a) Access to Buildings & Classrooms

Students should not enter classroom buildings before 7:55AM or during lunch unless escorted by and supervised by a teacher.

b) Tardy Policy

A student is tardy if, he/she is not in the classroom and not prepared for work at 800am.

c) School Uniform Dress Code Revised July 2003 - Subject to Further Revision

No student's appearance, including but not limited to his/her attire, shall be considered proper and acceptable for school if it distracts from, or in any way disrupts, the educational process. The School Board is responsible for achieving a system wide dress code for appearance and dress among students that will promote a safe and effective atmosphere for learning.

The School Board is permitted by state law to adopt dress codes mandating the use of school uniforms. The purpose of the School Uniform Dress Code shall be to provide additional opportunities for increased school safety; to encourage students to experience a greater sense of school identity and belonging; to encourage an improvement in student behavior; and to encourage a high level of program participation.

Girls:

Jumpers: (GIRLS) Solid color: Khaki, Tan, Navy Blue; Styles must be cotton twill, cotton blend or jean/denim material; Uniform shirts must be worn under jumpers; Length: Top of knee or longer when sitting cross-legged

Skirts: (GIRLS) Solid color: Khaki, Tan, Navy Blue; Styles must be cotton twill, cotton blend or jean/denim material; Must be worn at waistline; Pleated, flat or A line; Length: Top of knee or longer when sitting cross-legged; Slits cannot be in the front, nor be higher than the bend of the knee; Cargo type pockets on any garment are prohibited

Skorts:(Pre K - 4th grade GIRLS ONLY) Solid color: Khaki, Tan, Navy blue; Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material); Pleated, flat, or A-line; Grades K-2 may have elastic waist with or without belt loops (belts are optional, but encouraged); Must be worn at the waistline


Boys:

Pants/Slacks: (BOYS) Pants may NOT exceed two inches (2”) of actual waist size; Pants may NOT exceed two inches (2”) of actual inseam; Must be hemmed and length not to exceed bottom of shoe (hem can be cuffed); Solid color: Khaki, Tan, Navy Blue (Dockers style); Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (NO jean/denim material); Straight legs; No elastic or gathered at the ankles; No pockets on lower legs (cargo, military-style); Can be pleated or flat front; Grades K 2 may have elastic waist pants with or without belt loops (belts are optional); Grades 3 12 must have belt loops and mandatory belt; Must be worn at waistline; Cropped, stirrup, parachute, wind, stretch/warm up, and jean/denim style pants are prohibited

ALL:

Shirt: (ALL - GIRLS & BOYS) Any color: (except red, white or gray - gray will be the NEW color for field trips); Polo: (golf-boxed, hemmed) two, three or four buttons at the top front with collar (short or long sleeves) - Must be tucked-in; Grades PreK 12 must tuck in shirt and be properly buttoned; Under-shirts and t-shirts, if worn must be white in color and can only be worn underneath the standard uniform shirt

Belts: (ALL - BOYS & GIRLS) Solid color: Black, navy blue, khaki or brown; Grades K-2 are encouraged to wear belts; Grades 3-12 mandatory when wearing slacks or pants; Belt buckles must be plain; standard buckle; Appropriate length for waist size - not extended six inches past buckle; Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

Socks: (ALL - BOYS & GIRLS) Any color: must be matching pair; Mandatory wear; Must extend above the ankle and no higher than the knee

Pullovers of Any Kind:(sweaters, sweatshirts, vest; any garment which is pulled over the head which does not snap, button or zip from top to bottom) (ALL - BOYS & GIRLS) Solid color: No red or grey; Pullover v-neck or pullover crew (hoods are prohibited); Must be worn over uniform shirt, NOT ALONE; Solid color (No red, white or grey) Turtlenecks are permissible ONLY in winter (November thru February);

Shoes: (ALL - BOYS & GIRLS) Low top or mid-ankle closed-toe AND closed-heel athletic shoes (Velcro for Pre K - 2nd grade permitted); Closed-toe and closed-heel athletic shoes mandatory; Shoes shall be properly tied if applicable; Boots may NOT be worn at any time;

Coats: (ALL - BOYS & GIRLS) Coat/jacket/sweater may be worn as long as the uniform shirt collar is revealed under the coat/jacket/sweater (TRENCH COATS are prohibited); Vest/jackets/sweaters/coats that zip/button/snap from top to bottom may be any color (except red) and may have a hood

A. When administrators allow exceptions to the uniform code for special events. (Ex. Dress-up day, athletes on game days, clubs, picture day, etc.)

B. During the first ten (10) school days after transferring to TLC Charter School. After this ten (10) day period, appropriate dress (according to School Board Policy) shall be followed.

C. When a student is on campus outside of normal school hours.

Students violating the School Uniform Dress Code shall be disciplined as follows:

1st offense = Level 1 (Written referral, sent to change or be sent home if needed)

2nd offense = Level 1-3 (Administrator/Parent, Verbal Contact, Meeting)

3rd offense = Level 1-3 (Administrator/Parent, Verbal Contact, Meeting, Detention)

4th offense = Level 1-4 (Detention, possible 1-3 day suspension)

5th offense and subsequent = One (1) day out of school suspension for each offense.

DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING

It is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment regarding appearance and attire. Cleanliness shall be a basic consideration. Any complaint concerning a student's dress and appearance shall be addressed by the particular school's administration. The principal of the particular school shall make the final decision as to what is considered proper attire and appearance. In the event that health and medical considerations for a particular student require an exception to the Dress Code, the principal of the particular school shall determine that exception and make his/her faculty and staff aware of the exception.

The following guidelines have been established regarding all students’ dress and appearance:

1. Appropriate footwear must be worn to school (no shower shoes, flip-flops, hiking or other boots, hard-sole dress shoes).

2. A grey polo shirt shall be worn for all field trips.

3. Caps, hats, visors, bandannas, beanies, non-prescribed glasses (e.g. sunglasses) are not permitted.

4. Patches, decorations, slogans, symbols, tags, marks, or advertisements are prohibited. (Examples: Beer, cigarettes, drugs, obscene suggestions, sexual connotations, gang affiliations, etc.)

5. Male hair length must be of even distribution. The hair may not extend below the plane of the shoulder nor down upon the eyebrow in front, nor down below the earlobes. Hair must be clean, well-groomed and neat at all times. Sideburns can extend to the lobe of the ear. Beards and mustaches neatly trimmed are acceptable.

6. Jewelry that is considered gang- related is not allowed. Jewelry (including earrings, chains, emblems, etc.) which is considered to be a safety hazard or a material or substantial disruption is not permitted.

7. Female hair must be clean, neat and well-groomed. Extreme coloring and extreme hairstyles are not acceptable. Hair in rollers is not acceptable.

8. Young girls (grade Pre K - 4th grade) are encouraged to wear shorts under skirts and jumpers for modesty.

9. Dress during any period where uniforms are not required, such as special event days, or for transferring students, shall be consistent with the intent and spirit of the School Uniform Dress Code.

10. Exposed body piercing of any kind (tongue, lip, eyebrow, nose, etc.) is prohibited during school hours. Earrings are the ONLY exception.

d) Fire Drills

Law in Arizona requires fire drills. The fire hazard is too serious to take lightly, and when the fire alarm sounds, all students and teachers must leave the building without delay and as quickly and quietly as possible. Fire drill exits are posted in each classroom, and all students should acquaint themselves with the escape routes. Students must remain with their teacher during any emergency drill.

e) Possession, Use, Distribution or Showing Evidence of Use of Chemical Agents

A student shall not possess, consume, use, handle, give, store, conceal, offer to sell, sell, transmit, acquire, buy, represent, make, apply, or show evidence of the use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, anabolic steroids, barbiturate, marijuana, tranquilizer, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, solvent, gas, or any mood altering chemical, drug of abuse, or any counterfeit controlled substance of any kind, or any type of paraphernalia used to process or ingest any of the above. Violations may result in suspension and possible expulsion from school. Local police will be notified.

f) Gambling

Any type of gambling in school is strictly forbidden. This includes card playing for money and sports pools.

g) Public Displays of Affection

Overt displays of affection (kissing/embracing) are considered inappropriate conduct for the school campus. There shall be no public display of affection (PDA) on the part of students including hand-holding. Parents will be contacted if the students involved will not cooperate in an appropriate manner.

The following offenses WILL result in Police involvement and/or criminal charges

h) Student Reporting

The prevention of school violence requires the help of parents, the community and the students themselves. Sharing information with school authorities is honorable and absolutely necessary if troubled students are to be helped and tragedy avoided. Among the behaviors that should be reported are threats of any kind, drastic behavior changes, antisocial behavior at home or in the community, an obsession with violence or weapons, withdrawal, depression, intolerance of race, religion or sexual preference, or other behavior and attitudes that would indicate a high level of anger or stress.

Depending on the situation, failure to report may result in disciplinary action and/or referral to law enforcement.

REMEMBER: All rumors concerning student safety are investigated! TLC Charter School takes rumors seriously and would never keep a building open, or allow an event to be held, if there was evidence that students or staff would be at risk. If you are concerned about a rumor, call the school.

i) Property Destruction (Vandalism)

It is unlawful for individuals not enrolled in school or students who have been suspended or expelled to be on school property unless specific permission has been granted. Trespass is further defined as being in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so by a school official. This includes all school-sponsored events occurring at times other than the regular school day. Violations of the trespass laws may mean immediate police action.

j) Police Notification

TLC cooperates with all law enforcement and governmental agencies in every way possible for the protection of students, teachers and property. Certain unacceptable behaviors, such as fighting, theft, destruction of property, disorderly conduct, etc., will result in police involvement.

k) Textbooks

The Center furnishes all necessary textbooks to students. Reasonable wear and tear is expected; unreasonable damage will result in the parents/student being financially responsible for book replacement. Students will be asked to provide binders, personal supplies and various study related material.

l) Child Abuse & Neglect - Mandatory Reporting

Child abuse and neglect are both a violation of children's human rights and an obstacle to their educational development. When feasible, TLC Charter Schools will collaborate with community agencies to provide community education for parents and other caregivers on parenting skills, violence prevention, and on the problems of child abuse and methods to avoid child abuse/neglect situations. The Center shall also require staff to participate in in-service programs that deal with the issues surrounding child abuse/neglect and reporting procedures.

Staff is legally responsible for reporting all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Under State law, staff is free from liability for reporting instances of abuse or neglect and is criminally liable for failure to do so.

Children's Protective Services authorities have the responsibility for evaluating each referral and making the determination to accept for investigation or screening out as "Information Only" based upon the State's model for Risk Assessment. Any conditions or information that may reasonably be related to suspected abuse or neglect should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the Department of Social and Health Services.

All staff members who abuse or neglect a child or who fail to report as required by law and this policy are subject to, in addition to other legal penalties, disciplinary action, including discharge.

13-3619. Permitting life, health or morals of minor to be imperiled by neglect, abuse or immoral associations;

13-3620. Duty and authorization to report nonaccidental injuries, physical neglect and denial or deprivation of necessary medical or surgical care or nourishment of minors; duty to make medical records available;

13-3620.01. False reports;