Uniform Dress Code

From

Parent/Student Handbook

A safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good school. Young people who are safe and secure                 and who learn basic American values along with the essentials of good citizenship, are better students. Studies have shown that the adoption of School Uniform policies can also promote school safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment.

The potential benefits of school uniforms include:

·       Maintaining a level of social equality among students. 

·       The concept of knowing the social background of an individual based on appearance is avoided and, as such, personal biases are not formed and merit is the only deciding factor;

·       Maintaining modesty in attire allows for increased respect among students;

·       Decreasing violence and theft among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers;

·       Instilling students with discipline;

·       Helping students concentrate on their school work; and

·       Helping parents and students resist peer pressure.

·       Creating a sense of “Team Spirit.”

Our dress code is to be taken seriously.  Our faculty and staff will monitor students and will address dress code problems as they occur.  We have a very specific dress code so please review our policy. If in doubt, we encourage you to bring in articles of clothing to verify that they meet our standard.

Uniforms need to be plain, simple and conservative.  All clothing worn during school hours must be solid colors; no prints, patterns or logos are allowed. There can be no embellishments on the clothing, such as large buttons, buckles, zippers, ruffles, lace, ties or emblems (even small emblems or logos).  Buttons must be white or the same color as the clothing.

Clothing needs to fit properly – not “slouchy or skin tight.”  It needs to be clean and in good repair, not washed out or worn out. Holes or patches are not allowed.

Logo shirts may be purchased through the school website or during PTO 'Uniform Closet' sale days (TBA).

Our school colors are:

•    Navy Blue

•    Red

•    White

•    Khaki

Shirts:

Boys:  Red, white, or navy blue knit polo shirts. White button down dress shirts are acceptable in either long or short sleeve.

Girls:  Red, white, or navy blue knit polo shirts, loose fitting with no gathers or embellishments. A scalloped edge is acceptable if it is the same color as the shirt. White button-down dress shirts are acceptable in long, short or ¾ sleeve. Dress shirts must have a pointed collar or Peter-Pan collar.

All shirts must have a collar. All buttons, except the top button, must be fastened. A front shirt pocket is acceptable. Tee-shirts and turtlenecks are not allowed. As with other clothing, no prints, patterns, striping or logos (other than the GWA logo) are allowed. Layering of shirts is not allowed. Undershirts of GWA colors may be worn – however they may not be visible except at the collar area and must be tucked in. All students are required to purchase at least one uniform shirt with the GWA logo for easy identification on field trips and to represent school pride. These shirts are available for purchase through the George Washington Academy PTO.

Pants:

Girls & Boys: Pants must be solid navy blue or khaki colored Docker or dress style, with either a flat or pleated front. All pants are to be hemmed. The following are not allowed: athletic wear, jeans, cargo style clothing, sweatpants, capris, cords, leggings, large patch pockets (pockets on the outside of the pants) or any pant, short or skort that is not uniform style.

Shorts:

Boys:  Shorts are to be solid navy blue or khaki in a flat panel or pleated front.

Girls:  Skorts, scooters or shorts may be worn in solid navy blue or khaki. These items must be pleated or flat front, and of modest length.

All: Cargo shorts and large patch pockets (pockets sewn on the outside of the clothing are not allowed. All shorts must be uniform style.

Pants and shorts may not be worn in a slouched or low-rider style. No pants or shorts with holes or excessive wear are allowed.

 

Skorts/Skirts/Jumpers:

All must be no shorter than two inches above the knee and no longer than the knee. Plaids must match the pattern in the French Toast Catalog. Our school plaid is navy/red.

Skorts must be navy, khaki, or navy/red plaid, with pleated front in uniform style and material.

Skirts must be navy, khaki, or navy/red plaid pleated skirt from French Toast.

Jumpers must be navy, khaki, or navy/red plaid, with pleated or flat front in classic uniform style and material.

'Polo' style dresses for girls are acceptable in solid navy blue only and must be of uniform style.*

Sweaters/Outerwear:

Girls & Boys: Sweaters, jackets, coats or windbreakers worn to school must be solid navy blue.  The lining of coats and jackets may be a different color.  Jackets, coats and sweaters may have a hood, but the hood may not be worn inside school buildings. Sweatshirt hoodies or pullover sweatshirts are not allowed.*  GWA logo sweatshirts previously purchased through PTO may be worn for the 2011-2012 school year only, but have been discontinued. Micro-fleece jackets are allowed. Sweater vests and long sleeve pullover sweaters are acceptable only with a collared shirt underneath.

Socks:

Socks must be white, navy blue, or tan/khaki. 

Shoes:

Shoes must be a solid black or brown for boys and girls.* Dress shoes, or loafer style, are recommended. Athletic shoes of proper color, including soles, are allowed. No printed shoes or boots, including Cowboy boots. Slip on shoes must have a backing and a closed toe. Shoelaces must be similar in color to the shoe, and must be tied during school hours. All shoes must have a formal appearance. Exception: Sneakers may be brought to school and worn for P. E. class and recess only.

Accessories:

Navy blue, black or brown belts only.  No striped sashes or scarves.  Accessories, such as hair ribbons, bows, etc., must be school colors and should be understated.  Earrings should be small and understated.  Other jewelry is discouraged. Hair pieces are not allowed. Tights may be white or navy blue only.

Students have the responsibility to avoid apparel or accessories that are so extreme that they interrupt school decorum, student concentration, or adversely affect the educational process. Extreme includes any piercing of the body with the exception of the ear. Piercing ornaments or devices are not allowed. Gauging of the ear is also extreme.

Grooming:

Attire must be clean and in good repair.  Hair and body must be maintained in a clean and healthy manner.  Deodorant should be used when necessary.  Hair must be styled in a manner that is not distracting to the learning environment. Mohawks and dying hair in unnatural colors are examples of unacceptable hair styles. Bangs either need to be clipped, pulled back or trimmed so they do not cover eyes or create the need to constantly flip or push them back.

Free Dress Days:

GWA believes that the uniform we require should be a source of pride. As such, "Free Dree" days will be infrequent and designated by school administration. Even on designated Free Dress days the standards we require for cleanliness, modesty, clean clothing in good repair and grooming still apply. GWA reserves the right to be the ultimate authority in deciding what constitutes appropriate school attire.

*Changes to Dress Code approved by GWA Board of Directors 8/25/2011