- Birchwood ABC Elementary
- Student Handbook
Dress Code
Our dress code policies are based on the Anchorage School District Elementary School dress code as outlined in the ASD Elementary Student Handbook and ASD School Board Policy. The purpose of our dress code is to create a culture of learning and safety. A dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere, which emphasizes academics and positive behavior.
Birchwood ABC expects students and staff to have high standards of conduct, professional dress, and appearance. A student's dress and general appearance should not be of such extremes that it draws undue attention to the student; nor should his/her dress and appearance distract or interfere with the learning and teaching in the classroom. We want to protect the integrity of our learning environment, as well as the safety of our students. We are also promoting life-long habits of neatness and cleanliness.
The teacher will call a parent if concerns arise regarding the dress and appearance of a student. The principal will address continued infractions. Parental support is critical for the successful implementation of our policies and for encouraging our students to adopt a policy of dressing for success. We hope you will support our efforts to create an optimal learning environment in which all our students may thrive and learn.
The principal makes the final decision in situations involving the dress code.
Face/Head:
- make-up,Unnatural hair dye or coloring is not permitted at school (pink, blue, purple, green, etc.).
- Haircuts will be of a cut that will not draw undue attention to one’s self (no irregular shaving/cutting of the hair). Hair should be well-kept and clean.
- Minimal make up, and of natural colors only, are allowed in 5th grade only. Makeup is not permitted in grades K-4.
- No facial piercings of any kind, except in the ears, will be allowed.
Hats/Headwear:
Hats must be removed upon entering the building.
Clothing:
It is expected that each student be dressed in a manner that is clean, not hazardous to the safety of the child or others, and does not detract or disrupt the educational environment.
- Shirts:
- Should not be revealing or skin tight (no tank tops, spaghetti straps or sleeveless shirts).
- Should be long enough that the midriff does not show when arms are raised above the head.
- Should not display messages that are disruptive to the learning environment (inappropriate language, promote alcohol or cigarettes, etc.).
- Skirts/Pants/Shorts:
- Clothing should be clean and well kept.
- Skirts and shorts should be no higher than 1 inch above the knee when measured from a kneeling position.
- Shorts may be worn from the start of school until Labor Day and after May 1st or upon notification from the office due to weather.
- The waistline of the pants may not sag below the waist of the wearer and should not be a baggy style.
- Capri style pants may be worn until the winter clothing policy goes into effect.
- Leggings:
- Grades K-2: Leggings are acceptable for grades kindergarten through 2nd.
- Grades 3-6: Leggings may be worn with a long tunic, skirt, or shorts (see above for guidelines regarding shorts and skirts).
- Shoes:
- Students will always wear functional shoes at all times for safety. No open toe shoes to prevent tripping and injury.
- Boots or overshoes are required for outside use when weather conditions dictate and should not be worn inside.
- Socks will be worn at all times as ASD dress and safety standards require.
- A pair of clean, non-marking tennis shoes will be required for use in the gym.
- Fleece, Sweaters, Sweatshirts:
- Students may wear a fleece, sweater, or hooded/non-hooded sweatshirt in the building when inside temperatures are cool.
- Hoods may not be worn inside the building.
- Winter Clothing
During the winter months, all students are expected to wear appropriate winter wear (Please see below for the expected winter gear for each grade level). It is necessary for your child to have weather appropriate clothing for their safety and health while outdoors. Every child has outdoor recess for 30 minutes. School district policy states that if a child is healthy enough to come to school, they are expected to participate in all school activities. A physician's note is necessary to exclude a student from participation in outdoor activities. The principal will notify parents when the winter clothing policy begins and when it ends.
-
- K-3 Winter coat, hat/hood, gloves/mittens, snow pants, and winter boots.
- 4-6 Winter coat, hat/hood, gloves/mittens, and winter boots.
If a child comes to school without appropriate winter gear, the parent will be notified by the teacher. Children who continue to be without the appropriate winter gear may risk losing his/her recess. If there is a financial reason for not having appropriate winter gear, please contact the office and we will assist you. Our goal is for every child to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable recess. Your support with achieving this goal is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.