Dress Code
Policy 5.37 - Statutory Authority: 1001.41; 1001.42, Florida Statutes
The purpose of the APH Dress Code is to support a safe, healthy school environment that promotes student success. As a result, all students have the responsibility to dress appropriately and observe basic standards of cleanliness and good grooming. A student’s dress and appearance should not cause disruption, distract from the educational process, or create a health or safety concern for themselves or others. Below are the expectations for dress:
Hats, caps, hoods, head-coverings, including bandannas and jacket or shirt hoods, are not appropriate attire for school. Hoods of any kind may not be worn at any time.
Shirts and blouses must cover the midriff at all times. Logos or pictures that display items such as drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, obscenities, sexual innuendos, or other negative messages are not appropriate attire for school. Pajamas, Strapless, Sleeveless, low-cut neck, see-through, mesh, tank-tops, tight-fitting, and distressed shirts are not appropriate attire on campus.
Pants, shorts, skirts, and skorts will be worn at the natural waist and be PAST finger-tip length (including slits). These clothes should be worn as intended, no more than one size larger than the normal size required and hemmed no longer than the heel of the shoes.
Undergarments should not be seen at any time. Undergarments include, but are not limited to underwear/boxer/athletic shorts waistbands, bra or bralette straps, camisole or tank top straps, or other items determined to be “undergarments” by the Dean of Students or building administration.
Distressed clothing with holes, tears, rips, frays, or any other distress marks is not permitted. Pajamas, track, gym, boxer, or biker shorts or any clothes that are tight fitting, including leggings as a primary garment, or see-through are not appropriate attire on campus.
Dresses must cover the chest and underarm area, have sleeves, and be 2 inches beyond finger-tip in length while sitting. Tight-fitting, see-through dresses are not appropriate attire on campus.
Outerwear may be worn as required for comfort due to weather conditions. Students will be asked to remove the garment if it is a distraction to the school environment or hinders a student’s movement or participation in school functions and activities.
Shoes are required at all times. Laces must be tied if present. All shoes must have a minimum requirement of a thong between the toes (no “slides” permitted). Thong must be an integrated part of the shoe, not punched through the sole.
Accessories and jewelry should be kept to a minimum and should not be distracting. Students may not wear jewelry, buttons or any other items with words, phrases, symbols, pictures, patches, or graphics which are indecent, distractive, or disruptive to the learning environment. This includes anything that is hazardous, offensive, or sexually suggestive. Any item that advertises, displays, or represents items such as drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, obscenities, or other negative messages are not appropriate. Sunglasses, hair picks, grillz, choke or wallet chains, and chain belts are not allowed.
Facial piercings, other than the ears, are potential safety issues and are not permitted.
Gang related symbols are prohibited. This includes any article of clothing, badge, sign, lettering, or other intended by students to designate a gang symbol or to signify affiliation with, participation in, or glorification of gang life.
Writing on skin or clothing is distracting and therefore inappropriate. Visible tattoos must be covered at all times.
School-based administration has the final authority to determine when personal appearance and dress do not meet Board and school standards and also have the authority to take appropriate action.
Beginning with the first day of the school year, every student will be expected to comply with the APH Dress Code. No exceptions to the dress code will be made for any student except for religious reasons. A progressive discipline approach will be employed to encourage consistent compliance with the dress code.