Dewey International Studies Uniform Policy - St. Louis Public Schools

I. PhilosophyA safe and disciplined learning environment is thefirst requirement of a high performing school district.The district believes that the implementation ofschool uniforms will greatly improve school safety,help minimize disruptive behavior, promote respectfor oneself and others, build school/communityspirit, and more significantly, help to maintain highacademic standards. The wearing of uniforms bystudents will help lessen the impact ofsocioeconomic differences. School uniforms willhelp students experience a greater sense of schoolidentity and belonging, encourage an improvement instudent behavior and reduce school clothing costs. Inaddition, it allows for identification of intruders forincreased school safety and encourages students toconcentrate on the learning.II. AppearanceIn addition to being required to wear schooluniforms, all students are to be well-groomed anddressed appropriately for school and schoolactivities. A student’s dress and/or appearance shallsupport, not disrupt, the learning environment, andconstitute no threat to the health and safety of theschool. They should be tasteful and not construed asobscene and reflect practices of good hygiene andcleanliness. Reasonable consideration shall be givento those students who, because of a sincerely heldreligious belief, medical reason, ethnic and culturalheritage, request an exemption to a particularguideline for dress or appearance. The exceptionrequest is to be submitted in writing by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and approved by the principal and/orprincipal’s designee. In considering an exemptionrequest, the principal and/or principal’s designeehave the right to request additional documentationfrom medical officials and/or religious leaders.III. Financial ConsiderationParent(s)/guardian(s) who are concerned about theaffordability of a school uniform should contact theschool social worker. The school social worker willassist the family in identifying community resources.The District and school will not be responsible forfunding uniforms for any student.IV.a. No student shall be denied attendance at aschool or be otherwise penalized for failing towear clothing that complies with the SchoolUniform Policy if such a failure is due tofinancial hardship.b. Dewey will offer to assist students who wouldhave or are having difficulty complying withDewey’s uniform policy due to financialhardships.Parental ResponsibilityIt is the responsibility of parent(s)/guardian(s) toensure that their child/children dress in compliancewith the requirements of the School Uniform Policy.V. RequirementsA. Shirts/Blousesa. Students must wear a solid color, plain long orshort-sleeved shirt with a collar.b. With the exception of school approved logos,shirts may not have insignias, logos, labels,words or pictures.c. Shirts must be appropriately sized andpreferably tucked in.d. Shirts shall be long enough to cover the midriffwhile sitting or standing. Furthermore, shirtsmust cover the chest and back so the chest andthe back of the body are not inappropriatelyexposed.e. Undergarments may not be visible at any time.f. Students may wear plain sweaters or sweatshirts without hoods over school uniforms. Thesweaters or sweat shirts may be any solid colorand with the exception of school logos must nothave any insignias, logos, labels, words orpictures.B. Pants, Skirts, Skorts, Jumpers, Capri LengthPants, Shortsa. Colors: solid khaki, black or navy.b. No blue jeans will be allowed.c. Clothing must be free of graphics andembroidery. With the exception of smalllabels, they may not have insignias, logos,words or pictures.d. Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers shall bemodest and of sufficient length. The lengthof these articles of clothing shall be noshorter than three inches above the top of theknee.e. Clothing must be appropriately sized. Nobaggy or sagging pants or shorts will beallowed. No “low rise” clothing is allowed.Pants must be worn with the waistband abovethe hipbone.f. Clothing shall be worn appropriately (notinside-out or backwards; no rolled-up pantslegs, etc.). Belts must be worn with allclothing that includes belt loops.C. Coatsa. Coats, jackets, hoodies and other coldweather outerwear may not be worn insidethe school building during the school day.These items should be placed in the student’scoatroom.D. Shoesa. Shoes shall be worn at all times. Shoes shallconform to special requirements (such as P.E.classes).b. Students are permitted to wear athletic/tennisshoes or other sturdy shoes.c. Shoelaces must be tied.d. No flip flops, house slippers, or any shoesthat pose safety concerns shall be worn.E. Other Clothing Items or Accessoriesa. Students may not wear large pendants ormedallions.b. No adornment is allowed that reasonablycould be perceived as, or used as, a weapon(such as chains, spikes, etc.).c. No gang-related clothing, accessories,symbols or intimidating manner of dress, asidentified by local law enforcement agenciesare allowed.d. No hats and no sunglasses shall be worninside school buildings.e. No bandanas shall be allowed.