Uniform Policy benefits

• Improve discipline, self-esteem and self-respect.
• Focus the student towards learning.
• Eliminate the fear of whether their clothing choice will be acceptable by peers.
• Strengthens school pride.
• Identify student population from strangers on school grounds.
• Cost effective.       

School's Unified Dress Program 

ELIGIBILITY

Elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and centers are eligible to participate in a school-wide mandatory School Unified Dress program by following the rules as set forth in the School Unified Dress Policy. At least 66 2/3 percent of the parents who have students enrolled in the school must cast a vote in favor of participating in a school-wide mandatory Unified Dress program. Parents/guardians mean each household will be allowed one vote.

Schools interested in participating in a school-wide Unified Dress program must conduct a vote of the parents of each household of the students enrolled in the school to determine whether there is a desire to participate. The attached voting form must be used and must be sent home in the language which is spoken in the home.

Every school that conducts a school-wide Unified Dress vote must keep a written record of the conducted school-wide vote in the School Advisory Council minutes. The attached school-wide voting record form must be completed and signed by both the principal and the School Advisory Council chairperson at the conclusion of the school-wide vote and kept as a record within the school SAC documented records.

The same process is used to discontinue an existing Unified Dress program. A 66 2/3 percent vote of parents/guardians is required to discontinue an existing Unified Dress program at a school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRINCIPAL AND SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)

The principal and School Advisory Council (SAC) are responsible for planning and

implementing guidelines and procedures for participating in the mandatory Unified Dress program, including: (a) specifying and publicizing the date(s), time(s) and locations(s) for the vote; and (b) insuring that Unified Dress designs, quality and style are suitable for a public school environment.

Each school shall provide parents with written notification concerning scheduled informational meetings. These meetings should include the following: explanation of School Unified Dress Policy, eligibility and voting procedures, school responsibilities, provisions for financial hardship, exemptions to wearing of Unified Dress, students’ responsibilities, rights of students 18 years and older, and other pertinent information.

The means by which this written information is communicated may include, but not be limited to, direct mail and newsletters. Posters, telephone notifications/hot lines, parent meetings, television, radio, newspapers and other media sources may be used as reinforcements.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Violations of the Unified Dress policy shall be subject to the same consequences as violations of the dress code policy. It should not be a violation of the Unified Dress policy if a student wears a button, armband, or other accoutrement to exercise the right to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment and applicable School Board policies. Any buttons, armbands, or other accoutrements must comply with the standards set forth in the Student Code of Conduct.