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At Bak MSOA creativity and self-expression are fostered, but there are attire parameters set forth by the School District of Palm Beach County’s School Board Policy (5.182) and Bak MSOA. Attire means clothing, jewelry, headwear, book bags, accessories, or other articles of personal appearance. Please review the dress code with your child and ensure that your child is appropriately dressed for school per the parameters below.

Specifically, the following attire/materials/accessories are UNACCEPTABLE at Bak MSOA:

1. Attire with language or images that are crude, vulgar, profane, lewd/obscene, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive; attire with symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms that promotes illegal or violent conduct, gang symbols, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats; attire associated with discrimination on the basis of age, color, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, or sex.
2. Clothing that is revealing. Examples include, but not limited to, clothing which exposes the waist, navel, back, or abdomen (e.g., midriff/crop top/halter top), exposes one’s undergarments or buttocks, have plunging necklines, muscle tanks/tops, backless or strapless garments, and/or clothing constructed of see-through materials.
   • How do I know if my shirt/top is “long” enough? The shirt/top can be tucked-in and remain tucked-in to the lower garment when the lower garment is appropriately worn/natural waistline. The top/shirt must also naturally fall at least three inches below the natural waistline of the appropriately worn lower garment.
3. Prohibited Shorts: Biker shorts, spandex shorts, Lycra shorts, elastane shorts, spats shorts, thigh clinging shorts, skin-tight shorts, and shorts that are too short.
4. Dresses, skirts, skorts, romper, or shorts that are too short (see below for minimum length).
   • How do I know if my shorts/dress/skirt/skort/romper is “long” enough? A quick guide for the garment – The garment’s length must be at or below the student’s index finger when the student’s arms are naturally placed by their side (garment must naturally fall at this length). If a student must “pull down their garment to meet this requirement, then the garment is out of dress code. Shorts must meet both the “index finger” requirements and have at least a 5-inch inseam.
5. Clothing traditionally designed as undergarments (e.g., boxer shorts, pajamas, bras) may not be worn as outer garments. Footwear which does not provide adequate protection or hygienic measures.
6. Attire that may be used as a weapon, including, but not limited to, steel toed shoes; chains; studded accessories; items with spikes; and other items deemed inappropriate by the individual school site.
7. Clothing which, because of fit, design, color, inadequate coverage, or some other factor, creates classroom/school disorder/distracts the attention of another/creates a safety/health hazard for any student.
8. Jewelry/other accessories worn in a manner that presents a safety health hazard/causes a major disruption to the educational process (e.g., chains hanging from belt, pocket, wallet, spiked collars, tails, gloves).
9. Face paint, body paint, glitter, and/or make-up that is being used as face or body paint, and/or any material that presents a probability to cause damage or cause unnecessary clean-up (exemption - religious reasons).
10. Hats, head coverings, bandanas, or the hood of a jacket/shirt. A religious exemption is provided for students who cover their heads as an expression of a held religious belief. Weather exception: Students may wear a head covering outside if the temperature drops below 60 degrees.
11.  A jacket, sweat top, or cover-up may not be used to hide or cover a dress code violation.

Students and parents receive clear guidelines and expectations in a variety of ways regarding school and district dress code policies (read full SDPBC policy-5.182 on District website). This document, along with other communication, serves as official notice to parents and students. Therefore, non-adherence of this policy will result in school personnel reteaching expectations/interventions, parent communication, and issuing consequences based on the Student Code of Conduct. Depending on the frequency and level of infraction, students may receive a Level 1 or Level 2 discipline referral. See the Student Code of Conduct for additional information.