Frank N. Osborne Middle School acknowledges that good grooming and personal attire positively affect student achievement and conduct. Osborne Middle School’s dress code is designed to reduce the likelihood of a distraction or disruption and to maintain an academic focus in the classroom and on campus.

Instruction is interrupted when a student has to be seen by an administrator because of inappropriate dress. If in the judgment of the administration or staff, a student is dressed inappropriately, the student will be required to change clothing. Often, the student has to miss instruction time while waiting for a change of clothing to be brought to the school. The student will call home and may wait in ISS for parent(s).

The Osborne administration and staff would like the cooperation of the students and parents in reviewing the student’s dress to ensure it meets the following dress code guidelines before the student comes to school.

The purpose of the student dress code is not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of “dress” instilling dignity and pride. A student wearing clothing or accessories not described in these rules but which become distracting to the learning environment or identified as gang-attire will receive a written warning in advance of any disciplinary action. Any student dress/appearance not specifically stated which the faculty or staff deems distracting will not be permitted. It is essential that students respect the learning environment by being appropriately dressed for school.

These rules are subject to updates as certain types of apparel may become identified as gang affiliated or disruptive. You should consult the Osborne website frequently to be informed about additions or changes to this rule.

1. Headgear is prohibited in the building. This includes, but is not limited to, caps, hats, hoods, bandanas, wave caps, sweatbands, sunglasses, or any other head covering. No combs, rakes, curlers or picks can be worn in the hair.
   
   Exceptions for religious or medical reasons to be granted by the principal.
   
   
2. Blouses/shirts should be constructed so that the tops of the shoulders are covered (no halter tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or bare shoulder tops of any type will be allowed). Blouses/shirts that expose any portion of the waist, hips or midriff are not allowed. (If you raise your arms and stomach shows, the top is unacceptable.) Other blouses/shirts that are not appropriate for school include, but are not limited to, low-cut, see-through, backless, or tube tops. Boys are not permitted to wear sleeveless shirts. (Boys must wear shirts in P.E.)
   
   
3. Students may not wear trench coats or other long coats that resemble the style of a trench coat to school. All coats must be properly worn.
   
   
4. Health regulations and safety factors require that shoes be worn at all times at school (bedroom shoes are not allowed).
   
   
5. Undergarments should not be visible. Pajamas or sleepwear of any kind are not allowed.
   
   
6. No student clothing shall display words or symbols that advocate or depict violence, drugs, alcohol, sex, gang affiliation or other illegal activity expressed or implied. Articles of clothing that have words or designs that are suggestive, obscene, or related to drugs, tobacco or alcohol are prohibited.
   
   
7. Long bulky chains are prohibited. This includes, but not limited to, wallet chains, jewelry such as spiked rings, spiked bracelets and bulky chains worn around the neck or waist. Sharp objects that could pose a danger, such as spikes or safety pins, are not allowed on clothing or book bags.
   
   
8. Gang related attire includes but is not limited to the following: students rolling up one pant leg, long bulky chains and necklaces, wearing shirts and pants that are the same color, gang styled belt buckles (belt buckles which have Old English script letters and symbols), low rider shirts, rosary beads worn as necklaces, canvas belts (red, white, blue, pink, white, gray), large oversized pendants on necklace or chains, bandanas, altering clothing from its original form to change the name and/or intended marking on clothing, sweatbands, and draping articles of clothing, towels, or other objects out of pant packets over the shoulder, or neck area.