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Student Dress Code

At Wilkinsburg School District, we want every student to be comfortable, safe, and ready to fully participate in the school day. Students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including classroom instruction, carpet time, physical education, recess, science investigation, art, music, and other hands-on activities. Clothing and footwear should allow students to move freely, play safely, and participate confidently in all instructional activities. 

Students are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for school and that does not interfere with learning or create a safety concern. Families are encouraged to consider the weather when selecting clothing and to send students dressed appropriately for outdoor recess whenever possible. 

Clothing Expectations:

Clothing should provide appropriate coverage during typical school activities, including sitting on the carpet, bending, stretching, climbing, and playing at recess. 

The following are not permitted:

  • Clothing that is excessively revealing or does not provide appropriate coverage during normal school movement and activities. 
  • Open-weave or see-through garments that expose body parts typically covered by undergarments. 
  • Undergarments worn as outerwear or intentionally exposed.
  • Tops that do not provide appropriate coverage of the torso during normal movement. 
  • Shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants that do not provide appropriate coverage while students are standing, seated, or participating in school activities. 
  • Pants or jeans with excessively large holes that expose undergarments or body parts that should remain covered. 

Clothing With Messages:

Students may not wear clothing or accessories that:

  • Are suggestive, obscene, vulgar, offensive, or defamatory. 
  • Denigrate or demean others based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. 
  • Advertise or promote alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, drugs, weapons, or violence. 

Footwear:

For safety and participation in recess, physical education, and other school activities:

  • Closed-toe shoes with a secure back are preferred and strongly recommended. Should families send children to school with sandals, it will be at their own risk. 
  • Athletic shoes (tennis shoes) are required for participation in physical education (gym class). 
  • Shoes that present a safety hazard or prevent safe participation in school activities will not be permitted. 

Additional Expectations:

  • Hats and other head coverings may only be worn when approved for religious, medical, cultural, or school-sponsored purposes, or on designated spirit or special event days. 
  • Pajamas may only be worn on designated school spirit or special event days. 
  • Hoods must remain down while inside the school building unless otherwise approved. 
  • Headphones, earbuds, and smart wearable audio/video devices, including AI glasses, are not permitted during the school day unless authorized by a staff member for instructional purposes or approved accommodations. 

School administrators may require a student to change clothing or footwear when attire:

  • Creates a disruption to the educational environment;
  • Presents a health or safety concern;
  • Prevents the student from fully participating in school activities; or
  • Does not meet the expectations outlined above.