Policies

Uniforms


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

During the 1996-97 school year, Moanalua Middle School responded to a call from parents to adopt an optional school uniform policy. All role groups in the school community were involved in the dialogue and decision-making related to the uniform policy which was implemented during the 1997-98 school year. Students and their parents played a large part in the selection of the styles and colors based on preference, practicality of clothing maintenance and costs. The uniform policy has contributed to reduced violence on campus and improved student behavior and attendance. It is consistent with the school's mission statement and commitment to provide students with a quality learning environment which will improve desired student outcomes.

In his State of the Union Address in January 1996, President Clinton praised student uniforms as a way to promote safety and discipline in our public schools. He challenged public schools to mandate school uniforms. Uniforms lend a sense of seriousness to the enterprise of schooling, allow rich and poor students to look alike, and promote strong feelings of school spirit. The Hawaii Board of Education adopted a Dress Code and School Uniforms Policy (May 96), and now public schools in Hawaii may establish student uniform policies as long as the BOE guidelines are followed.

COMPONENTS OF THE POLICY

Parental Leadership and Involvement (BOE Guideline #1)

The decision represents the views of a majority of the members of the school community. All role groups participated in the conversations and decision making.
Financial Assistance to Students and Families (BOE Guideline #2)

Uniform scholarship are offered by the vendors for families with financial need. Financial eligibility will be determined based on federal income guidelines (AFDC - those used for Free/Reduced Lunch eligibility).
Protection of students' Constitutional Rights (BOE Guideline #3)

As stated in the Religious Expression in Public Schools Guide (August 1995), students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages will not be singled out for suppression, but will be subject tot he same rules as generally apply to comparable messages. The Moanalua Middle School Uniform Policy will not prohibit students from wearing or displaying expressive items as long as those items do not independently contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others. The Constitutional rights of students will be respected and Moanalua Middle school will not impose any messages, political or otherwise, on the school uniform. The school name, logo/mascot will appear on the uniform.
Waiver (BOE Guideline #4)

Parents wishing to extent their student from the uniform policy, may "opt-out" by requesting the Application for Exemption form available in the school office. Parents should (1) return the completed forms to the office, (2) meet with the Principal or Vice-Principal to discuss the student uniform policy and nature of the objection; and (3) review the acceptable student attire. Exemptions are valid only for the current school year and must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
- STATEMENT OF POLICY

A Mandatory School Uniform Policy has been adopted by the Moanalua Middle School SAFE Council (SCBM Alliance for Excellence) beginning with the 1998-99 school year. All students attending Moanalua Middle School are required to wear the school uniform effective the first day of school. Students are required to wear a uniform shirt and adhere tot specific criteria for uniform bottom, footwear, and outerwear as provided below. This policy applies at all times, on campus, in buses, on field trips and other school sponsored activities. Students should remain in uniform all day. For specified activities that do not require a uniform, the standard dress code applies.

- SHIRT

All students are required to wear a uniform shirt as provided by the school selected uniform vendor.
Shirts that are not tucked in must not extend below shorts, skirt, or skorts
Shirts may not be altered (sleeves cut off, tye dyed etc.)
- BOTTOM

Uniform bottoms must be:

All shorts/pants shall be of one color only. The following colors are acceptable for pants/shorts: black, navy, khaki, white or blue denim.
Aloha print shorts with combination of the following colors only: black, navy, khaki, blue denim, or white
Overalls/jumper skorts with all straps fastened and worn with uniform shirt.
Shorts having a minimum inseam of 4 inches measured form center of the crotch along inseam.
Skorts and skirts purchased through school selected vendor ONLY.
Pants/shorts worn with a waistband at waist and be able to be worn without a belt.
Unacceptable bottoms include:

Saggy, baggy or oversized pants/shorts
Pants/shorts that are see through, reveals underwear, or is body hugging
Torn jeans/shorts
Unfastened overalls/jumper skorts
Loose or hanging belts or chains
Uniform bottoms are available for purchase from the school selected uniform vendor. Students may purchase bottoms that meet the above criteria from local stores or mail order catalogs.

- OUTERWEAR: Uniform outerwear must be a SOLID color of blue or gray jacket, sweatshirt or windbreaker. Outerwear purchased from our school selected vendor that has our school designed logo is also acceptable.

Unacceptable outer wear include:

Sweatshirt, jacket or windbreaker that has stripes or any markings of identification i.e. patches, logo, insignia, or brand name.
Flannel, plaid, printed aloha shirts.
- FOOTWEAR: Flats or athletic shoes are appropriate. Maximum shoe heel height is 2 inches

- CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE TO UNIFORM POLICY: Non-compliance with the Uniform Policy will be considered as Class C Insubordination and students will be disciplined according to the Chapter 19 and School Disciplinary Guidelines. Parents will be notified of disciplinary consequences. In some situations, students will be loaned a school uniform for one day. The uniform must be washed and returned the next school day. Students who fail to return uniforms will be billed accordingly and the charges will be added to the student's financial obligations.

- CONCLUSION: Uniforms alone will not solve all the problems of public schools and the public perception of them However, they are surely one positive contributing factor to improved middle school discipline and safety, and focus student creativity on achievement and learning success. As parents, staff, students and members of the community work together, a uniform policy becomes part of a strong overall school safety program that supports the learning success of all students.

- SPECIAL DRESS DAYS: Occasionally, students may be allowed to dress in non-uniform attire. On these days, students may wear t-shirts, polo shirts, or aloha / dress shirts that do not have any slogans, messages or inappropriate pictures. These tops may be of any color. Bottoms must be regulation.

- Related Links:

Examples of our School Uniform
- For more information: We encourage parents to contact us if needed, you may call the school office at 808-831-7850 or e-mail the MMS HelpDesk at: moanalin@k12.hi.us