The start of the new school year is near, and I am looking forward to welcoming our students back to campus. As I have previously stated, I want this year to be as close to normal as possible. Our plans are full of community and celebration for this, our 50th, year. My team and I are aware parents have many questions about how this year will proceed, and we want to assure you we are giving our policies and procedures careful thought, keeping the best interests of the children as our central and guiding focus.
Masking
The CDC strongly recommends K-12 schools adopt universal masking for teachers, staff, students, and visitors regardless of vaccination status, and we will comply with that recommendation. Adopting universal masking indoors allows us to return safely to many of the freedoms and activities we had to put on hold last year. We will now be able to:
- return to our traditional multi-age advisories in grades 5-8, and there will be no more grade-level cohorting.
return to interscholastic sports. - utilize the locker room for middle school students to dress out for PE.
- once again have grade-level plays.
- once again be able to have assemblies.
- have parents in the building--eventually. (We’re still working on the details.)
- hold in-person Cardinal Buddies activities.
- allow middle school students access to their lockers.
- go maskless outside.
COVID protocols are constantly changing. We will continue to monitor the situation and will adjust as necessary. The health and safety of our students are of paramount importance. I am looking forward to a much more normal school year and continue to be grateful for your understanding and support.
Dress Code
We will be returning to what is essentially our traditional dress code for the upcoming school year. It is worded somewhat differently, but the aim is still the same. I am sending this out now as it is the time of year when families typically shop for school clothes. The dress code for the coming year is shown below for your information.
The purpose of the Dress Code is to ensure that students are dressed for the business of school. We stress neatness and appropriateness. We do not have a uniform, as we support students’ privilege of dressing to show individual style. We are a school that teaches each child as an individual, and our dress code reflects our mission.
Expectations
- All clothing should be clean, neat, free of holes, and free of inappropriate slogans or pictures.
- Clothing should cover the student’s bottom and have no undergarments visible.
- Shirts must cover the midriff, standing or sitting. Visible cleavage is not allowed.
- Shoes must cover the toes or have a back-strap, for safety reasons. No flip-flops.
What’s Allowed
- Shorts of appropriate, respectful length, as well as, pants/ slacks, jeans, cargo pants
- Skirts or dresses of appropriate, respectful length
- T-shirts, polo shirts/tops of any color or print
- Sleeveless tops that have at least three fingers’ width of fabric covering the shoulder
What’s Not Allowed
- Athletic wear, including athletic shorts, jerseys, sweatpants, track suits, and spandex leggings
- Pajama pants/sleepwear
- Hats, except by faculty permission
- If a student’s clothes are not appropriate, he or she may be asked to call home for a change of clothing or will be provided with “share-wear.”