School Policies

Please note that our illness policy will be enforced uniformly throughout the school. For the health, safety and respect of all community members, we will make no exceptions in being cautious about community health.

• Community members who have a fever or symptoms of illness may not return to school/work until they have been fever-free and symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing agent. 
• Community members must be free from nausea and vomiting for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of medicine prior to returning to school.
• Any community member who has a temperature of 100°F or higher will not be permitted to attend school or enter the school building.
• Any community member complaining of or exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness or communicable disease during the school day will be evaluated by school medical personnel. For students who will need to be sent home, a parent/guardian or designated emergency contact person will be expected to pick the student up within 60 minutes and/or be transported home within 60 minutes.
• Based on public health guidance, the school may require community members to undergo daily temperature checks and/or health screenings.
• Based on public health guidance, community members may be required to use cloth-based masks/face coverings while in school.

While we understand that a child’s illness can be extremely inconvenient since many families do not have a stay-at-home parent, every parent must understand that one sick child can cause many other student and faculty illnesses. It is very important that every family have a plan in place for child care in case a student cannot attend school. If you have any questions, feel free to contact School Nurse Amanda Loforte at 718-833-9090 or via e-mail at aloforte@bayridgeprep.org.

We require students to complete a comprehensive medical form which includes clearances for participation in physical education and athletic activities as well as an immunization history.  Please note that we only accept the Bay Ridge Prep-issued medical forms. All students must also enclose a copy of their most recent dental screening with their physical exam form.  More information is available in your child's Magnus Health account, which can be accessed by logging in to your Veracross Parent portal.

**As of June 13, 2019, New York State no longer allows religious exemptions for vaccinations in public, private or parochial schools. The new law does not impact those students with a medical exemption. Please refer to this attachment from the Department of Health for additional information regarding the new law, the catch-up immunization schedule and answers to frequently asked questions about this law.

Please click here to visit our COVID-19 Tracking & Fasts Fact webpage for policies related to COVID-19.

Tops: Short-sleeve or long-sleeve polo shirts, t-shirts and buttoned down, collared shirts may be worn. All shirts and sweaters should be solid colored and free of any logo. We love school spirit! Bay Ridge Prep shirts such as Tiger Trot shirts, club/team/athletic shirts, etc. are also permitted. Bay Ridge Prep-branded polos and athletic t-shirts, while optional, are available from Lands' End.

Bottoms: Properly fitted dress pants, leggings, corduroy pants or denim pants in khaki, black, navy or gray may be worn. Skirts and Skorts in khaki, black, navy or gray may be worn. These are available from Lands' End or a vendor of your choice.

During warm weather, students may choose to wear shorts in khaki, black, navy or gray.  These are available from Lands' End or a vendor of choice. Crop/Capri pants in khaki, black, navy or gray are also permitted.

Footwear: Sneakers and rubber soled shoes are encouraged daily because our students have active days. For safety reasons, we do not allow flip-flops, open-toed shoes or other footwear that is hazardous while walking up and down stairs.

In lieu of a formal dress code, our intention is that students will come to school dressed ready to learn and be positive representatives of our community. We want to allow room for individual expression while supporting our school values and respecting others within our school. Our expectation is for students to always wear clothing that is neat, respectful to oneself and others, and in good condition.

As we are an academic institution, we expect that students’ clothing will always be appropriate to the setting, tasteful, and free of any offensive imagery and/or language. Clothing should also be non-revealing and private areas of the body must be covered at all times. We expect under-garments to be covered, shirts to have straps and/or sleeves, and all attire to be free of intentional rips and tears. For safety reasons, we do not allow flip-flops, open-toed shoes or other footwear that is hazardous while walking up and down stairs.

Finally, items with our school logos are encouraged and always welcome!  We are happy to share school pride. Bay Ridge Prep shirts such as Tiger Trot shirts, club/team/athletic shirts, etc. are always permitted. Bay Ridge Prep polos and athletic t-shirts, while optional, are available from Lands' End.

We hope this clarifies our goal to support an environment that is focused, productive, supportive, welcoming, and safe.

SHIRTS
Students should wear professional attire. Solid colored long sleeve or short sleeve collared shirts or polo shirts are to be worn. Bay Ridge Prep polos, while optional, are available from Lands' End.  No t-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, low cut or midriff tops.

PANTS & SKIRTS
Dress pants, dress jeans, or skirts in khaki, black, brown, navy blue, gray or other earth tones. Leggings can be worn with skirts. No sweats, or ripped jeans.

SHORTS
During warm weather, students may wear knee-length shorts in khaki, black, navy blue or other earth tones. 

SWEATERS
For cold months, sweaters and cardigans in solid colors (without large logos) can be worn. Bay Ridge Prep sweaters, while optional, are available from Lands' End.

SHOES

• Dress or smart casual footwear in black, brown, or other earth tones are to be worn.

• Warm footwear can be worn during the colder months.

• For safety, high heels, platform shoes, sandals, and open-toed shoes are not permitted at any time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students participate in physical education once a week and change into athletic gear prior to the class. Physical Education attire may be purchased from a vendor of choice and is also available at Lands' End. Students may not participate in gym without sneakers. It is recommended that students keep a pair of sneakers in their locker.

Students may purchase physical education attire from Lands' End or may purchase similar clothing from a vendor of choice. Sneakers are always required to participate in physical education classes.

If school is closed or delayed due to weather or an emergency, a note is posted on bayridgeprep.org and the school's social media pages.  The information is also sent via text message and e-mail to the school community.  Weather-related notifications are sent out by 6 a.m. on the day in question.

Bay Ridge Prep will always close school if the NYC Dept. of Education closes public schools. On some occasions, Bay Ridge Prep will close school before the DOE makes a decision or even if the DOE keeps public schools open. This usually occurs if it is determined that an impending weather event or another emergency will make conditions inside or near the school unsafe.