ELIZABETH DUCAN KOONTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL School Uniform Policy 2015-2016 Uniforms are mandatory for all students at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary School. Shirts and Blouses: Any solid color, polo style with collar, long or short sleeves. Turtleneck Shirts: Any solid color. Slacks (Pants) Shorts: Navy Blue or Khaki. Shorts must be mid-thigh in length or longer. Sweater and Sweatshirts: Solid color. Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Culottes, and Jumpers: Navy Blue or Khaki Tights: Any solid color; no patterns or designs Socks: Any color; no patterns or designs; no mismatched socks Shoes: Closed toe and closed heel Jewelry: Cannot be distracting or a pose a safety hazard. General Notes: 1. No logo other than the logo of Elizabeth Duncan Koontz elementary school may be displayed on clothing 2. No jeans, jean skirts, jean jumpers, sweatpants, spandex or yoga pants, leggings or hoodies. 3. Shirts must be tucked in. 4. All clothing must fit appropriately. 5. Heavy coats must be taken off inside the classrooms. Sweaters and light jackets in appropriate solid colors are welcome as needed. 6. Clothing may be purchased from any vendor as long as it complies with the uniform requirements. ELIZABETH DUCAN KOONTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL School Uniform Policy 2015-2016 Support for Disadvantage Students: The cost of school uniforms has proven to be less than what is usually spent for children’s school clothing. However, the purchase of school uniforms may continue to be a financial burden for some parent. Therefore, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary school will provide clear and understandable guidelines, which will allow anyone who meets criteria to apply for assistance with obtaining the required components of the school uniform. Protection of Religious Expression: Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally applied to comparable issues. If wearing particular attire, during the school day were part of a student’s religious practice, under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, our school generally would not prohibit the wearing of such items. Protection of Other Rights of Expression: Students will not be prohibited from wearing or displaying expressive items, for example a button that supports a political candidate, so long as such items do not independently contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others. In addition, students may wear the uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization such as the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts on regular meeting days. School Uniform Policy & Procedures I. Commencement of Uniform Policy A. The uniform policy shall become effective August 26, 2013, the first day of school for the 2013-2014 school year. Uniforms are mandatory attire. B. A grace period of ten (10) days shall be given to comply with the uniform policy. (All new or transfer students from the date of enrollment) II. Notification of Parent/Guardian A. The means by which this information is communicated shall be include one or more of the following: 1. U. S. Mail 2. Newsletter 3. Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary P.T.A. meetings 4. Parent/Student Orientation Meetings 5. Distribution of Parent-Student Handbooks III. Assistance for the Acquisition of Uniforms A. Upon request, applications for uniform assistance may be obtained through the school’s main office. ELIZABETH DUCAN KOONTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL School Uniform Policy 2015-2016 B. A committee and a designated Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary school administrator will review applications. Applications will be held in strict confidence. C. Those qualifying shall receive uniform components as needed from the available inventory. No parent or guardian will be given funds or be reimbursed for the purchase of uniform components. IV. Compliance Measures A. The intent of the policy is not to inhibit or prohibit any student who is not in uniform from receiving the education to which he/she is entitled, therefore: 1. Every attempt will be made to prevent a child from being suspended or placed in an alternative learning setting for not complying with the policy. 2. No student shall receive a lowered academic grade as a result of not complying with the policy. 3. The school shall communicate with parents or guardians so that the expectation, rationale, and benefits, are fully understood by the student and his/her family. B. All classroom teachers will conduct a dress code/uniform compliance check immediately following the morning announcements. Students in violation after the 10th day will report to the main office. 1. On the first offense, a minor incident form will be made regarding the noncompliance of the uniform policy. The student and parent will be reminded of the uniform policy. The teacher will contact the parent or guardian and a request for future compliance will be made. A record of this first offense will be documented. 2. On the second offense, a 2nd minor incident report will be made regarding the noncompliance of the uniform policy. The parent or guardian will be contacted. If a parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be provided with the necessary uniform component(s) to be worn for the remainder of the school day. A record of this second offense will be documented. 3. On the third offense, a 3rd minor incident report will be made which constitutes an office referral. An administrator will contact the parent or guardian to schedule a conference and devise a plan to address the issue. A record of this offense and the subsequent conference will be documented. 4. All student discipline shall follow the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Code of Conduct. 5. A positive approach to achieve compliance with the uniform policy will be used throughout the year.