Dress Code Expectations

COTTONWOOD CLASSICAL DAILY DRESS EXPECTATIONS:

Student dress should reflect the professionalism that comes with being the top charter school in New Mexico, and one of the top schools across the country. To that end, clothing must be neat, clean, appropriate, modest, and not distracting to the learning environment. The Cottonwood polo, and all other recognizable symbols of our school, serve as a reminder of our common identity, and these communicate our values to those outside of our school.

Student dress should reflect a seriousness of purpose. To that end, clothing
must be neat, clean, appropriate, modest, and not distracting to the learning environment. It is the school’s prerogative to determine what is objectionable.

Dress expectations will be identical for all students, and will be identically enforced.

*Allowed*
Hair	Can be of any color; professionally kempt, suitable for the learning environment.
Dress	Cottonwood Classical polo should be worn at all times (Monday through Thursday). On Fridays, students may wear properly sleeved university attire, official CCPS spirit wear, or the CCPS polo. Layered clothing is acceptable, providing CCPS outerwear is visible over them. Jackets may be worn if they are unzipped in the building Official CCPS outerwear (i.e. zip-up jackets, hoodies, coats), may be worn over the Cottonwood polo inside or outside of classes. (There may be times at the discretion of Cottonwood staff, outerwear may be asked to be removed.) Students found to be wearing shirts other than the polo under their outerwear will be in violation of the dress code. Jeans, Shorts, Khakis, Skirts and Leggings are all allowable if they are professional to the learning environment, without tears, frays or holes, and suitably modest (to staff discretion). See-through or sheer material is not allowed. As a general guideline, shorts and skirts should fall no higher than mid-thigh.
Piercings & Tattoos	Students may have ear lobe piercings and ear gauges that are less than 1⁄2 inch in diameter. Visible Tattoos should be appropriate and not cause a distraction to the learning environment
Footwear	Appropriate footwear includes soles suitable for all-day use Closed footwear is required in science classrooms for safety reasons
Accessories	Students may wear hair accessories such as headbands as long as they do not go over the forehead, are behind the student’s hairline, and are not distracting to the learning process.

*Not Allowed*
Hair	Hairstyles that draw unnecessary attention to the student are not permitted (i.e. spiked hair or Mohawks).
Dress	Spaghetti straps, tank tops, or muscle shirts must be covered by an appropriately sleeved shirt. Shirts must fully cover shoulders. Writing and/or images that are sexually suggestive, violent, disrespectful, or racially inappropriate are not allowed on clothing. Furthermore, symbolism of drugs, tobacco or alcohol on any garment is also prohibited. Pant sagging is not allowed. Clothing must be worn at waist level at or above the hip. Pajamas and/or sleepwear is not permitted. Fishnet stockings are not allowed. Midriff should not be showing.
Undergarments	Undergarments may not be seen at anytime.
Piercings & Tattoos	Students may not have more than one facial piercing (not including ear lobes), and ear gauges that are larger than 1⁄2 inch in diameter. No piercings should pose a danger to the individual wearing them including, but not limited to, spiked gauges, spiked studs, or large hoops. Piercings on the ears may also be deemed excessive if the number, size, or design creates an educational distraction or an unsafe situation. Visible tattoos that cause a distraction to the learning process or are deemed inappropriate are discouraged and may be asked to be covered.
Accessories	Hats and sunglasses are allowed outside only, unless authorized by an administrator. Hats such as baseball hats, beanies, or similar headgear may not be worn inside the building (unless during official sanctioned events). Furthermore, symbolism of drugs, tobacco or alcohol on any accessory is also prohibited. This includes hats, water bottles, gym bags, backpacks, etc.

SANCTIONED NON-UNIFORM EVENTS:

In the event of a sanctioned non-uniform event such as dress down days, spirit wear days, and/or school sanctioned-activities, students must adhere to the dress code guidelines outlined above.

PE DRESS EXPECTATIONS:

For PE classes, students are required to wear their PE shirt with sweatpants, athletic pants, or athletic shorts that are free of large logos, and/or lettering (no lettering or graphics are allowed on the rear end of a student’s shorts or sweatpants). Students need to wear proper, closed-toe athletic shoes. Clothes should be sized appropriately, i.e. not too baggy or excessively tight. P.E. shirts can only be worn during P.E. class.