Attire

There is a definite relationship between good dress habits, good work habits, and proper school behavior. We expect students to maintain the type of appearance that is not distracting to students or to the detriment of the educational process of the school. Students should keep in mind that styles of dress must not jeopardize their health or safety. Styles of dress and grooming are constantly in transition and any regulations of these styles will be based on common sense and good judgment. A great variety in dress and grooming are part of the school scene today. However, students must avoid extremes in fashion and dress in good taste. In order for dress standards to be successful, they must be fully implemented through the K-12 program in a consistent and conscientious manner.

Electronic Devices

The Stratford Board of Education recognizes the need to provide access to technological resources. It is also sensitive to the desires of parents who wish, for reason of safety, to provide their children with electronic devices that can ensure direct communication before and after school hours, in times of need. For the purposes of this policy, “Remotely Activated or Activating Communication Devices” are defined to include portable two-way telecommunications devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones with or without cameras, walkie talkies, other hand-held computing devices used as a communication device, any portable electronic device capable of storing and transmitting or receiving images or audio files, such as cameras, as well as any new technology developed for similar purposes. The Stratford Board of Education extends to students the privilege to possess, display, and use “Remotely Activated or Activating Communication Devices” before and after the instructional day provided such devices are NOT displayed, activated, or used inside the school building during the instructional day. All such devices must be turned off and in a locker, purse, or similar enclosure during the instructional delay. The instructional day includes, but is not limited to lunch breaks, class changes, student halls, and any other structured or non structured instructional activity that occurs during the normal school day including school sponsored transportation (i.e. transportation to and from school, field trips to and from school etc.), as well as extracurricular activities or after school activities, including athletics. Exceptions will be made for students with specific needs that require such devices as per their IEP.

Bicycles

Students who are in Grades 2-6 are allowed to ride bicycles to and from school upon completion and submission of an “Authorization Request Form for Bicycles” from their parent/guardian and with the approval of the principal. Parents/guardians of bicycles riders assume full responsibility for their children’s safety, and are urged to consider their children’s riding abilities, knowledge of safety rules, traffic conditions and other safety factors before allowing their children to ride bicycles to school. The school cannot be responsible for loss of or damage to bicycles. For your child’s safety and convenience, a bicycle area is located near the playground. Please remember that the Bicycle Helmet Law has been in effect since October 1, 1993.