July 21, 2025 (Westover, MD) -Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) is making a significant change for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year: student uniforms will no longer be required. Instead, the Somerset County Board of Education has adopted a systemwide student dress code to promote a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment.
This change follows a comprehensive review of current practices, community feedback, and a commitment to ensuring equity and flexibility for students and families. While uniforms will no longer be part of the policy, clear expectations for student dress remain in place.
What Families Need to Know:
General Guidelines
Students should wear neat, clean, and weather-appropriate clothing that does not distract from learning or disrupt the school environment.
Clothing must cover the body adequately, especially around the waist, midriff, chest, shoulders and thighs.
Shoes must be secure, safe, and appropriate for school activities. Flip-flops, slippers, and pajama pants are not permitted.
What is NOT permitted
Clothing or accessories that display:
Obscene, profane, or sexually suggestive images or text
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gang affiliation, or illegal activity
Slogans that may contribute to a disruptive or negative school environment
Pants or shorts that sag below the waist or expose undergarments
Halter tops, midriff shirts, backless tops, and tank-style tops
Short skirts or dresses that do not fully cover the thigh
Coats, hats, and hoods worn indoors (hoods must remain down while inside)
What IS Allowed (With Guidelines)
Hoodies: May be worn but must be in good condition, not excessively baggy or tight, and hoods must stay down while indoors.
Leggings: Permitted if solid in color and not distracting to the learning environment.
Head coverings and face coverings: Allowed only for medical or religious reasons.
Skirts/Dresses: Must fully cover the thigh and may not include high slits.
Enforcement & Support
Dress code violations will be addressed discreetly and respectfully. Students may be asked to:
Change into appropriate clothing from their own belongings or school-provided options
Remove or cover an item
Review expectations with a staff member
The goal is non-exclusionary discipline—students will be supported in correcting dress code issues without being removed from instruction whenever possible.
Parents may request an exception to the dress code by submitting a written explanation to their child’s school principal. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with a written response provided.
Why the Change?
This updated approach allows students more choice in their daily attire while maintaining a focus on respect, safety, and readiness to learn. It also relieves families of the burden of purchasing specific uniforms, allowing for greater flexibility and expression within a clear, consistent framework.
Questions?
Families are encouraged to review the full SCPS Student Dress Code Policy and Administrative Procedures and contact their school with any questions or for clarification.
With the implementation of the updated dress code policy, Somerset County Public Schools is Stepping Into Excellence by reinforcing a culture of clarity, confidence, and purpose. We look forward to every student showing up ready to learn and lead in 2025–2026 and beyond.