students may be restricted from wearing an item of clothing or article which impedes their ability to be fully engaged and participate in instruction.
12. Discipline - Students may be disciplined in accordance with FCPS Regulation 400-08 for dress code infractions, but should first be provided options to resolve the dress code concern particularly with first-time offenses. As outlined in FCPS Regulation 400-08, prior to imposing discipline, positive behavioral interventions and supports should be considered when practicable.
13. Exceptions to the Above Standards: School administrators shall grant exceptions to the dress code based on disability, health reasons or for sincerely held religious beliefs unless deemed a safety concern. Exceptions may also be made for spirit week celebrations or for extracurricular and athletic related purposes, as approved by the school administrator.
Click here for the complete dress code policy.
Thank you for your continued support of Oakdale Middle School.
Daniel L. Enck Principal, Oakdale Middle School