RATIONALE: Parents, teachers, and school officials have come to see school uniforms as one positive and creative way to reduce discipline problems and increase school safety. They observed that the adoption of school uniform policies can promote school safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. The benefits of school uniforms include:
• Decreasing violence and theft – even life-threatening situations – among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers;
• Helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school;
• Instilling students with discipline and school spirit/pride;
• Helping parents and students resist peer pressure;
• Helping students concentrate on their school work; and
• Helping school officials recognize intruders who come to school.
Therefore, Florence Nightingale Middle School has adopted the following dress code for all students:
• Navy blue slacks or shorts (not saggy, oversized or split bottom) or;
• Navy blue jumpers, skirts or skorts.
• Solid white, collared shirt/blouse with sleeves (optional t-shirt worn under collared shirt/blouse
must be any solid color); or
• Approved spirit/club/class t-shirts on Thursdays only.
For PE Classes:
• Approved NMS PE shorts and t-shirt (including 5K shirts).
Additional restrictions:
• PE shirt does not replace white uniform shirt.
• Jacket/sweatshirt hoods are not to be worn up at any time (except outdoors during inclement weather).
• Hats/caps may only be worn outside during inclement weather.
• Professional sports team attire of any kind is prohibited.
• Any clothing worn must be appropriate in style so as not to be disruptive to the learning environment (at the teacher’s discretion).
• Pants may not be inappropriately torn.
• Shoes must cover toes and be secured at the heel.
• Uniform Policy is in effect for all curricular excursions held during regular instructional hours.
Exemptions may be granted by Principal/designee when appropriate. Students not in uniform compliance are to be sent to Parent Center to change. Teachers are requested to enforce uniform policy at all times. The Principal/designee, based on feedback reports of overall student behavior, may announce occasional uniform-optional days. On these days, students will still be required to follow the district dress code.
