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Student Dress Code

NOTE: The following student dress code requirements are in effect for all students while they are on campus or while they are representing COCISD at campus-related events or field trips, unless otherwise notified. This includes summer school and after-school activities. This dress code is also included in the COCISD Student Handbook.

Purpose and Expectations

Student appearance has a significant impact on school morale, attitude, and behavior. The district's dress code has been established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, minimize safety hazards, and maintain a positive learning climate. All students must adhere to this dress code, which will be reviewed with students at the beginning of each school year and strictly enforced throughout.
Students and parents may determine personal dress and grooming standards, provided they comply with the following requirements.

Clothing Standards

Bottoms (Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses)

  • Shorts must be loose-fitting and hemmed

  • Shorts, dresses, and skirts must be no shorter than 6 inches above the top of the knee

  • Pants and shorts must be fitted at the waist and stride

  • Saggy pants are prohibited

  • Pants may not drag on the ground or cover the foot

  • Undergarments may not be visible above the beltline
  • Belts are required on oversized pants and must be worn inside belt loops
  • Side-buttoning, snapping, or Velcro pants are prohibited
  • Writing on the seat of pants, warm-ups, or shorts is not acceptable

Tops and Shirts

  • All shirts must completely cover the midriff during normal daily activities
    • Shirts must be long enough to tuck in and remain tucked when arms are raised
  • When wearing leggings or tight-fitting pants, shirts must be long enough to prevent skin exposure when arms are raised
  • Button-up or zippered shirts must be fastened to the second button position
  • Shirts with holes are not acceptable
  • The following are prohibited: halter tops, see-through clothing, low-cut tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, strapless garments, or unitards.
  • No cleavage or undergarments should be visible

Pants with Holes

Pants with holes are permitted only if dark-colored tights or leggings are worn underneath to prevent skin visibility. Patches must be permanent; temporary coverings (tape, bandages) are not allowed.

Prohibited Content and Messaging

Clothing may not display, advertise, picture, or suggest:

  • Drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
  • Vulgar, suggestive, or offensive language
  • Statements with double meanings
  • Violence or content advocating violence
  • Racial or religious intolerance
  • Sexual content
  • Defacement of the American flag
  • Gang affiliation colors, symbols, or messaging

Accessories and Personal Items

Headwear

Caps, hats, bandanas, picks, combs, wave caps, sweatbands, bonnets, beanies, and sunglasses are prohibited on campus except during special announced events (Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming, or other administrator-approved activities).

Hoodies

Students may wear hoodies but are prohibited from covering their head and/or face with the hood at any time on school grounds, on buses, or during school-related events. Violation may result in garment confiscation and/or disciplinary consequences.

Jewelry and Body Modifications

  • Earrings: Maximum of three (3) per ear
  • Visible body piercings are prohibited except for earrings
  • Facial, eye, mouth, tongue, or septum piercings are not allowed
  • Small stud nose rings are permitted.
  • Bandages covering piercings are not permitted
  • Gauges are prohibited
  • Chains, including wallet chains, are prohibited

Footwear

  • Shoes must be worn at all times
  • House shoes and cleated shoes are prohibited
  • Wheels, rollers, or soles that can mark or damage floors are not acceptable
  • Safety requirement: Students in grades PK-5 must wear shoes with backs


Personal Grooming Standards

General Appearance

  • Students must wear clean clothing and be well-groomed
  • Sleepwear is not acceptable school attire

Hair and Makeup

  • Hair color must be naturally occurring; artificial colors (pink, green, orange, blue, etc.) are prohibited
  • Distracting makeup, such as black lipstick, is prohibited

 Tattoos and Body Art

  • No visible tattoos or body art of any kind
  • Drawing or marking on hands, arms, or body with any writing instrument is prohibited
  • Students with existing tattoos must keep them covered at all times, including during extracurricular activities and when representing COCISD
  • Tattoos visible in athletic clothing are not permitted

Enforcement

This dress code applies to all school hours, transportation, and school-related activities. Violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action as determined by school administration.
*Final determinations concerning dress code compliance shall rest with campus administration.

Consequences for Dress Code Violations

If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school and return to the classroom. If the problem cannot be corrected at school, the principal will work with the student and parent to obtain an acceptable change of clothing for the student in a way that minimizes loss of instructional time.

Repeated or severe offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
 

Questions? Contact your child's campus administrator.