Q. How did the idea of school uniforms come about?

A. On the Agenda at the monthly Board of Education meeting on March 1, 2006, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Lockamy recommended the following; “in order to provide additional opportunities for increased school safety, encourage students to experience a greater sense of school identity and belonging, encourage an improvement in student behavior and to improve academic excellence, the students of the Savannah–Chatham County Public Schools will enforce a district-wide mandatory school uniform policy by school year 2007-2008.”

Q. What is the purpose of having mandatory school uniforms?

A. Uniforms will help erase economic differences among students, and facilitates school pride because students see themselves as part of the school team.

Fewer absences, fewer tardies, and less truancy are reported by schools with mandatory school uniform policies which increases instructional time.

School uniforms help students see schools as a setting for teaching and learning, help set a tone for serious study and allow students to focus their attention on learning.

School uniforms have been shown to improve the safety of all students on our school campuses by reducing gang influence, minimizing violence by reducing some sources of conflict and helping to identify trespassers.

Q. How was the school uniform proposal passed and when will it go into effect?

A. The Board of Education authorized the Superintendent to enforce a mandatory school uniform policy to begin August 2006, for elementary and middle school students with full implementation through grade twelve by August 2007.

Q. What if I do not send my child to school in the mandatory uniform?

A. Step I: Teacher sends home a letter from administration. A uniform will be provided for the student, but will be returned at the end of the day (based on availability).

Step II: Same as Step I

Teacher makes a phone call to parent.

Step III: Same as Step I

Conference takes place with parent, teacher and administrator to address the problem and develop a solution.

Step IV: Violation addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct, which specifies violations of dress code as a Level I offense, and as such, may be reflected in the conduct grade for repeated violations (2 or more violations).

Q. What if I can not afford to buy a uniform for my child?

A. The principal at each school will determine if a child will receive assistance in purchasing a uniform. Where a real need exists and is identified, uniforms will be made available at no cost. However, if a child shows up not dressed in the mandatory uniform, without prior arrangements between the parent and the principal, the child will be disciplined using the above procedures.

Q. What color uniform is required for my child?

A. There is a chart containing a list of uniform colors for each elementary and middle school on the school uniform policy page under the school uniforms colors tab. This link will take you directly to the information: http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Academic+Affairs/School+Uniform+Policy/School+Uniforms+Colors.htm

Q. What if my child transfers to a school after they’ve bought uniforms for another school, will I have to buy more uniforms?

A. Not unless you choose to. In addition to the selected school uniform colors, all elementary and middle school students will have the option to buy and wear the universal uniform consisting of a white polo shirt and khaki colored bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt or skorts that adhere to the proper length as described in the school uniforms policy).

Q. Where can I buy my child’s school uniform?

A. Most stores that carry regular polo shirts and khaki bottoms will more than likely carry the school uniforms.

Q. Is there a specific store that all parents can go to in order to purchase uniforms at a discounted price?

A. No, many local stores and outlets will be selling uniforms at reduced prices. The best advice on finding good deals and low prices would be to comparison shop and shop wisely.

Q. When will I receive information about the mandatory school uniforms?

A. The uniform committee must notify parents and students of the requirements of the uniform policy. Notices for each school year shall be provided in May of the preceding school year.

Q. What if my child can’t wear a uniform because of religious or medical reasons?

A. Parents or guardians may request an exemption from a mandatory school uniform program for medical, religious, or other justifiable reasons. A request for an exemption must be made within 10 operational days of the beginning of the school year. Medical exemption requests must be signed by a medical doctor. To download the medical exemption form and for more information on exemptions, please click on this link: http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Academic+Affairs/School+Uniform+Policy/Procedures+for+Exemption.htm

Q. What does my child wear on dress down days?

A. Acceptable dress for dress down days will be consistent with the dress code outlined on our website by clicking this link: http://www.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/District/Academic+Affairs/School+Uniform+Policy/School+Uniforms+Policy.htm

Q. My child attends an alternative school, what are the colors for their uniform?

A. Students assigned to alternative school sites will wear the uniform consistent with the colors of their home school.