Dear Middle School Parents,

I hope you had a wonderful spring vacation, full of great memories, whether you traveled a distance or stayed close to home. As we return to campus, I want to share an important change to our uniform policy and a handful of reminders related to the Middle School uniform code.

Smartwatches

At the outset of the year, Middle School allowed the wearing of smartwatches in classrooms, provided that they were kept in “school” mode or the equivalent. The number of interruptions that have arisen during the year from these devices has been considerable and unsustainable; therefore, as of Monday, April 3, the use of smartwatches will not be allowed during the school day. Much like mobile phones, smartwatches must be removed from wrists as students enter the building, placed in backpacks, and not removed until the student returns to their bus or alternative mode of transportation. Adopting this policy will align us with the Lower School and Intermediate School, where smartwatches are also not permitted.

There are some cases in other divisions where smartwatch use has been allowed based on a documented medical need; if this is the case for your child, please contact me or the Nurse’s office to work towards a waiver of the policy.

School Uniforms

In recent weeks, Middle School faculty and administration have also been discussing the MS uniform in general and have noticed some significant differences between the uniform code as written and what students wear to school. Moving forward, we will be enforcing the code as written, and want to call your attention to some items of particular issue as we return from spring vacation:

The only sweatshirt that can be worn is the Middle School PE sweatshirt, with “POTOMAC” in capital letters on the front and a white space for one’s name below.
The only fleeces that may be worn are solid navy; plain or with the Potomac logo or school name on the left lapel.
Socks must be completely plain and can only be navy or white.
Shoes on non-PE days must be plain black, brown, tan or white, including athletic shoes (as logo-free as possible and not in contrasting colors).
Jewelry is not permitted, except for a watch (not a smartwatch, see above), friendship-style bracelet, and/or small stud earrings.
- Please note that one bracelet only is allowed, not multiple bracelets.
- Necklaces reflecting one’s religious affiliation may be worn; however, these must be removed for P.E. These are the only necklaces permitted in the MS uniform code.
No colored hair, nail polish, or make-up.

If students are out of uniform, they will be asked to change, if possible, using items from the Panther Post. Multiple infractions will result in a call home and potential loss of privileges for the student.

Thanks so much for your understanding and cooperation in these matters.

Best,

John Mathews

Head of Middle School