Dress Code Policy

School uniforms are not mandatory at Taft Elementary. If you choose for your student not to wear a school uniform, the dress code outlined below, must be followed. Our school dress code is in accordance with the Cincinnati Public School policy #3313.665 which states: In order to promote a safe and healthy school setting and enhance the educational environment, a code of conduct or discipline policy adopted by a board education may include a reasonable dress code, or establish a school uniform to be worn by the students attending one or more district schools.

The dress code at William H. Taft Elementary outlines: 

• Shirts and blouses will not come above the waistband of the pants or skirts when both arms are fully raised above the head.
• Hats, bandannas, kerchiefs or other headgear, including hoods of sweatshirts, are not to be worn in the building.
• Shirts and blouses with spaghetti straps or tank tops may not be worn to school.
• Pants shall be worn so that the waistband is worn at the waist and not below the waist. No underclothing may be exposed.
• Skirts, skorts, shorts and dresses shall be no shorter than mid-thigh in length.
• Shoes must cover the child's entire foot. Shoes exposing the toes or large portions of the foot will not be permitted.

• Clothing associated with gangs.
• Clothing encouraging the use of drugs, alcohol or violence.
• Clothing associated with discrimination on the basis of age, color, handicap, national origin, marital status, race, religion or gender.
• Clothing exposing the torso or upper thighs such as see-through garments, mini-skirts or mini-dresses, halters, backless dresses, tube tops or tank tops without an over-blouse or shirt, bare midriff outfits, or shirts or blouses tied at the midriff.
• Clothing not properly fastened or with tears that are indecent.
• Clothing with outer garments traditionally designed as undergarments such as boxer shorts, bloomers, tights or hosiery or pajama bottoms.
• Clothing or footwear that is construed by the principal, teachers and/or school security as hazardous or dangerous to the health of the student or others, such as flip-flops, roller skates, heelys, high platform shoes, Crocs or open-toed shoes.
• Shorts that are spandex-style "bicycle" shorts, cut-off jeans, frayed jeans or pants, cut-off sweatpants, short shorts (not mid-thigh in length), running shorts and see-through boxer type shorts are not to be worn to school.
• Large pieces of jewelry such as thick chains and large pendants may not be worn around a student's neck or hanging from their clothing. Large bracelets and long dangling earrings may not be worn to school.

Students who come to school in these clothing choices will be asked to change, which may result in a phone call home.