<Update> Uniform Policy!

Over the past two years, we have heard students and families loud and clear that it was time for us to revisit our student dress code expectations as a community. As we have examined our core beliefs, a proposed dress code was drafted that incorporates our values of student individuality, identity, and growth.

At the July meeting of the Academy Board of Directors meeting, new guidelines for student dress were adopted by the Board of Directors. These guidelines are listed below. The adopted changes will allow our students & families more choice and voice in their daily clothing choices for school, while ensuring that all students are able to express their identity through clothing choices while also focused on academic success. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Kull at jkull@distinctiveschools.org.

River Heights Academy Dress Code
Approved by the River Heights Academy Board of Directors, July 20, 2020
Student dress is a visual representation of our school’s culture. As a school seeking to support student individuality, identity and growth, we choose to not require students to follow a uniform dress code. Instead, all students are expected to be dressed and groomed in a manner that will not be disruptive to the educational process and is respectful of the purpose of school and those around them. If any item of your child’s clothing items or accessories becomes a distraction or violates any of the above, they will not be able to wear the items. This will be under administrative discretion and the principal will have final approval.

Minimum Requirements:

• Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 to 4 inches in length on the upper thighs.
• Tops must have shoulder straps.
• Rips or tears in clothing should be no more than 3 to 4 inches in length.
• Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment (pajamas, bedroom shoes or slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by school administration).
• See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meets the minimum requirements of the dress code.
• Headgear including hats and caps are not allowed unless permitted for religious, medical, or other reasons by school administration.

Additional Requirements:

• Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate the following:
  • Illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances
  • Pornography, nudity, or sexual acts.or imply vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.
  • Hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.
• Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
• Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.
• Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

The administration at the school reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines will not be allowed to attend class. Families will be called if appropriate clothing is not available or the student refuses dress-code appropriate clothing.