International Arts Business School
Wingate Campus
Sean Rice Assistant Principal
Sheila Hanley Marisa Martinelli
Principal Assistant Principal
September 24, 2009
Dear Parents,
As you know, our school has recently adopted a new uniform policy. We would like to thank the majority of students and families that have supported the policy since the first day of school. We would like to reiterate the procedures that must be followed throughout the school year. Please review the following information and discuss with your child:
· All students must arrive to school in full uniform on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Wednesdays are “Dress for Career Success” days and Fridays are dress down days. The uniform consists of a short sleeve polo shirt embroidered with “International Arts Business School”. All 11th and 12th grade students must wear a white shirt with blue lettering. All 9th and 10th grade students must wear a royal blue shirt with white lettering. All students must wear black pants.
· Students must wear the full uniform while in the school building, regardless of their class schedule. Students must wear the uniform in an appropriate manner. Students may not carry a uniform shirt over their shoulder, or remove on arm from the sleeves.
· Students that fail to arrive to school with a acceptable uniform will be given school issued uniform items. This may include a white OR royal blue embroidered shirt AND black pants. Any student that damages or fails to return school issued garments will be immediately billed for the lost or damaged items, at the exact cost.
· Students that fail to comply with the uniform policy will be subjected to immediately disciplinary measures, as outlined in the Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures 2009 Edition. The imposable consequences include, but are not limited to: Admonishment by pedagogical School Staff, Student-Teacher conference, Reprimand by appropriate supervisor (ie: assistant principal, principal), Parent Conference, In-school disciplinary action (ie: detention, exclusion from extracurricular activities, recess or communal lunchtime), Removal from classroom by teacher, and principal’s suspension.
· Any student that refuses to wear the school uniform will be escorted to the dean’s or administrative office. A school official will immediately contact a parent or guardian to discuss the appropriate disciplinary measures.
· Students may substitute uniform items that they have purchased on their own. Students must receive approval by school administration before purchasing and wearing these items. Shirts may not display any additional printed or embroidered logos, words, or items other than the words “International Arts Business School”. No variations in colors may be worn.
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The adoption of a school-wide uniform policy has greatly improved the overall tone and safety of our school. Enclosed, you will find an article from Articlebase, describing the benefits of school uniforms in public schools:
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WHY SCHOOL UNIFORMS?
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We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:
Professional:
Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.
Promotes Good Discipline:
Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.
Reduces Fighting and Violence:
Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.
Distractions:
Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This distracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on homework.
Values:
School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.
Low Cost:
School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings.
School Spirit:
Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.
Individuality:
Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more important than what they wear.
If you have any questions concerning our school uniform policy, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or a school administrator at 718-467-7400. We would like to thank you for your anticipated support concerning this matter. We look forward to working with you and your child as they move closer to achieving success, a high school diploma, and acceptance into college.
Sincerley,
Sheila Hanley Marisa Martinelli Sean Rice
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal