Side By Side Charter School Uniform Policy

Mission and Purpose:

 The Side By Side Charter School uniform is an emblem for students – a public way to show a commitment to this very special community and to the values it represents: integrity, achievement, hard work and service. The uniform policy at Side By Side Charter School is intended to help students maintain respect for themselves as well as for the school community, and is considered a point of pride and honor.  The logo, which is displayed as part of this uniform, is a symbol the Side By Side Charter School’s innovative approach to education, and the desire of this community to develop in students a global responsibility; an openness that helps all of us to come closer together, yet with a willingness to go outside the traditional boundaries that may bind our creativity and our unity.  The bold colors of our logo celebrates the Side By Side Charter School’s energy and uniqueness, while the artwork which is derived from many artistic traditions throughout the globe reflects the mission of our school in terms of embracing cultural diversity.

At the discretion of the school, days may be designated as “dress down” days for special occasions or unique events.  Requests for “dress down” days must be made to and approved by the Director of the school.

Uniform Code:

• All uniform shirts must be purchased through Side by Side Charter School.
• All students are expected to comply with the Uniform Policy beginning the first day of school
• All students must wear clothing that is clean, neat, reasonably pressed and is the correct size.  Clothing that is either too small or too over-sized will be considered not within the uniform code.

The Lower School uniform code consists of the following:

1. Official navy or green school uniform polo shirt with school logo for both boys and girls. Solid colored white, navy or green long-sleeved shirts that match the school colors may be worn underneath the short sleeve polo.
2. Navy or Khaki pants for boys or girls.  Jeans of any color or style are not allowed. Cargo pants or any pants with adornments such as extra zippers, pockets, strings, etc. are not allowed.
3. Girls may wear either a navy or khaki skirt/skort instead of the pant option.  As with pants, skirts are to be unadorned – plain skirts only.  Skirt length shall be no more than 3 inches above the knee.  Full length skirts are not allowed. Navy blue or white knee socks, socks or tights/leggings are required when wearing a skirt.
4. Polo shirts may be worn untucked or tucked.
5. All students must wear socks and closed toed shoes or sneakers.  Shoes must have flat soles.  Boots may be worn in colder weather.  Sneakers MUST be worn on gym days.
6. Hats, scarves or other non-uniform items are not allowed during the school day.
7. On gym days only, students may wear the optional “gym day” uniform, which consists of the official uniform Side By Side Charter School tee-shirt and navy sweatpants. Only Side By Side Charter School uniform tee-shirts are allowed and only on a gym day.  Plain navy ankle-length sweatpants, no adornment of any kind, may be worn.  Official Side By Side gym sweatpants may also be worn.
8. Shorts:  Shorts without adornments of any kind, navy or khaki, may be substituted for the pant option.  In addition, gym shorts, again plain navy, may be worn instead of sweatpants on gym days only. 

The Upper School uniform code consists of the following:

1. Boys or Girls - Official navy or white school uniform polo shirt with school logo. Solid colored white or navy long-sleeved shirts that match the school colors may be worn underneath the short sleeve polo.
2. Boys or Girls – Official school uniform long sleeved dress (button-down) shirt with school logo.
3. Girls only – Official school uniform girl’s style collared shirt in navy or white with school logo. Solid colored white or navy long-sleeved shirts that match the school colors may be worn underneath the uniform girl’s style collared shirt.
4. Navy or Khaki pants for boys or girls.  Jeans of any color or style are not allowed. Cargo pants or any pants with adornments such as extra zippers, pockets, strings, etc. are not allowed.
5. Girls may wear either a navy or khaki skirt/skort instead of the pant option.  Again, skirts are to be unadorned – plain skirts only.  Skirt length shall be no more than 3 inches above the knee.  Full length skirts are not allowed. Navy blue or white knee socks, socks or tights/leggings are required when wearing a skirt.
6. All school uniform shirts may be worn untucked or tucked.
7. All students must wear socks and closed toed shoes or sneakers.  Sneakers and Shoes must have flat soles.  Boots may be worn in colder weather.  Sneakers MUST be worn on gym days.
8. Hats, scarves or other non-uniform items are not allowed during the school day.
9. On gym days only, student who choose to may wear the optional “gym day” uniform, which consists of the official uniform Side By Side Charter School tee-shirt and navy sweatpants. Only Side By Side Charter School uniform tee-shirts are allowed and only on gym day.  Plain navy sweatpants, no adornment of any kind, may be worn.  Official Side By Side gym sweatpants can also be worn.
10. Shorts:  Shorts without adornments of any kind, navy or khaki, may be substituted for the pant option.  In addition, gym shorts, again plain navy, may be worn instead of sweatpants on gym days only.

Uniforms on field trips:

Uniforms are required for all non-overnight field-trips*. The uniform policy applies for field trip days the same as it would for any regular day of school.  Likewise, “gym-day” uniforms are only allowed on days that a child will be participating in Physical Education. As stated in the policy, our uniforms are “a public way to show a commitment to the school community and to the values it represents: integrity, achievement, hard work and service. The uniform policy at Side By Side Charter School is intended to help students maintain respect for themselves as well as for the school community, and is considered a point of pride and honor.”  Therefore, it is not only in accordance with policy, but it is important that children are in uniform when representing Side by Side while traveling off of school grounds. 

*Uniforms are not required for students attending an overnight field trip; and other daytime field-trips may also be excluded from adhering to the uniform policy at the discretion of the Executive Director (i.e. beach trips, etc.)

Sweatshirts/fleeces:

During the cold weather season, students are allowed to wear a sweatshirt, sweater or fleece over their uniform tops—students are still required to have their uniforms on underneath. 

Enforcement & Consequences:

All students are expected to adhere to the full uniform policy as described in the policy during every day of school (unless announced as a “dress-down” day by the school.)  Gym days allow for official gym uniforms, but coming to school in the gym day option when it is not a gym day is considered “out of uniform.” 

 “Out of Uniform” consequences:

Enforcement of the student uniform policy by the staff is to be consistent and objective. The school Director has ultimate authority with regards to any question as to whether or not students are in compliance with the uniform policy.  Parents are expected to ensure that their children come to school properly dressed.

First Offense: A formal “warning notice” will be sent home by the homeroom teacher.  Child will be required to wear a school-based uniform shirt for the remainder of the day (The loaned shirt is to be washed and returned to the school to avoid being charged for purchase)

Second Offense: Child will be sent to the Director for parent notification.  Parents will be required to come to school to bring the appropriate needed uniform piece(s) to school.  Disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to detention or community service will also be issued.

Third Offense: Second offense consequences will be issued.  In addition, a mandatory meeting with school administration will be held with parent/guardian.  Disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to detention, community service and/or a 1-day In-School-Suspension will also be issued.

The Side by Side logo is the copyrighted exclusive property of Side by Side Charter School and cannot be reproduced on any medium without the express approval of the school Director and/or Board of Directors.