Students are actively involved in their learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Clothes worn to school must be comfortable, properly fitted, and simple. Students will get dirty so plan accordingly. Often, shoes are removed in the classroom and comfortable slippers are worn. Shoes or boots must be worn at all times when outside. Alice Birney students have many opportunities to play in the rain but must have raincoats, head covering and rain boots to do so. Umbrellas are not allowed.
Students’ clothing must not present a health or safety hazard nor a distraction which would interfere with the educational process of themselves or others. A student who violates these standards shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. In keeping with California State Law, SCUSD policies, and in accordance with ACLU guidelines, we specifically expect the following to be observed by all students while on the school campus or other school related activities including, but not limited to, field trips:
- Shoes worn must have back straps and toes covered. Shoes must be free of lights, cartoons, high heels, or wheels. Shoes must be suitable for all school activities and meet comfort and safety requirements.
- Clothing must be worn that covers the torso when bending over, sitting, or participating in the day’s activities. Clothing should fit such that undergarments (bra straps excluded) and the body parts those undergarments are designed to cover, should not be visible.
- Clothing must be free of the following:
- references to drugs, cigarettes, weapons or alcohol
- indecent, obscene, lewd words/pictures
- nudity, profanity
- violent or offensive words
- any depiction of an illegal item or activity
- any item that causes a substantial disruption defined as the school administrators or teachers being unable to proceed with regular school activities due to the interference of students’ violation of dress code
As a school of choice, the Alice Birney community recommends supporting the healthy development of our children by reserving nail polish and hair coloring for grades 6-8. We ask for clothing to be free of commercial or corporate pictures and logos larger than a tennis ball and team names. We encourage our older students to recognize and hold dear their responsibility as models for the younger children and consider how their clothing style choices may be received by these students.
