Louisa Boren STEM K-8 has a mandatory school uniform and dress code policy. We believe our uniform policy will create a safe, scholarly, professional atmosphere that will help students be proud members of this learning community. School staff at any point can amend this policy.
Why Uniforms?
STEM is a place where kids should know they are doing something very important – this is their uniform for learning.
Uniform Overview
- Solid colored (white, navy, or black) collared shirt.
- Plain navy, black or khaki slacks, skirts, jumpers, shorts, skorts or collared dresses.
Important Information
- STEM students with clothing-related religious practices may modify the uniform (e.g. head scarves).
- This is a gender-neutral uniform policy. Students can wear whatever part of the school uniform they feel comfortable wearing.
- STEM students with special needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
- STEM students should wear clothing appropriate for our active work in the classroom, on the playground, at gym, and on expeditions.
- The faculty and administration believe that the STEM uniform should not be used as a punishment (or conversely “free dress days” should not be used as a reward) for behavior or academic issues of any kind.
- STEM 7th and 8th grade students have access to coveralls that are appropriate for that classroom’s safety expectations:
- No skin showing on arms or legs
- No baggy clothing
- Shirts must be tucked in
- Long hair tied back
*The coveralls are uniform compliant.
Uniform Details
Uniform Colors
- Black (pure black, not gray)
- White (pure white, off white or cream)
- Navy (very dark blue)
- Khaki (light tan)
Shirts
- Plain Shirts =
a shirt without stripes, plaids, or large decorations.
- Small brand logos are acceptable. A logo will be smaller than two inches.
- The policy requires shirts with collars. Examples: blouse, button-down, or polo style shirt or long-sleeved shirt with collar.
- Collared shirts can be layered with non-collared, hoodless items in solid uniform colors (white, black, navy).
Pants, Shorts, Skirts, and Skorts
- Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts may not be denim, stretch fabric or sweatpants. Examples of non-uniform pants are jeans, rip stop nylon, sweats, stretch pants, leggings, or athletic / yoga / running pants
- They may not be plaid or striped, or have decorations other than a small logo. .
- Plain navy blue, black or white tights or leggings can be paired with skirts, shorts, or dresses, but not worn alone.
Dresses
- Dresses may be jumper-style, in STEM uniform colors (white, black, navy blue, khaki) worn with a STEM uniform shirt.
- Dresses may also be shirt-style, like polo-shirt style dresses.
- Dresses need a collar.
Socks, Shoes and Boots
- Students are not required to wear socks.
- Socks of any color are allowed.
- Leggings or tights (worn under skirts or dresses) must be in STEM uniform colors (black, navy blue, khaki, white) and undecorated.
- Students must wear closed toe shoes or boots. Examples include: sneakers, shoes, closed-toed sandals (i.e. Keens) or boots of any type or color.
- Shoes with wheels, Heelys, or other rolling shoes are not allowed at school.
- Your child will be running at school at recess and during Gym. Please send your child in shoes that allow for running.
Accessories and Outerwear
- No accessories are required of any student (ties, belts, etc are not required).
- Hats, hoods, and outerwear can be worn going to or coming from the cafeteria and outside.
- Outerwear includes jackets, coats, hooded items, and any other item that doesn’t conform to uniform policy.
- Students may wear accessories (belts, hair accessories, jewelry) as long as such accessories are not disruptive to learning, for themselves or their co-students.
- Backpacks, school bags, and outerwear are not controlled by the uniform policy.
- Other uniforms (such as sport team or scout uniforms) are not in uniform at STEM.
Last Updated August 2018