Policies
School Uniform
The School District of Philadelphia requires all students to wear uniforms to school. Students are expected to follow their school’s dress code so that their appearance does not cause a disturbance, distract or interfere with the instructional program, or constitute a health or safety hazard. A student’s clothing should fit appropriately and meet the guidelines indicated below.
Grades K-5:
Tops: Solid color Navy or White polo shirts (with collar – no logos other than Dobson Logo)
Bottoms: Solid color Khaki or Navy (No jeans or leggings. Jogging/sweatpants only on physical education days)
Jumpers and skirts are also acceptable in the required color combination.
Knee-length shorts of the appropriate color are also acceptable during warm weather.
Grades 6-8:
Tops: Solid Color Maroon/Burgundy or Navy polo shirts (with collar – no logos other than Dobson Logo)
Bottoms: Solid Color Khaki or Navy or Black (No jeans or leggings)
Jumpers and skirts are also acceptable in the required color combination.
Knee-length shorts of the appropriate color are also acceptable during warm weather.
Physical Education Uniform:
Tops – Students may wear plain white or any navy Dobson t-shirts.
Bottoms – Navy Sweatpants/jogging pants or Navy shorts
Any Dobson Athletic t-shirt is acceptable on gym days.
Sneakers – Sneakers must be worn for gym.
Uniform Reminders & Notes:
No jeans, leggings, hats or hoodies.
Jogging pants are only allowed on designated physical education days.
Undershirts are not to be worn alone.
No tee-shirts, unless it is a Dobson School Shirt.
Students must wear closed-toe shoes/sneakers at all times.
When weather indicates a need for particularly warm clothing, sweaters and/or sweatshirts must be solid navy.
Uniform clothing items with our signature Dobson Logo will be available for optional purchase! Information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Early Dismissal
All early dismissals must be initiated in the Main Office. Photo ID must be presented when signing out a student. Only the parent or an adult listed on the emergency contact form on file in the office will be granted access to the student.
PARENTS may NOT go to classrooms to pick up children. Please note that early dismissals will not be granted after 2:30 PM.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. If a student is not present in school, they are not present for their teacher’s instruction. The following reasons are the only recognized excuses for school absences:
- Personal illness
- Family illness
- Religious holiday
Students must bring in a note following their absence explaining the reason for the absence. Excessive unexcused absences are reported to truancy court.
Classroom Visits
Dobson believes families are partners in their student’s success. Family members are welcome at the school, but those interested in visiting their students’ classroom must be authorized prior to their visit. Once arranged, the principal or a designee will accompany the family member to the classroom for a short stay to ensure minimal disruption. Thank you for your cooperation.
Student Expectations
Dobson students care for their community. They act with:
- Respect
- Empathy
- Integrity
Positive Behavior Incentive Systems (PBIS)
Teachers at Dobson use PBIS to encourage and reinforce the habits we want students to learn. Teachers work together to plan special events (trips, Fun Fridays, celebrations) for students that earn the privilege of participating. Opportunities often allow students to explore Philadelphia, such as through trips to the Zoo, Schuylkill Valley Nature Center, Independence Historic Park, and more. The special events themselves will be opportunities for students to socialize, have fun, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Expectations for earning those privileges are communicated to students and families, and regular updates on student progress toward those goals are also given. Families can expect frequent communication with teachers through Class Dojo.
Electronic Devices
Dobson strongly discourages students from bringing cell phones and other electronics to school.
THE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, DAMAGED, OR STOLEN DEVICES.
Only materials related to a student’s education should be brought to school. A phone is available in the main office for students if an emergency should arise and students need to call home. Families can also reach a student with any urgent message by contacting the school’s main office. They should NOT contact their student directly via the child’s phone during the school day.