GMCS dress code (hard copy available in the front office of Gallup Mid)

The dress code at Gallup-McKinley County Schools is designed to promote a positive and respectful learning environment while allowing for individual expression. We believe in fostering a sense of community and pride among our students. The following dress code guidelines apply to all 32 schools and programs in our district, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a conducive atmosphere for education.
We encourage students to express their individuality through accessories like jewelry, scarves, and traditional headwear so long as they meet the requirements listed below. Parents and guardians, as part of our team, are encouraged to support their children in adhering to the dress code. We, as an educational community, want to create a safe learning environment free from discrimination or distraction. We aim to prepare students to be career-ready and encourage the importance of professional dress.

General Guidelines:
1. Tops:
a. T-shirts, blouses, and shirts are required.
• Sleeves should cover the shoulders and arm pits.
• No spaghetti tops or tank tops without a covering like a sweater, jacket, blazer, etc...
• No sheer or see-through clothing.
• Shirts should not have cuts, rips, or slits in them.
• Tops may not show stomach, buttocks, backs, chest area, etc...
b. Undergarments should be worn under clothing and not be visible.
c. Also see Prohibited Items Section 8
2. Bottoms:
a. Only khakis, cargo pants, dress pants, capris, or jeans are allowed provided they are in good condition and free from any visible holes, rips, or tears. (** Students in 3Y-2nd Grade may have sweat type bottoms**)
• Patches covering holes or tears are allowed so long as they follow all other dress code expectations.
• No sheer or see-through clothing.
• No pajama wear or similar type attire.
b. Dresses and skirts are allowed so long as they come down to the knee or lower.
c. Undergarments should be worn under clothing and not be visible.
d. Bottoms may not show stomach, buttocks, backs, etc...
3. Footwear:
a. No shoes that may cause a disruption or accident.
• E.g., shoes with wheels, spurs, flip flops, house shoes/slippers, etc....
4. Accessories:
a. Hats (e.g., baseball caps, cowboy hats, beanies, bandanas, headbands that cover ears, or comparable items) are not to be worn in buildings.
• Exceptions: Religious/traditional headwear.
b. Accessories that are excessive, make noise, or cause disruption will not be allowed.
c. Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
5. Outerwear:
a. Jackets, sweaters, and hoodies are allowed. Hoods are not to be worn over the head in the building.
b. Also see Prohibited Items Section 8
6. Special Days and Events:
a. On certain designated days or events, students may be allowed to wear special attire as communicated and approved by the school administration.
• e.g., Spirit Days
7. Physical Education and Athletic Class Periods Only
a. Appropriate length shorts, sweatpants, or jogging pants are permitted during P.E. and athletics.
b. T-shirts with sleeves only (must cover shoulders and arm pits)
c. Students must wear appropriate athletic shoes for P.E. and athletic activities.
d. All items must align to other requirements and restrictions of the dress code (including length, writing, images, etc..).
8. Prohibited Items:
a. Offensive language, symbols, or images on clothing is prohibited.
• E.g., pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia. Hate group association/affiliation and/or use of hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or other protected groups.
b. Clothing that promotes violence or illegal activities.
c. Clothing that by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute, denotes membership in gangs, or advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior.
d. Accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon.
• No chains or spikes of any kind.
e. Sunglasses and/or hats may not be worn inside the building.
f. Bandanas are prohibited.

Additional Notes:
• The dress code is in effect during regular school hours, after-school programs, and school sponsored events during the school day.
• School administrators can address any clothing or accessories they deem inappropriate or disruptive.
• At GMCS, along with parents and guardians, we seek to provide a professional working environment at all levels that promotes learning and college, career, and civic readiness.
By following these guidelines, we aim to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students can focus on their education and personal development. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and conducive learning environment at Gallup-McKinley County Schools.

Due to New Mexico State statutes and New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) requirements, Gallup‑McKinley County Schools (GMCS) students’ last day of school is June 10, 2026.

House Bill 253 is being heard 02/09 at 8:30 AM, and your voice matters.

If this bill passes it will cause a $47 million dollar shortfall for GMCS this year - but there is still time to stop this legislation from moving forward. We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House Education Committee and our local legislators and urge them to vote NO on HB 253.

Please know this: GMCS is doing everything within its power to avoid any negative consequences to our students, staff, and community. We are actively advocating, working with legislators, and fighting to protect the funding our students depend on. A few minutes of your time telling our legislators to vote NO on House Bill 253 will make a real difference. Thank you for standing with our students and schools.

We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House of Education Committee and our local legislatures and urge them to vote NO to HB 253.

We are asking our community to please call and email members of the House of Education Committee and our local legislatures and urge them to vote NO to HB 253.

Chair
G. Andrés Romero – 505-514-9574
andres.romero@nmlegis.gov

Vice Chair
Joy Garratt – 505-986-4341
joy.garratt@nmlegis.gov

Ranking Member
Brian G. Baca – 505-986-4221
brian.baca@nmlegis.gov

Members
Jack Chatfield – 505-986-4467 – jack.chatfield@nmlegis.gov
Catherine J. Cullen – 505-986-4226 – catherine.cullen@nmlegis.gov
Martha Garcia – 505-986-4464 – martha.garcia@nmlegis.gov
Anita Gonzales – 505-986-4255 – anita.gonzales@nmlegis.gov
Yanira Gurrola – 505-986-4435 – yanira.gurrola@nmlegis.gov
Raymundo Lara – 505-986-4777 – raymundo.lara@nmlegis.gov
Tanya Mirabal Moya – 505-986-4214 – Tanya.MirabalMoya@nmlegis.gov
Patricia Roybal Caballero – 505-986-4416 – pat.roybalcaballero@nmlegis.gov
E. Diane Torres-Velásquez – 505-986-4255 -diane.torresvelasquez@nmlegis.gov
Harlan Vincent – 505-986-4450 – Harlan.Vincent@nmlegis.gov

Representatives:

Michelle Paulene Abeyta - 505-986-4254 - michelle.abeyta@nmlegis.gov

Martha Garcia - 505-986-4464 - martha.garcia@nmlegis.gov

D. Wonda Johnson - 505-986-4433 - dwonda.johnson@nmlegis.gov

Patricia A. Lundstrom - 505-986-4249 - patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov

Senators:

George K. Muñoz - 505-986-4371 - george.munoz@nmlegis.gov

Shannon D. Pinto - 505-986-4835 - shannon.pinto@nmlegis.gov

Please visit our website for more information on HB 253. https://www.gmcs.org/page/hb