Students’ dress at school should be suitable for a wide range of learning activities. It should allow for comfort, ease of movement and freedom from distraction to yourself and your peers in any learning situation. Just as there is a mode of dress that is suited to office work, to sports activities, or to various social or formal functions, there is also a mode of dress suited to classroom learning. 

Some clothing is just inappropriate for school. Clothing with suggestive or offensive messages or images is also not appropriate. Examples of such messages would include: profanity, drugs and alcohol, images that portray people inappropriately, etc.  Shoes must be worn at all times for both health and safety reasons. Separate gym clothing and running shoes must be worn for physical education classes and students are asked to come dressed for the weather.

Expectations for dress at school are intended to promote a positive learning atmosphere; all members of the school community are asked to support and respect these expectations. Students may be asked to change into their gym strip if their clothing is deemed inappropriate. In severe cases, arrangements will be made for students to go home to change during the school day.

Hood Policy

At Dr. Martha Cohen School, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment for all students. After careful consideration and discussions with our School Resource Officer (SRO), we have established a no hoods-up policy inside the school building. While hats are permitted, hoods may not be worn up indoors.

Reasons for the Policy

1. Safety and Security

  • Clear Identification: It is essential that students can be easily identified by staff and security personnel to maintain a secure school environment. Hoods obscure faces, making identification more difficult and increasing the risk of unauthorized individuals being present.
  • Prevention of Misconduct: Wearing hoods can make it easier for students to conceal their identity, which may encourage inappropriate behaviors such as classroom disruptions, unauthorized phone use, and bullying.
  • Emergency Situations: In the event of a lockdown or other emergency, law enforcement must be able to quickly identify students to ensure safety and eliminate potential threats.

2. Classroom Engagement and Discipline

  • Enhancing Communication & Participation: Teachers rely on facial expressions and eye contact to assess student engagement and understanding. Hoods create a physical and psychological barrier, making it more challenging for students to actively participate in class.
  • Encouraging Focus: Hoods can contribute to disengagement by fostering a sense of isolation, leading students to withdraw rather than engage in learning activities.

3. Health, Social, and Behavioral Considerations

  • Promoting Positive Social Interaction: Middle school is a crucial time for students to develop social skills. Wearing a hood can signal withdrawal and make peer interactions more difficult.
  • Preventing the Concealment of Unauthorized Devices: Some students use hoods to hide earbuds or other electronic devices, which can lead to distractions and disruptions in the classroom.
  • Dress Code Consistency & Hygiene: Maintaining a clear and fair dress code fosters a sense of professionalism and respect within the school community.

Implementation & Support

We recognize that reinforcing this policy will require time and consistency. Staff members will remind students of this expectation, and we appreciate the support of parents and guardians in helping us maintain a positive learning environment.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that Dr. Martha Cohen remains a safe, welcoming, and productive space for all students.