Story by Wes Merriott

Elm Grove Middle School has released its updated dress code policy for the 2024-2025 school year, introducing significant changes to ensure a focused and distraction-free learning environment. Notably, while student IDs are no longer required to be worn, they must still be in the students’ possession at all times.

Tops:

• Long- or short-sleeved collared polo shirts in red, white, gray, black, or navy blue. Polo shirts must be buttoned.
• Long- or short-sleeved undershirts or turtlenecks in red, white, gray, or black may be worn under polo shirts and should be tucked in.
• “Spirit Shirts” may be worn on any day of the week and must be red, gray, or black. Club shirts in non-school colors may be worn on Fridays.
• No gym shirts may be worn as a uniform shirt.
• All tops must cover the midriff at all times, with no skin or undergarments visible. Tops that are too long must be tucked in.

Bottoms:

• Acceptable colors are khaki, black, gray, or navy. No sweatpants, pajamas, or scrubs. Leggings may only be worn underneath school-approved bottoms.
• Shorts, skirts, and skorts must be fingertip length.
• Bottoms must be worn at the waistline with a belt, with no sagging or visible undergarments. Belts should not display inappropriate/suggestive symbols or language.

Outerwear:

• An approved school uniform shirt must be worn under all outerwear at all times.
• Outerwear in solid red, gray, black, white, or navy non-hooded waist-length coats, sweatshirts, or sweaters is permitted. EGMS hooded sweatshirts may be worn, but the hood must remain down at all times on campus.
• Manufacturer logos are acceptable, but other forms of team logos, emblems, graphics, and decorations are not allowed.

Shoes:

• Closed-toe and permanent heel shoes are required at all times. Acceptable types include tennis shoes, boots, loafers, and dress shoes.
• No Crocs, sandals, beach shoes, flip-flops, slides, or house shoes/slippers are permitted.

Headwear:

• Hats, bandanas, and beanies are not permitted on school campus during school hours, with the exception of beanies on cold weather days.

Jewelry:

• Items that distract from the instructional program or present health and safety concerns are prohibited.
• Pierced ears are allowed within dress code guidelines; however, earrings larger than 2 inches in diameter or those with sharp/pointed ends are not allowed.
• Other forms of body piercings (e.g., lips, nose, eyelids, tongue) are not permitted.

Hairstyles:

• Inappropriate designs cut into hair, notched/shaved eyebrows, or any hairstyle that detracts from the school environment are not allowed.
• Non-natural hair colors are strictly prohibited to simplify enforcement.

Cautions:

• Clothing must not be ripped, torn, worn backwards, or worn inside out.
• Visible tattoos are not allowed.
• Outerwear-type clothing cannot replace the required uniform top.
• Dress code violations must be addressed promptly by students.

ID Policy:

• Students will be issued an ID at the beginning of the school year, required for various school activities such as library access and cafeteria services.
• IDs must not be decorated, deformed, or altered in any way. Replacement IDs cost $5.

These changes reflect Elm Grove Middle School’s commitment to maintaining a disciplined and conducive learning environment. For more detailed information, visit the Elm Grove Middle School website and follow them on their social media page.

Note: For further updates and local news, keep an eye on sobo.live.