UNIFORM POLICY

Revised 3/29/09 

All Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Students shall be expected to comply with the Copper Ridge Uniform Policy.  The school's concern is neither to dictate fashion nor limit individual freedom of expression:  The goal is to establish a school climate that focuses on academic pursuits.  Benefits of school uniforms include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Promoting more effective climate for learning;
• Increasing campus security and safety;
• Fostering pride and unity;
• Ensuring modest dress;
• Helping students resist peer pressure; and
• Minimizing costs to the parents.

The school recognizes that students' dress affects the education program of the schools.  The building principal shall determine whether the dress of pupils adheres to Policy JICA (Student Dress) and the Regulation.

The School Uniform Policy will be in effect on the first day of the school year.  All students are required to arrive at school each day well groomed and neatly dressed in uniform that meets the requirements set forth in this Policy.  Uniforms are required during school and when participating in school-sponsored events and activities.  New students transferring into the District will have up to five (5) school days to become acquainted with and adhere to the District's uniform policy. 

The District will endeavor to provide new or used uniforms or otherwise aid families in need of financial assistance who are unable to purchase school uniforms.  Parents will have the opportunity to donate clean, used uniform clothing back to the school.


General Requirements for Clothing and Accessories:

• Students may not wear clothing or accessories, or engage in grooming practices that: 
  • Present a health or safety hazard to the individual student or to others;
  • Materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;
  • Cause excessive wear or damage to school property; or
  • Prevent the student from achieving his or her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.
• Clothing and accessories must be clean, properly fitted, and worn as intended.
• Obscene language or symbols, or symbols of sex, drugs, or alcohol are prohibited.
• Clothing that represents the promotion or membership of gangs or gang activity is prohibited.
• Display of undergarments, boxers, bra straps, etc. is prohibited.
• Only approved Copper Ridge School logos and small manufacturer logos are permissible on clothing and accessories.  Manufacturer logos must be less than one inch and a half (1 1/2 ) in diameter.  All other logos, messages, and symbols on clothing and accessories are prohibited.

Shirts:

• Shirts must be solid white, blue, yellow, or black color.
• All shirts must be collared with long, three quarter (3/4), or shorter sleeves.  Turtlenecks and button front oxford style shirts are also permissible.  Layering with tank tops is permissible so long as the tank tops are in an approved color.
• Shirts must be fitted properly (not over-sized or under-sized).
• Shirts that reveal the midriff are prohibited.

Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Capris, Skorts, or A-Line Jumpers:

• Pants, shorts, skirts, capris, skorts, or A-line jumpers, athletic shorts, cargo style pants and all other bottoms must be solid khaki (tan), navy, or black.
• Plaid skirts, skorts, and jumpers comprised of light blue, navy, or black and yellow are permitted and are available for purchase.  No other pattern, striping, etc. is permissible on bottoms.
• All bottoms must be hemmed and be an appropriate length.  An appropriate length for shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, etc. is at or approaching knee-length, and in no circumstance shorter than mid-thigh length.
• Leggings and rights are permissible so long as they are a solid white, black, navy, or khaki (tan) color.

Shoes:

• Shoe styles may include athletic shoes, sandals, closed-toe, or closed-heeled shoes.
• All heels on shoes must be one inch or less.
• Students may not wear shoes with wheels.
• Flip-flops, platforms, sandals, and clogs are discouraged and may be prohibited pursuant to physical education or science lab requirements.

Accessories:

• Hats, caps, and sunglasses are not permitted to be worn inside the school buildings.  Hats and caps should be centered properly on the head with the brim facing forward.
• Bandanas, hair nets, and knit stocking caps are prohibited.
• Wearing yarmulkes and head scarves during the school day is permitted if they are part of a student's religious practice.
• Outerwear, sweatshirts, and jackets may be worn on the school grounds as long as it complies with the current SUSD guideline.  Uniforms must still comply under the student's outerwear.

Exceptions to the Uniform Requirement:

Families may apply for a religious exemption by filling out a form with the schools principal.  Application for religious exemption must be on file by 8:15 A.M. on the first day of school.  Scheduled exceptions are:

• School-approved athletic team and other club uniforms may be worn when applicable and appropriate (no exemption form required).
• A student who participates in a nationally recognized youth organization (i.e. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) will be allowed to wear their organization's uniform to school on days when the organization has a scheduled meeting, or activity (no exemption form required).
• Accommodations can be made if the school uniform or components of the uniform interfere with a student's sincerely religious beliefs.  Accommodations will be made on an individual basis.

The school principal or assistant principal shall have the discretion to grant an exemption or partial exemption to the uniform policy for religious reasons.  Exemptions and the duration of the exemption will be based on the individual circumstances of the student.  Religious exemptions may be granted through the eighth grade, if necessary.  Other exemptions, such as for medical reasons, may be granted for the duration of the medical condition.

If a parent/guardian disagrees with the decision of the principal or assistant principal, they may appeal the decision with the administrator's immediate supervisor.  The Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee shall have the final authority to resolve the appeal.

Uniform Dress code Enforcement:

• Enforcement of the dress code starts with each parent and student exercising responsibility and good judgment.
• All professional staff members have the obligation of reporting school uniform violations.  Each violation shall be documented.

The following is the procedure for students in noncompliance with the mandatory school uniform policy in the elementary schools:

First Violation:

• The Copper Ridge School Uniform Policy/Dress Code Violation Form is filled out and sent home with the student for parent/guardian signature and needs to be returned the next school day.
• Referral to the office (if necessary) to align clothing with the dress code as follows: 
  • Turn clothing inside out if it reveals something inappropriate;
  • Change into clothing that may be provided by the school;
  • Have other clothing brought to school; or remove the accessory.

Second Violation:

• Same procedure as first violation with the addition of a teacher phone call home in order to ensure appropriate communication.

Third Violation:

• The student will receive a SUSD Conduct Referral citing student insubordination with respect to dress code compliance.

Further Violations:

• Could result in more severe disciplinary procedures, including suspension, in accordance with any other provision of Article B of the Uniform Code of School Conduct that is violated as a result of the dress code infraction.