Pine Bush Central Schools respects our students’ rights to express themselves in many ways, including in the way they dress. All students attending Pine Bush Schools are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and dress appropriately for the learning environment, with safety at the forefront.

“We believe we should raise the standards in our secondary schools with a common sense approach to this dress code for our students and in enforcing it,” said Superintendent Brian Dunn about the 2023-2024 district dress code. “It will be consistent, fair, culturally responsive and respectful to all students.”

The following dress code policy is intended to provide guidance for students, parents, guardians and staff:

• Clothing must cover the entire area from armpits to mid-thighs with no undergarments or bare skin visible;
• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment;
• Clothing that is vulgar, obscene or libelous, or denigrates others on account of race, color, weight, religion, religious practice, creed, national origin, ethnic group, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, or disability is prohibited;
• Clothing that promotes and/or endorses the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or illegal drugs is not allowed;
• Clothing that depicts or encourages illegal or violent activities is prohibited;
• Hats or head gear are not allowed in elementary schools, except for medical or religious purposes.

The dress code does not apply to school-sanctioned uniforms and costumes approved by administrators for athletic, choral or dramatic performances.

Administrators at each building will inform students and their parents/guardians of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year, including any new revisions made. In addition, Pine Bush High School will share information regarding the dress code during its daily announcements.

 

Students who violate the dress code will be approached discreetly by a member of the school staff. There will be no embarrassment in enforcement of the dress code. The student will be required to modify their appearance in one of three ways:

1. Turn the item inside out, if applicable;
2. Replace the item with another acceptable one, either from their locker, a friend or home, if someone is available to bring an item to school;
3. Accept a replacement item from the main office.

If the student does not accept any of the measures offered to correct the code violation, parents or guardians will be contacted.

Students who repeatedly fail to comply with the dress code will be further disciplined, up to and including out-of-school suspension.

Our goal is to achieve an appropriate and comfortable learning environment for all our students and staff. We look forward to the new school year!