Dress Code

The Hoboken Charter School is committed to a learning environment that is safe, supportive of the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption. The Board of Trustees believes that the manner in which students dress, accessorize and groom themselves, affects the learning environment. Therefore, during school and school-sponsored activities, regardless of where or when such occasions or activities occur, students are expected to exercise good judgment in their choice of appearance.  Students' appearance should reinforce a positive learning environment and reflect positively on the student and the Hoboken Charter School.

The board emphasizes the importance of school, parent, and student collaboration in encouraging students to come to school dressed appropriately for school. The following constitute appropriate dress for students and faculty:

·    Head coverings, including hats, are not permitted in school except for religious observance or medical reason.  These items need to be left home, or at the very least placed in the backpack.

·    Skintight pants/jeans are not permitted

·    Clothing which might injure a student or damage school property may not be worn or brought to school

·    Shorts, not shorter than mid-thigh

·    Skirts and dresses not shorter above the knee

·    Transparent blouses or tops.  Keep midriffs, chests, and backs appropriately covered (halter tops, backless clothing, "tube" tops, "muscle" tops,  or spaghetti straps and the like are not appropriate.)

·    Undershirts/camisoles/slip dresses may not be worn as the outer garment.  Sleepwear is not permitted; no pajamas or bedroom slippers are acceptable.

·    Tops of pants must meet the waistband of slacks, skirts or shorts.  Pants need to have belts, and should not hang below hips.  No undergarments should be visible.

·    Shoes or sneakers must be worn at all times.  Heeley’s (sneakers with roller blade wheels are not permitted)

·    Prescription eyewear (reflective or tinted glasses are not appropriate)

·    Any clothing, jewelry, accessories or body adornments that contain advertisements, symbols, words, slogans, or pictures that are sexually suggestive; that are drug, tobacco, or alcohol related; that promote or suggest violence; or that are deemed obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, indecent, or plainly offensive disrupt or potentially disrupt the learning environment; pose a threat or potential threat to the safety or welfare of the student or any other person; or that are or could be considered to be symbols of gang involvement or activity

Coaches and sponsors of extracurricular activities and teachers in specialized classes (e.g., physical education, drama, etc.) are granted flexibility to establish rules regarding students' appearance for students enrolled in such classes and/or participating in such activities. Such rules shall be consistent with the requirements of the activity and shall require the approval of the Administrative Team.

Any student who comes to school without proper attention having been given to his or her appearance and is therefore in violation of this policy may be disciplined, sent home to be properly prepared for school, and required to prepare himself or herself for the classroom before re-entering school. Students who violate this policy in a continuing or flagrant manner may also be recommended for suspension and/or expulsion.

Teachers are asked to request that students fix the violation (e.g. put on a sweater, turn t-shirt inside out, etc.)