The Fort Knox Community Schools believe that the first requirement of quality education is to create a safe and disciplined learning environment. The following School Uniform Policy is based on research and survey results from parents and teachers. The objective of the policy is to minimize the disruptions and distractions that can be caused by inappropriate attire. This policy is designed to foster a safe, orderly, and professional learning environment for our youth.
Colors permitted for tops (Scott Middle School or Fort Knox High School colors): shades of white, black, green, yellow, blue, brown, and grey. Florescent colors may not be worn.
Colors permitted for pants/skirts/shorts: shades of khaki, blue, black, brown, and grey.
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
SHIRTS/BLOUSES
a. All shirts/blouses must be tucked in with a visible waistband.
b. Shirts must be pullover polo style or dress shirts in solid colors with short or long sleeves. Shirts/blouses must have a collar and be tucked in.
c. No see-through materials, excessively tight or revealing clothing. Authorized school logos and naturally occurring logos found on some apparel such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, etc., are permitted provided the logo is no larger than 2 inches square.
d. Turtleneck shirts (T-shirt material) can only be worn under an approved sweater or sweatshirts.
e. Authorized school spirit wear is permitted.
SWEATERS/SWEATSHIRTS
a. Sweaters must be pullover sweaters or cardigans worn over policy approved shirts. The length of the sweater should not exceed the length of the opening of the hip pocket on pants/skirts/shorts/skorts.
b. Sweatshirts must be worn in approved school colors for tops with no logos except authorized school logos. Sweatshirts can only be worn over the policy-approved shirts. Hooded sweatshirts are NOT acceptable. The length of the sweatshirt should not exceed the length of the opening of the hip pocket on pants/skirts/shorts/skorts.
c. Turtleneck shirts (T-shirt material) can only be worn under an approved sweater or sweatshirt.
SLACKS/WALKING SHORTS
a. Slacks and shorts for all students must be chino/khaki/docker style. All pants must be worn at the waist. Apparel with belt loops must be worn with belts and be buckled. Pants, which snap to the leg, are not permitted.
b. Belts fitting actual waist size must be worn. Girls’ slacks, shorts, skorts, and skirts without belt loops are acceptable. No belt excess is to hang down in front. Cargo shorts, overalls, painter pants, blue jeans, and pants with drawstrings and excessive flair bottoms are unacceptable.
c. Shorts must be “walking shorts” or “Bermudas.” Walking shorts are recognized by their extra long length—seven to nine inch inseam; “Bermudas” are no shorter than 3 to 4 inches above the knee.
d. The bottom of the slacks legs will not touch the ground, be split, or rolled up.
SHOES
a. Closed shoes must be worn. No shower, sport, beach, casual, or dress sandals are allowed.
b. Shoes with laces must be laced and tied appropriately.
c. The only acceptable colors for tennis shoes are white, black, gray, or any combination thereof.
GIRLS
JUMPERS/DRESSES/SKIRTS
a. Jumpers must be without bibs. No overall derivatives are allowed.
b. Dresses, skirts, and jumpers must be no shorter than 3 to 4 inches above the knee (both front and back).
c. No denim skirts are allowed.
d. Skirts without belt loops are acceptable.
e. Slits in the skirt are to be no higher than two inches above the hem. Slits on long skirts/dresses may not extend above the knee.
SKORTS
a. Skorts must have at least a 7 to 9 inch inseam.
b. Skorts can be no shorter than 3 to 4 inches above the knee (both front and back).
BOYS AND GIRLS
1. The following are not acceptable: cargo or five-pocket pants, low-rise/hip hugger pants, overalls, painter pants, denim jeans or jean-style pants in any color, spandex pants, pants with drawstrings or excessive flair bottoms, Capri pants, flood pants, or pants or shorts with leg pockets. Excessively tight or baggy, revealing clothing or clothing with rivets is not acceptable. Authorized school logos and naturally occurring logos found on some apparel such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, etc., are permitted provided the logo is no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches.
2. Accessories must not detract from the intent of the dress code.
a. Clothing, makeup, insignia, style, or any indication in membership in a secret society/gang will not be allowed.
b. No student shall wear a hat, cap, sweatbands, bandanna, scarves, or sunglasses inside the school building without a medical excuse. Bandannas and scarves will not be worn on school property at anytime. Special days designated by the school principal may allow deviation from this or other points within this dress code.
c. Body piercing (in which the body is punctured and decorated with a ring or piece of jewelry that attaches in a similar fashion as an earring) for either sex will be restricted to the ears only. All other visible body piercing (nose, lips, tongue, etc.) will not be allowed. Body piercing of the tongue will not be permitted.
d. Hairstyles shall be appropriate and consistent with good grooming. Extreme mockingly distracting hair colors, costume makeup, and jewelry are not permitted. Hair must be of a natural color. Curlers are not permitted.
e. Students are not to wear or carry chains or other apparel that conceivably could be viewed as a weapon.
f. The wearing of contact lenses for aesthetic purposes can be harmful to one’s health, and has proven to be distracting. Contact lens wearers must have a medical statement reflecting contact lens use is medically needed. Colored contact lenses and those with designs are not permitted.
3. The administration reserves the right to prohibit a particular item of clothing or accessory if it is not specifically covered by this policy, but is deemed to cause sufficient concerns regarding the appropriateness for the security of the school.
ACCOMMODATIONS—LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. MEDICAL ACCOMMODATION: Must include valid documentation from a medical doctor that includes justification statements.
2. RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION: Must include valid documentation from the Installation Chaplain that includes justification statements.
PROCEDURE: For those having an off-post/base religious affiliation, they may submit their documentation (i.e., the documentation provided by their religious affiliation leader) justifying an accommodation to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent will then seek a written recommendation from the installation Chaplain’s Office.
(The Fort Knox Community Schools’ Uniform Policy is designed to be a religiously neutral, mandatory, universally applicable code. However, the Fort Knox Community Schools recognize that in some unique circumstances, accommodations (exceptions) to the dress code based upon either medical or religious justifications are reasonable and appropriate. Nevertheless, the mere fact that a request for accommodation is made sincerely and supported by the appropriate documentation does not mean that it will automatically be granted. The Fort Knox Community Schools Administration must also determine that the requested manner of accommodation is “reasonable” in light of all the facts and circumstances.)
AFTER SCHOOL DRESS GUIDELINES
The school uniform policy is not as structured for activities that occur after the school day (sports events, dances, etc.). However, conventional dress, without extremes or unusual styles, with all clothing worn properly, is expected. The type and style of dress should fit the occasion. Because of changing fashions and current trends in style, no list can be inclusive. However, the following list will serve as a guide.
1. Excessively sheer, tight, or revealing clothing or clothing with inappropriate insignia (suggestive patches, alcoholic beverage advertisements, or obscene pictures or language) is not to be worn.
2. Pants, jeans, shorts, and skirts are to be worn in such a manner to prevent sagging.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times.
4. Appropriate headwear may be worn to school events. No sharp pointed picks or other inappropriate objects are to be worn in hair.
5. Students are not to wear or carry chains or other apparel that conceivably could be viewed as a weapon.
