5132.1

Students

Dress and Grooming

School Uniforms

The Board of Education believes student dress can significantly influence behavior.  The wearing of a school uniform by students can be a part of an overall program to promote school safety and a positive school spirit, as well as reinforce a positive learning environment.  Other portions of a program to promote school safety must include attendance initiatives, drug prevention efforts, conflict resolution programs and adherence to student discipline policies including zero tolerance for weapon possession.

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Board's dress code policy (5132) individual schools in this district may encourage students to wear a school standardized uniform.

The school Principal may institute a voluntary uniform policy subject to the following conditions:

1.  Parents, guardians and students, where age appropriate, and staff must be surveyed to gauge support for a school uniform requirement.

2.  Strong parental desire and support are critical to the potential implementation of a uniform requirement.

3.  Parental input is required in the design of any uniform if support for such a requirement is evident.

4.  The rights of students to religious expression shall be protected.

5.  Other rights of student expression shall be protected.

6.  Any uniform design shall not bear messages.

7.  Provisions shall be made for families unable to afford uniforms.

8.  The wearing of any uniform is strictly voluntary.

The Superintendent of Schools and the school administrators shall establish any needed regulations consistent with this policy through cooperative planning with staff, students and parents.

(cf. 5132 - Dress and Grooming)

Legal Reference:   10-221f School Uniforms

Policy adopted:

5132.1

Students

Dress Code

School Uniforms

I.  Representative Involvement

In schools where a school wide uniform is suggested, the principal, staff, and parents/guardians of the individual school shall jointly select the specific uniform suggested to be worn.

II.  Information Dissemination

A.  The Principal or designee shall give parents/guardians a minimum of six months notice before a voluntary school uniform policy is implemented.

B.  The school shall communicate information to parents regarding the voluntary uniform policy, including its rationale, benefits to students, and specific information, such as:

1.  Description of suggested uniform.

2.  Availability of financial support and procedures for seeking assistance.

3.  Availability of uniforms.

4.  Methods to facilitate recycling of uniforms within the school community.

C.  The information shall be communicated through the school's newsletter, parent meetings, PTA meetings, registration materials, and parent/student handbooks.

III.  Basic Tenets to be Observed

A.  Students who choose to wear the school's suggested uniform may:

1.  Display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent they are permitted to display other comparable messages.

2.  Wear attire which is part of the student's religious practice.

3.  Wear or display expressive items, such as a button so long as such items do not contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others.

B.  No student shall be denied attendance at school, penalized or otherwise subject to compliance measures for failing to wear the suggested uniform for reason of personal choice or financial hardship.

Regulation approved: