RCS Dress Code

students talking to each other

In Rockingham County Schools, students are expected to dress appropriately for the school learning environment. Clean, neat, appropriately sized, comfortable clothing, which allows students to participate in all events of school without undue concern, will be most appropriate. Reasonable consideration will be made for those students who, because of sincerely held religious beliefs, cultural heritage, or medical reasons, request in writing to the school administrator a waiver of a particular guideline for dress or appearance. Decisions of this nature will be made by the school administrator. Please reference the following guidelines bulleted below:

School Dress

  • Clothing must be age appropriate, cannot be distracting, revealing, indecent, or vulgar.  Skirts and shorts should be worn without holes.  Shorts and skirts may not show undergarments or display buttocks.

  • Headgear (inside of the school) which includes hats, caps, earmuffs, bandanas, hoods, sweatbands, or sunglasses may not be worn. School administration may provide prior approval for specific events or activities, (i.e., spirit day, hat day).

  • All tops must have a fitted arm opening. Spaghetti string tops are not permitted.  All tops must cover the waistband of the bottom garment and the midriff at all times. Undergarments should not be visible.

  • Students may be allowed to wear leggings that are not see through with shirts that cover the waistband of the leggings.

  • Clothing will not be allowed which promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco, the use of controlled substances, depicts violence, is of a sexual nature, is racially offensive, demeaning or degrading to a particular group or individual, or is disruptive in nature.

  • Clothing is not to be sheer or of mesh material as to the reveal the body or undergarments.

  • Any accessories or attire that has the potential to be used as a weapon is prohibited.

  • All pants must be worn and fitted at the waist without holes or tears above the mid-thigh and do not show undergarments. (no holes above the belt)

  • Sleepwear is not permitted, unless prior approval has been obtained by administration for specific activities (i.e., spirit week).

  • Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. Flip flops in the elementary school should not be worn for safety purposes.

  • Jewelry or body piercings are allowed with the exception of those that pose a health or safety risk.

​The Rockingham County School Board approved at the January 9, 2023 board meeting the revised Regulation Code: 4300 - R Dress Code Regulations for Students (6-12). The new dress code regulation will be enforced as of the second semester beginning on January 25, 2023. This revision went through an extensive vetting process with students in all of the middle schools and high schools through a student survey and then through a series of face-to-face meetings with students and Central Office staff. The revision was then reviewed by the Parent, Teacher and Student Advisory Councils as well. Finally the Board reviewed and approved the revision.

​RCS Dress Code Regulations for Students (Grades 6-12 - approved January 9, 2023)