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Dress Code

At Stevens Middle School, we believe that appropriate dress plays a vital role in fostering a positive and productive educational atmosphere. As an institution dedicated to preparing students for success, we recognize that dress code is not only about safety and security but also about promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and focus on learning. Our dress code aligns with accepted business attire standards, ensuring a healthy and conducive environment for every student's growth.

Guiding Principles of Dress Code:

Our dress code policy adheres to the following principles:

  • Prohibition of clothing with colors, slogans, and numbers associated with violence, prohibited substances, offenses against creed or gender, or articles of immodesty.
  • Emphasis on accepted business attire that supports a professional and focused learning environment.
  • Expectation of appropriate dress at all SMS sponsored events, including dances, ASB activities, parent/student meetings, and sporting events.
  • SMS reserves the right to deny entrance to any SMS sponsored event due to inappropriate clothing.

Promoting Respectful Dress: How It Works

Students are expected to adhere to our dress code policy. If a student chooses to dress inappropriately:

  • They will be asked to change into appropriate clothing.
  • Students without suitable clothing may receive clothing provided by the school.
  • If necessary, arrangements for students to go home or for parents to bring suitable clothing will be made.
  • Continued violations of the dress code policy will result in disciplinary action, and confiscated items may be used as evidence.

Evolving for Safety and Well-being:

Please note that our dress code policy may evolve based on new trends and information that pertain to the safety and well-being of all students. We are committed to maintaining an environment that prioritizes student welfare and fosters a positive learning experience.

Articles of Clothing NOT PERMITTED:

The following clothing and accessories are not permitted on campus or at any school-sponsored event:

  • Sagging pants or extremely oversized clothing, including 'Tall Tees'.
  • Pants worn below the waistline. Visible undergarments must be covered completely.
  • Clothing predominantly of a single color.
  • Gang-affiliated tattoos, permanent or temporary.
  • Clothing or accessories with Old English lettering.
  • Bandanas of any kind or color, colored laces, hanging belts, permanent pens, Rosary beads, large hoop earrings.
  • Clothing identified as gang-related, belts significantly longer than the waist, clothing with drug/alcohol/tobacco logos, or clothing with offensive language.
  • Clothing associated with specific neighborhoods or gangs, such as Raiders, Kings, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Ben Davis, Players, 13, South Side, and Rolling Hard logos.
  • Dangling chains, halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, see-through tops, low-cut tops, or tops exposing breasts or belly.
  • Hats, caps, hair nets, hoods, or headgear of any kind.
  • Hoods worn on the head.
  • Necklaces or bracelets with sharp points, pajamas, slippers, pajama pants.
  • Pants nailed, stapled, or pinned to shoes, or pants gathered at ankles with rubber bands.
  • Overcoats, trench coats, dusters.
  • Piercings that may pose danger, inappropriate skirts, shorts, or dresses.
  • Sunglasses worn indoors, tattered or cutoff clothing.
  • Tall socks pulled up to bottom of shorts or short pants, display of gang-associated letters/numbers.

Promoting Respectful Attire for a Positive Learning Experience

At Stevens Middle School, appropriate dress is not just about clothing—it's about cultivating a culture of respect, inclusivity, and responsibility. Together, we create an environment where every student can thrive, learn, and excel. If you have any questions or require clarification about our dress code policy, please feel free to contact us.