Dress Code

Based on a vote of parents in 2005, in January of 2006, CHEC instituted a school uniform policy.  Columbia Heights Educational Campus is a uniform school based the vote of the parent association, as well as a provision in the Pilot School proposal and restructuring plans approved by the Chancellor.   All students are required to wear the school uniform every day, all day. Given that we are preparing young adults for post secondary education and the world of work, it is imperative that we support them in dressing in a manner that demonstrates the notion of preparedness.

Since instituting the uniform policy we have experienced a decline in vandalism and serious disciplinary infractions. We require 100% daily compliance with the uniform policy.  This means wearing only the accepted components, as described in the rubric.  We need teachers’ cooperation and support to make sure all students wear their uniforms every day.

To this end, teachers are asked to enforce the uniform policy with consistency and without exception as follows:

The school provides the following support to parents and families in order to support this initiative:

1.CHEC issued shirts, sweatshirts, and fleeces are sold at the school store.

2.We purchase shirts and pants to loan to students who happen to “forget” on a given day.

3.In extreme cases of documented need and hardship, we will provide support for the purchase of uniforms.

4.If students have been unable to wash their uniforms the night before, they can bring them to school and wash them here, and then put them on.

The policy regarding students who do not come to school in uniform are as follows:

1. On the first occasion a student is not in uniform, the student will be given a shirt and/or pair of pants from a supply the school will purchase and maintain laundered.  At the end of the day, the student must return the borrowed clothes to the main office, and receive a receipt for their return.  The parent will be called and notified. A notation will be made that this is the student’s first infraction of the uniform policy.   If the borrowed clothes are not returned, the parent will be responsible for replacing them.  If the student refuses to wear the uniform provided by the school, the parent will be called to come and pick up their child, or if the parent cannot come, the student will be sent to ISS and will be required to return with the parent the next day. 

2. On the second incidence a student is not in uniform, the same process will be followed. The parent will be called, and if available, notified. Again, every attempt will be made to speak to a parent, but if the parent is not reachable by phone, the student will be sent home with a disciplinary report.  The Parent will be required to come in with the student for readmission.

3. If there is a third violation, the parent will be called in and arrangements will be made for the student to find a school where uniforms are not required.   An involuntary transfer will be in process.