Updated: 2012-1013 School Year

State law allows local school boards to authorize a mandatory uniform dress code, which may include school uniforms.  All Bossier Parish schools implemented mandatory school uniforms in the fall of 1999.

Student appearances that detract from or disrupt the classroom and/or the school climate are not considered proper for school.  The principal of each school makes the final decision on what is considered proper or improper appearance, according to guidelines that may be contained in the school student/ parent handbook.

To meet Benton High School’s dress code requirements, the student must present him/herself in the approved uniform.  All uniforms must be worn in the manner intended by the manufacturer.  Tearing, ripping, cutting of hems, cuffs, sleeves, or body of any of the coordinates along with any other type of mutilation will not be allowed.  Only approved alterations made by the selected vendors will be approved.  To purchase uniform coordinates, the student should be sized appropriately by the vendor at the time of purchase.  The vendors have been made aware of the dress code stipulations of uniform specifics.  The parents may make simple hemming of garments as long as it follows the dress code guidelines for uniform length.  The uniform must be in the correct size to avoid any sagging.

Uniform Length:  Skirts, skorts, dresses and shorts for girls must be no shorter than 4” above the kneecap and no longer than the exact top of the kneecap. Boy’s shorts can be no shorter than 4” above the kneecap and no longer than the exact bottom of the kneecap. Pants must not drag on the floor in a manner that mutilates or destroys the pants by stepping or tripping on them.  Tights or leggings are not to be worn under shorts or skirts.

Shirts:  Solid white or navy blue polo shirts may be worn along with solid white or light blue oxford-style shirts.  Oxford style may be either short or long-sleeved.  Pleated oxfords are not acceptable uniform shirts.  Every button except the top button of shirts should be buttoned and shirts should be tucked in at all times while on the school’s campus during a school day or for as long as the students are on campus wearing the school uniform.  (The school uniform should never be worn in a shabby, unkempt manner)   Students are not to layer their polo shirts with multi colored polo’s.  Shirts should not be bloused to the point that belts are not clearly visible.  If this is the case, then the student is in uniform violation.  Shirts must be of proper size and length to be tucked in and remain tucked in.

Pants:  Only navy, khaki, or stone pants can be worn.  Pants must have belt loops (both girls and boys) and be worn with a belt.  No jean-type pants with hardware such as rivets, or pocket zippers can be worn as uniform pants.  Pants must not be split, frayed, or raveled at the bottom.  Pant legs must be rolled down at all times.  Cargo pants are not an acceptable form of uniform pants.

Tags:  Tags and labels on uniform pants or shirts should not be excessive in size. (The principal and his designee will determine what is excessive)

Belts:  The student may choose style and color of belt.  However, the belt must fit into all loops of the pants or shorts and must be buckled at all times.  No part of the belt may be hanging at any time.  Chain belts are not allowed.

Shoes:  Style and color of shoes may be chosen by the student as long as it is appropriate for wear and usage.  Shoes that require laces must have shoelaces.  Bedroom slippers or house shoes are not acceptable.

Outerwear and Sweatshirts:  Only approved outerwear must be worn at school and must be worn properly and not tied or wrapped around the waist etc.

The approved jackets will be as follows:

1.     Navy blue jacket (nylon)

2.     Navy blue jacket (sweatshirt material)

3.     Purple pullover with “Benton” in white on the front (nylon)

4.     School-sponsored sweatshirts/jackets issued/sold by school organizations (all acceptable school sponsored sweatshirts and t-shirts are limited to the colors black, gray, white, purple or gold)

5.     Solid outerwear that is limited to the colors of navy, black, gray, white, purple, or gold is acceptable.

These are the ONLY jackets which will be allowed on campus. Students are NOT to wear ANY OTHER jackets on the campus.

If students wear ANY OTHER jackets on the campus, the jacket will be taken up and sent to the office where the student may pick it up at the end of the day, and the student will receive consequences beginning with one day in detention.

Wind Suits:  School sponsored wind suits will not be worn at anytime during the school day. 

Spirit Days:  Spirit days will be allowed at the discretion of the administrators.  Only shirts that are specifically related to school clubs, organizations and/or events will be allowed on spirit days.  These shirts must have Benton High School printed somewhere on them and must have been provided by a club, sport, organization or class at Benton High School. No mutilated combination of clothing (i.e. torn sleeved top shirt worn over a T-shirt) will substitute for spirit shirts.  We are striving for a uniform look, even on “Spirit Days”.  PE shirts are not an acceptable form of spirit shirts and will not be allowed.

**Under extenuating financial circumstances the school may be enlisted to help in the provision of school uniforms.  Parents / guardians should contact the principal for consideration.

Dress Code Violations:  Violations of the school uniform policy will warrant appropriate disciplinary action ranging from detention to suspension.  (Students will not be allowed back in regular schedule until dressed properly.)

**** The principal or his designee shall make the final decision of what is considered proper or improper appearance.  All dress code is subject to change. ****

Vendors who specialize in school uniforms are Sports world, Steadman’s Sports Center and Wal-mart.  (All vendors listed in this document have copies of our dress code policy.) You may shop at other stores at your own risk.