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Dress Code

Harrison Middle School Student Dress Code

Basic Rules

  • Clothes must be clean, neat, and school-appropriate every day.
  • Your shoulders to mid-thigh must be covered at all times.
  • Wear clothes the right way — pants at your waist, no underwear showing, and no pajamas or sleepwear.
  • Don’t write on your skin, clothes, or backpack.
  • Rips and holes in jeans are acceptable as long as no skin is showing.
  • Hats and hoods are only allowed outside, and must be worn facing forward.
  • You can’t wear them inside unless it’s for safety, health, religion, or class activities.

Not Allowed

  • No clothes or accessories with messages about:
  • Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or violence
  • Sex, bad language, or hate
  • Gangs or gang signs
  • No jewelry with spikes, heavy chains, or belts that hang down too far
  • No see-through, tight, or very revealing clothing
  • No underwear worn as outerwear
  • No tank tops
  • Leggings are okay only if they are made to be worn as pants and are not see-through

Shirts

  • Must cover your shoulders with straps at least 2 inches wide
  • Must cover your stomach — even when you raise your arms
  • No see-through shirts, low-cut shirts, or shirts that fall off your shoulders
  • Any words or pictures on your shirt must be appropriate for school

Pants, Shorts, and Skirts

  • Pants must stay at your waist — no sagging
  • Shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length
  • No pants with holes or rips unless tights or leggings are worn underneath
  • Leggings must not be too tight or see-through

Shoes

  • Closed-toe shoes are required to keep everyone safe
  • Tennis shoes are best for everyday wear
  • No flip-flops, slides, slippers, shoes with wheels, or shoes without backs

Consequences for Dress Code Violations

Students are expected to follow both district and school dress code guidelines. The Harrison Middle School dress code is based on Albuquerque Public Schools Board Policy JI1 – Student Dress Code. When a student is not in compliance with the dress code, the following steps will be taken:

  1. First Violation – Reminder and Correction:
    • Student receives a verbal reminder and is asked to correct attire.
    • If correction isn't possible, student is sent to the office to change.
  2. Second Violation – Parent Contact:
    • Parent/guardian is contacted; student must change clothes.
    • Violation is documented.
  3. Third Violation – Administrative Conference:
    • Parent/guardian is contacted; student must change clothes.
    • Student meets with administration.
    • Parent is contacted.
    • Student may receive lunch detention or participate in a restorative session.
  4. Ongoing Violations:
    • Parent/guardian is contacted; student must change clothes.
    • Considered defiance of school rules.
    • May result in in-school suspension, behavior contract, or loss of privileges.

Note: No student will lose instructional time for a dress code violation during the first two weeks of school or enrollment, as long as minimum standards are met. Families needing support can be referred to the APS Clothing Bank.