Skinny Jeans, Tank Tops, Sandals Are Out At Troy Schools

Skinny jeans, sleeveless tops, flip-flops and highlights in your hair are out.

Hannah Montana, hoodies and shorts are in. Socks are a required element of every ensemble.

How about a virtual backpack? Can you bring that to Troy Community Consolidated District 30-C schools this year? Not exactly. The virtual backpack is a new Web posting site where the schools and student-centered organizations can post fliers they would otherwise send home with kids. You can find it on the district Web site, www.troy30c.org.

The virtual backpack and the new dress code are a sampling of the changes kids and parents will be learning about as they come back to Troy schools this fall. Administrators are billing the new attire guidelines as a "simplified" dress code, but there are more than a few fine points to it.

It's all right to come to class wearing a garment with a brand logo like the Nike "swoosh." But add the marketing logo "Just do it" and the outfit doesn't  make the grade. Clothing can't have "any negative or questionable connotations or messages," the district rules say. But Troy-themed apparel is totally cool.

Trousers cannot be too tight, too loose or too short. "Skinny jeans" are not loose-fitting so they're out. But jeans so baggy they won't stay up at the student's natural waistline aren't acceptable, either. And this isn't Sunday school – so don't wear your hole-ly jeans, either, or any pants with writing on them at all. Sweats are OK, but do not wear you slogans on your rear.

And get out you rulers, kids. Shorts, skirts and capris can't be more than 4 inches above the knee.

Also banned is hair dye of any type and piercings other than in the earlobes. Any other piercings? You'll be asked to cover them at school.

When it comes to footwear, socks are a prerequisite. That rules out flip- flops and sandals, as shoes must fully enclose the foot.

Administrators say they believe students' appearances reflect their preparation for learning, self-discipline and respect for others. The new dress code is designed to promote a more conducive learning environment by limiting distractions and unnecessary peer pressure, and encouraging modesty, according to information on the school website.

School officials say they hope the new code will cut down on subjectivity of enforcing a dress code, allowing for more consistent enforcement. They also say they believe the new rules will balance freedom of expression with reducing distractions, and improving "school unity and pride." Modest dress will cut back on negative comments and harassing situations and keep everybody safer by limiting gang-related clothing and attire, officials say.

What happens if your young one shows up wearing the wrong thing? They can make adjustments to their outfit, call home for an extra set of clothes or wear a set of school-sanctioned duds provided by the district.

Here's a rundown on the entire news dress code:

Shirts & Tops

• Must have a collar with buttons or be a crew neck-, mock turtleneck- or turtleneck-style with sleeves.

• Must be loose fitting and cover the top of the pants.

• Must be free of any statements but may have brand logos without marketing statements (e.g., Troy logo, Nike Swoosh, Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, etc.).

Pants, Shorts and Skirts/Dresses

• Traditional twill, woven or corduroy pants fabrics of any color are preferred. Students may wear jeans only if they do not have holes, do not have any writing on them and can be held in position at the student's natural waistline.

• Must be loose fitting.

• Spandex or flannel pants and shorts should not be worn to school.

• Skirts, shorts and capri-style pants cannot be shorter than 4 inches above

the knee.

Footwear

• Shoes must fully enclose the foot, may be athletic, casual or dress styles. Flip-flops are prohibited.

• Socks should be worn at all times for safety and hygienic purposes.

Grooming

• Students are expected to be properly groomed each day.

• Hair must be worn away from the eyes and must be the student's natural color. Hair extensions in the student's natural hair color are allowed unless deemed to be a safety hazard.

• Body art or tattoos must be covered at all times.

• Contact lenses must be of a natural color.

• Students are allowed to wear jewelry and other dress accessories.

• Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. There are times when jewelry and other accessories become a safety issue or distraction to learning, and students must comply when a staff member requests that they be removed.

• Piercings are permitted only in earlobes. Students with new piercings in areas other than the earlobe will be asked to cover them while at school and nothing should be worn in them at school after the typical healing process ends.

• Undergarments/underwear must be covered at all times and should not be visible with see-through garments.

Other

• Outerwear such as coats, jackets, gloves, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, and other headwear are not permitted to be worn during the school day unless the student has a medical condition that requires them. Parents should contact the building principal if the student needs to wear one or more of these types of outerwear.

• Clothing, accessories, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs or other items that are evidence of membership in or affiliation with any gang, secret society or unauthorized organization are not permitted.

• Troy wear and Troy-sanctioned writing on clothing is permitted.