Milford School District relaxes dress code

Milford School District recently relaxed their dress code

After repeated requests from parents and students asking Milford School District to relax the dress code which, prior to the COVID-19 school closure had been strict compared to other districts, the Board of Education voted to loosen clothing restrictions for students.

“Students may now wear long or short-sleeved cotton shirts, polos, sweatshirts, hoodies, button downs, fleece, sweaters or turtlenecks that are either solid colors or patterned,” Trish Gerken, Public Information Officer said. “Before, they could only wear solid color shirts. All shirts must still have sleeves, so no tank tops and no designs on the shirts other than school spirit designs. This could be a school or district symbol, college or other school. All students must keep the hoods on their hoodies down, however.”

As for pants, students must still wear solid colored pants, jeans, joggers, sweatpants, shorts, capris, skorts, skirts, jumpers or dresses. Dresses, jumpers and skirts cannot have slits and must be longer than the student’s fingertips. All clothing must be worn at the natural waist. Another change to the dress code is the allowance of open-toed sandals. The only exception is for elementary students who must wear closed-toe shoes for recess, outdoor activities and gym.

Tank tops, crop tops or low-cut shirts remain prohibited as do graphics other than spirit wear. For instance, a student is not permitted to wear a t-shirt with a superhero or other graphic. Obscene, vulgar, ethnically, culturally or sexually offensive clothing is also forbidden as are gang related references or identification. Sheer and see-through materials, holes or frays with visible skin, chains and spiked jewelry are not permitted.

“We won’t permit depictions of violence, drug or alcohol use, or other illegal activities or references,” Gerken said. “No tobacco, smoking or vaping pictures or references and no pajamas. Hats, visors, bandannas, non-prescription sunglasses or other head coverings except those used for religious practices are forbidden. No skin or undergarments may be visible between the waistband of the student’s pants and the bottom of their shirt as well.”

Families who are having difficulty finding or purchasing dress code items can reach out to their child’s school for assistance.