Village School Dress Code

The Village School Dress Code exists to assure that students are prepared to safely and comfortably participate in all the activities of a normal school day. A typical day at the Village School will include many different kinds of physical activities for which it is necessary that children are appropriately clothed. Therefore, clothing should always accommodate the active child and should include outerwear appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. We ask that families consider the following:

1)      Outside play is a part of the daily school routine. Students who come to school properly attired for outdoor activities and in clothing that allows for freedom of movement will be best able to fully participate in and enjoy outdoor activities in all kinds of weather.  Warm and/or waterproof clothing for cold or rainy days as well as proper wet weather shoes are a must.

2)      Footwear that allows for freedom of movement and protects the whole foot is essential. Sneakers or athletic shoes best accommodate Movement classes as well as the many indoor and outdoor activities that occur throughout the school day. Flip-flops and shoes that do not cover the back of the foot are strongly discouraged. Shoes with wheels in the heels are not permitted.

3)      Moderate jewelry may be worn. Dangling earrings can pose a safety hazard. Students will be asked to remove large earrings during Movement classes or during any other activity where they might pose a safety or health hazard. For similar reasons, we ask that students do not wear chains or spikes to school.

4)      It is a good idea for all children to keep a change of clothes at school.

In the interests of the School’s intrinsic aesthetic values, we make the following requests regarding choices of attire:

1)      We appreciate neatness!

2)      We seek to avoid clothing that is distracting or provocative. Positive imagery on clothing in the form of logos or other graphics and that is minimally commercial is acceptable. We will not allow violent imagery or advertisements of illegal substances on campus.

3)      While sleeveless shirts may be worn to school, skimpy tops that expose waists, cleavage, and backs such as halter or cropped-tops are unacceptable. All underwear must be completely covered. Transparent/see-through clothing may not be worn to school.

4)      Skirts, shorts and skorts are acceptable as long as they allow freedom of movement without exposure. A good rule of thumb is that the hemline be no higher than the tips of the fingers when the student is standing with arms down at their sides.

5)      Pants and shorts should be in good condition and should fully cover underwear. Baggy, saggy trousers that expose the top of one’s undergarments are unacceptable.

6)      Natural looking make-up may be worn in moderation by Middle School students.

Consequences for Non-compliance with the Dress Code

§  Children who arrive at school dressed inappropriately will be asked to change into alternative clothing that is available in classrooms and in the office.

§  Children who fail to arrive at school with athletic shoes / sneakers for movement classes will be loaned spare shoes provided to them by the Movement Teacher.

§  In cases of repeated non-compliance, parents will be contacted and asked to bring a change of appropriate clothing to school for their student(s).

We ask that families honor and respect the Village School Dress Code. The need for continuing and frequent reminders to students to act respectfully and to comply with the Dress Code can have a negative and erosive effect on student-teacher relationships, ultimately undermining the educational process. Parents, please discuss the Dress Code with your student(s) and check in with them before you leave your homes in the morning to be sure that their choices of attire are in line with the School’s aspirations to ensure a safe, respectful and comfortable learning environment.

Current trends and fads will be addressed as they arise. The teachers have discretion to determine whether their students are in compliance with the Village School Dress Code. On occasion under special circumstances, teachers may communicate additional requirements with regard to student attire.  We acknowledge that dress is an expression of style and culture. To the extent that they do not inhibit a child’s free and safe engagement in school activities, cultural practices around dress and jewelry will be honored.

We invite community engagement in upholding a climate of respect and non-discrimination.  We ask that parents and students consider the impact that language or imagery may have on others and that we all pledge to honor the highest level of sensitivity of the members of our community.  We recognize that what may seem innocuous to one person may be highly offensive to others. 

“The healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each human soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the community the virtue of each one is living.”

-Rudolf Steiner

Other Considerations

Wheels

There are a few other ways that Village School families are asked to support the School’s educational environment. While we encourage bicycle riding, for safety reasons we ask that you inform your children that they may not ride their bicycles on School grounds. In addition, skate boards, scooters, and unicycles must be “parked” as soon as the student(s) arrive on the school grounds. Skateboards, scooters, or unicycles may be left in the classroom or in the School Office during the school day.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices such as iPods, video games or Game Boys, and cell phones are not allowed to be carried by students onto the campus. The goal here is to protect the learning environment from the distractions that can arise in the presence of these devices. In isolated cases, parents may arrange with the School for their child to carry a cell phone with the agreement that it is to be used only under certain extenuating circumstances that will be communicated to the Class Teacher and/or the Administrator.