ELIZABETH DUNCAN KOONTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SCHOOL UNIFORM DESCRIPTION

School Uniform Policy for the 2008-2009 school year.

Shirts and Blouses: Any solid color, polo style with collar, long or short sleeves.

Turtleneck Shirts: Any solid color.

Slacks (Pants) Shorts: Navy Blue, Khaki or Black. Shorts must be mid-thigh in length or longer.

Sweater and Sweatshirts: Solid color.

Belts: Belts are required if pants have belt loops. All pants without belt loops must fit appropriately at the waist.

Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Culottes, and Jumpers: Navy Blue, Khaki or Black

Tights: Any solid color

Socks: Any color

Shoes: Closed toe and closed heel. Please refer to the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Code of Conduct manual

Jewelry: Cannot be distractive or a safety hazard.

General Notes:

1. No logo other than the logo of Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary school.
2. No jeans, jean skirts, jean jumpers, sweatpants and/or cargo pants may be worn.
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 comply the uniform requirements.

Assistance for Families: 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 still may be a financial burden for some families. The school will allow anyone to apply for assistance with obtaining the required components of the school uniform, and if they meet the criteria, the will receive assistance to the degree that school resources can afford. The school will solicit funds and articles of clothing form parents and the community to maintain a “clothing closet.”

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 apply 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 unless extenuation circumstances necessitated otherwise. Parents should discuss such situations with the principal beforehand.

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.

I. Commencement of Uniform Policy

A.  The uniform policy for Elizabeth Duncan Koontz became effective on August 25, 2006, the first day of school for the 2006-2007 school year. The local school board reviewed the policy and approved the request for Koontz School to become a uniform school. Uniforms are mandatory attire.

B.  A grace period of ten (10) days shall be given to comply with the uniform policy to all new or transfer students from the date of enrollment.

II. Notification of Parent/Guardian

A. Parents and guardians will be notified of this policy through regular school communications, by publicity in PTA and other school meetings, and through notices posted in the news media periodically.

III. Assistance for the Acquisition of Uniforms

A. Upon request, applications for uniform assistance may be obtained through the school’s main office.

B. A faculty committee including a 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. 

B. The following measures will be taken if a student comes to school without the appropriate uniform.

1. On the first offense, the student and parent will be reminded of the uniform policy. The parent or guardian will be contacted and a request for future compliance will be made. A record of this first offense will be created.

2. On the second offense, an office referral will be made regarding the noncompliance of the uniform policy. The parent or guardian will be contacted. If a parent or guardian cannot bring the needed clothing, 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, an office referral will be made and a designated Elizabeth Duncan Koontz administrator will take appropriate action.

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.