Tri-County Schools Prom Behavior, Dress Code, and Dance Guidelines

In an attempt to be fair and consistent among districts within and around the tri-county area, the following guidelines have been developed and supported by the principals served by the Tri-County Educational Service Center. They have been developed within the spirit of the Board of Education approved dress code with adaptation for a formal dance. The guidelines have been established to include behavior, dress, musical selection, and dance guidelines for the prom.

Behavior- The Board of Education Student approved Code of Conduct will be in effect at all time. Students who choose to bring and outside guest are responsible for registering the guest when tickets are purchased or picked-up by the host student. Host students that bring guests are responsible to properly inform and clarify the Student Code of Conduct.

Boy’s Formal Dress- Formal prom attire may be classified as a tuxedo or dress suit, including a tie, bow tie, a turtle neck, a shirt or priest-collar shirt which may include a vest or cummerbund. Shirts are to be worn at all times. Dress Shoes must be worn while in any public building.

Girl’s Formal Dress- Traditionally formal dresses or gowns may be strapless or may feature spaghetti straps. Bare or open backs are acceptable: however, bare stomachs, midriffs, and sides may not be permitted. Dress shoes and/or dress sandals are required for admission. Under garments should not be visible. See-through apparel and gowns or dresses with slits that are above the mid-thigh area are not permitted. Garments that are extremely tight or extremely low-cut are also unacceptable.

Music- Music selection being played must be appropriate for high school prom. A diverse selection of music may be played including pop, country, oldies, rock, dance, and rap, Christian, swing, big band, polka or other appropriate genres that represent current culture. Any music that implies promiscuous sexual activity or contains explicit lyrics including, but not limited to, extreme violence and language that is foul or profane will not be permitted.

Dance- The manner of dancing will be appropriate for a school function. Sexually explicit dancing such as freaking, grinding, or any other type of dancing which could be construed as vulgar or provocative is prohibited. This includes: dancing styles that involve intimate touching of the breast, buttocks, or genitals, or that simulate sexual activity. No dancing from back to front: all dancers must remain upright-no sexual squatting or sexual bending is allowed,i.e., no hands on knees and no hands on the dance floor with your buttocks facing or touching your dance partner.