Policies

As part of Title I, our Parent and Family Engagement Policy includes a compact outlining how parents, staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. Parents and students are asked to read, sign, and return the compact each year.

Students must follow all Alexandria City School Board Policies including the Student Code of Conduct, which is included in their school agenda book. Homeroom teachers review ACPS policies at the start of the school year along with the expectations of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.

School Uniform Policy

Per Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) policy, students may:

1. Display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent they are permitted to display other messages
2. Wear attire that is part of a student's religious practice
3. Wear or display expressive items, such as a button, as long as such items do not contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others
4. Wear the uniform of nationally recognized youth organizations, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, on regular meeting days

No student shall be denied attendance at school, penalized, or otherwise subject to compliance measures for failing to wear a uniform by reason of:

1. Personal choice
2. Insufficient time in which to procure uniforms to comply with this policy
3. Financial hardship
4. Written objection by the student's parents on religious grounds to the student's compliance with this policy or the applicable uniform.

No student shall be suspended or expelled from school, or receive a lowered academic grade, as a result of not complying with this policy.

Rationale

School uniform policies can promote school safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. The potential benefits of school uniforms include:

• Instilling students with discipline
• Helping parents and students resist peer pressure
• Helping students concentrate on their school work; and
• Helping school officials recognize intruders who come to the school

The following is suggested for all students, however our middle grades students (6th-8th) are not expected to follow the dress code.  Given their maturity and identity as middle grades students, they are held to a different standard than their younger peers.

Bottoms

All bottoms must be tan or khaki in color and must be worn with a belt at the waist, unless they have an elastic waist. Absolutely NO cargo pants, capris, hip huggers, jeans, leggings, sweat suit pants, pajamas, logos, insignias, pictures or messages. No oversized clothing is allowed.

• PANTS - Hemmed pants must be worn at or below the ankle.
• SHORTS - Must be worn at knee level.
• SKIRTS, JUMPERS OR SKORTS - Must be knee level or longer. Polo must be worn under the jumper.
• TIGHTS - Can be worn.

Tops, including dresses

All tops must be burgundy or black, plain collared, polo shirt, long or short sleeve. NO logos, insignias, pictures or messages are allowed. No oversized clothing is allowed.

• SWEATERS - Must be burgundy or black in color. No hoods, sweatshirts, pullovers, or jackets with hoods can be worn inside the school.

Footwear

Shoes/sneakers must fit securely on the foot. Shoes with open toes or backless shoes (including flip flops, crocs, mules, and slides) are not allowed. Flats can beworn as well. NO heelies or rollers.

Headcoverings

Caps, hats, scarves, doo-rags, and berets are not allowed. Students may wear attire that is part of their religious practice.

Parents/Guardians are free to select uniform-colored items from any vendor, as long as they meet the above-listed uniform criteria. Uniform colors are available at Wal-Mart, JCPenney, The Children's Place, Land's End and French Toast (please check in-store, as well as, on the internet).

Birthday Celebrations

Children’s birthdays are recognized by their classroom teacher during the morning circle. Birthday parties are not permitted during the instructional day.

In keeping with the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Student Wellness Policy (JHCF) and allergy concerns, outside food is not permitted to be shared with students.

We require that birthday celebrations are recognized through other means. Some suggestions for parents may include:

• Small goodie bags filled with non-food novelties such as erasers, pencils, and stickers
• Balloon bouquet for student
• Buy something for the classroom
• Read a story to the class
• Provide a disposable crown for the day
• Donate a book to the school library in honor of your child.

ACPS School Board Policies

Visit the ACPS website to see the Alexandria City School Board Policy Manual.