Students

Information for Students

We want you to feel like you belong here. This is a place where you’re supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow—not just as a student, but as a person. Your teachers care about you, and they’ll be there to help you learn, make mistakes, try new things, and keep going. We believe in your potential, and we’re here to help you reach it one step at a time.

Dress Code

The dress code guidelines are effective for the 2025-2026 school year. All students and parents are asked to adhere to these school policies as stated. Our goal is to provide scholars with a distraction-free learning environment. High standards, high expectations, high achievement!

Uniform Pants

Permitted: Solid colored uniform pants. Skirts with full length solid leggings underneath may also be worn. (All bottoms should be in Navy, Khaki, or Black).
Not permitted: shorts, cargos, dresses, jeans (Mon.-Thur.)
Pants must be worn at the waist. Sagging is not allowed—no part of the torso, waist, bottom, or undergarments should be visible.

Shirts

Collared shirts in Black, White, Red, or Blue only.
No logos larger than a quarter
No writing or graphics

Outerwear

Jackets or sweatshirts without hoods in solid school colors: Red, White, Blue, Black. No writing or graphics.

Dinkins Wear (Fridays Only)

Students may wear a Dinkins T-shirt (issued by the school) with jeans.
Not permitted: ripped jeans, shorts, dresses, leggings, cargos, joggers, sweatpants.
Dinkins shirts must not be altered (no cuts, rips, bling, or added prints).
If not wearing a Dinkins T-shirt and jeans, students must wear a regular uniform shirt with jeans or school uniform pants.

Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are required.
Preferred: tennis shoes with socks.
Not permitted: slides, Crocs, house shoes, slippers, sandals with no back strap.

Backpack policy

School Supplies

The School Supply list is a general list for all grades. Teachers will provide a detailed list when school starts.

1.5 inch White Three Ring Binder with 5 subject dividers
Loose Leaf notebook paper (wide or college ruled)
Composition Notebooks (3)
Pencils
Pens (blue or black ink)
Highlighters (any color)
Erasers
3 hole zipper pencil pouch
Planner or agenda
Markers
Colored Pencils
Index Cards
4 folders with prongs and pockets
Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Wipes

Technology - Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy

Tennessee law mandates that all public-school districts in the state create a wireless communication device policy that prohibits the use of cell phones or other "wireless communication devices" during instructional time, with certain exceptions.

Richard H. Dinkins MS will comply with the state law with the use of YONDR Pouches. Students will be issued a YONDR Pouch to use while at school. The pouch is specific to them and will store their earbuds, SMART watch and cellphone. If there is any damage or modification to the pouch, you are financially liable for the pouch. The replacement cost is $30.00. Students will NOT be allowed to have a cellphone at school UNLESS it is in the pouch or locked in the main office vault.

You do have options. Students can leave their devices at home. Also, students may have the option to leave their devices in the front office for the duration of the school day. If a device is left in the front office, it will be daily, students may not switch from office to YONDR pouches. Devices left in the office, will be at the discretion of Administration.

Students who tamper with, modify or destroy the YONDR Pouch will be responsible for replacing the pouch and will serve a minimum of one day of in-school suspension. If the violation persists, the consequences will increase in severity. This includes defacing/writing/drawing on the pouch, cutting or creating any damage to the pouch.

Students who are caught with a cellphone on them and not in a YONDR Pouch will immediately have the phone confiscated and it must be picked up by the parent(s) from school administration. Students caught USING their cellphone will have it confiscated for the duration of the day and will receive a minimum of 2 days of in-school suspension. While we will do all that we can to keep the phone safe, we are not liable for any damage to the phone. This is why we insist that the phone be placed in the secure YONDR Pouch.

Laptops/Tablets:

Personal laptops and tablets are not allowed. MNPS provides devices for students to use and we are not liable for non-MNPS laptops, tablets or other technology that students may bring from home. If it is destroyed or stolen we assume no responsibility. Leave it at home.