JOHN FOSTER DULLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
2009-2010

As you know the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has approved MANDATORY uniforms for all students in the kindergarten through eighth grade. Our school uniform consists of dark navy blue “bottoms” and plain white shirts and blouses as follows:

• Dark Navy Blue Non-fading long pants

• Dark Navy Blue shorts (knee length to approximately 3” above the knee)

• Dark Navy Blue skorts, skirts or jumpers

• White shirts or blouses (either long or short sleeve)

• Plain white T-shirts are acceptable (avoid the very thin “undershirt” type)
  
  

In the event that your child will not be participating in the District Uniform Policy, the following guidelines will assist you in the selection of clothing that is safe, comfortable, and comply with all of the school’s dress requirements.

1. Skirts, dresses, and shorts should be at least a “finger-tip” length or longer. Pants must be hemmed and not oversized.
   

2. Tops should be long enough to cover the midriff when arms are raised and may not have spaghetti straps or be strapless. Loose fitting tank tops that have extra-large armholes may not be worn without another shirt underneath.
   

3. Clothing with words, slogans or pictures which are profane, sexually suggestive, have double meanings or which depict violence or cruelty to humans or animals, refer to drugs or the drug culture, to gangs or the gang culture, satanic or cult symbolism or make reference to alcohol may not be worn.
   

4. Footwear should allow for full-participation in all recess and P.E. activities. Thongs, sandals without backs, high heels, etc. are unsafe for regular school wear.
   

5. Safety should be considered in any adornment of the hair, face, neck, and arms. For example, dangling earrings may become snagged by hair or clothing during active play or exercise.
   

6. In keeping with District policy, no caps or hats or scarves are allowed.
   
   

Clothing styles for youth change rapidly and setting rules that anticipate and keep pace with them is difficult. A good “rule of thumb” for you to follow is to resist the extreme and to consider the origin of the style: Does it come from the gang or drug culture? Appropriate clothing and grooming are important parts of a good education. This will assist you in supporting the dress code and enable your child to “dress for school success.”