Uniforms
Uniform Information
Uniform Policy
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All Connecticut Technical High Schools, including Norwich Technical High School, have a mandatory uniform policy. This uniform policy supersedes the dress code policy in the Connecticut Technical High School System Student-Parent handbook. Dress codes have been found to have a positive effect on school pride, on student identity, and on safety.
Academic Shirts:
Which shirts are worn during the academic cycle?
During Academics, all students in grades 9-12 are required to wear Norwich Tech uniform dress shirts or polo shirts. Shirts are available in navy blue and white. The shirts are available in long- and short- sleeved. Athletic wear with the Norwich Tech logo or special shirts purchased by students for school-sponsored events can be worn in place of academic shirts.
Where do I purchase the required shirts?
Norwich Tech uniform shirts and apparel are only available through our approved vendors:
Academic Uniforms (and select trade uniforms)- Sportees
Trade Uniforms
Alexander’s Uniforms: Password: norwichtech2024
How many shirts am I required to purchase?
That is your choice; remember the academic cycle usually runs approximately nine school days, and students are required to be in an academic uniform each day. Freshmen should purchase at least one of the Freshmen Bundles.
I tend to get cold; can I wear a shirt underneath my Norwich Tech academic shirt?
Long- or short-sleeve T-shirts can be worn under any shirt. The T-shirt must be one of the following plain colors: black, dark/navy blue, white, gray, yellow/gold. T-shirts may not have graphic prints, plaids, or stripes, or other patterns.
Academic Pants:
What style or color of pants may I wear?
Casual pants, dress pants, or walking length shorts (Dockers, Dickies, twill, Chino, corduroy) in navy blue, black, or khaki solid color. Girls may wear skirts (no more than 4 inches above the knee), Capri pants, or black yoga pants. Cargo pants (additional pockets on the pants’ leg), jeggings, and spandex (or other stretch material) are not approved.
Am I required to purchase pants/skirts through the uniform companies?
No, pants/skirts may be purchased from Darter Specialties or any store (for example Walmart, Kohl’s, Goodwill, etc) or from an online vendor.
May I wear jeans?
No. Jeans are only permitted to be worn by freshmen during the exploratory shop cycle. Some shops choose jeans as part of their shop uniform. Jeans are never permitted during the academic cycle even if they are in approved colors. Jeans are generally made of denim material and have exterior pockets.
Footwear:
The choice of shoes should be in accordance with the "Student Dress and Grooming Section" of the Parent-Student Handbook. Ninth-grade students are required to have work boots for the first two cycles of Exploratory. Crocs are allowed in academics only (unless allowed in your shop) and must be in “sports mode”.
OuterWear:
All coats, jackets, or other attire normally worn as outerwear are prohibited from wear during the school day and should be placed in lockers until the end of the school day. Norwich Tech fleece tops, vests, sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies are approved to be worn during the academic cycle. School-approved outerwear must have the Norwich Tech logo clearly visible. Outerwear may be purchased from our clothing vendor Darter Specialties.
Students choosing to wear a Norwich Tech outerwear item are still required to wear a Norwich Tech academic uniform shirt underneath.
Trade-specific outerwear (sweatshirts, jackets) may be worn only during the trade cycle.
Gym Uniform:
All Norwich Tech students are required to wear a gym uniform during gym class. Gym clothing may only be worn in gym class, not in academic classes. Gym uniforms cannot be used for academic or trade uniforms. They can be purchased through Sportees.
Exploratory Uniform (Freshmen):
Ninth grade students are required to purchase and wear an exploratory T-shirt. Students must wear jeans and work boots in all shops. Ripped jeans, while stylish, are not permitted in exploratory. Jeans may be purchased from any retail store. The exploratory T-shirt must be purchased from our clothing vendor Darter Specialties.
The exploratory uniform is appropriate to wear throughout ninth grade. Although some ninth-grade students choose to buy the associated shop uniform once they are in their permanent shop, they are not required to purchase the shop uniform until 10th grade.
Trade Uniform:
Each trade will send home a detailed uniform policy unique to each shop. Trade uniforms, including trade outerwear (sweatshirts, jackets), may not be worn during the academic cycle. Trade websites for ordering - Darter’s and Alexander's Uniforms password: norwichtech2024. Please do not order trade uniforms until the instructors have given out the information. They are not required to wear the trade uniform until 10th grade.
Jewelry / Piercings/ Acrylic Nails:
During the trade cycle, students may NOT have visible jewelry/piercings as it may be a violation of established safety procedures or inconsistent with professional standards. Jewelry is not permitted during Freshmen Exploratory. Acrylic Nails are not permitted during Freshmen Exploratory and may be prohibited in certain shops for safety and/or hygiene reasons.
Hats:
No hats of any type are permitted during academic or trade cycles. Students who choose to wear head coverings for religious or cultural purposes can only wear head coverings that are school colors.
Student IDs:
Will I be required to wear my student ID badge?
Yes, according to Connecticut Technical High School System Board of Education policy, all students in CTECS must wear school-issued student ID badges. If a student loses their ID, they are required to purchase a replacement. The replacement cost is five dollars. Failure to wear the currently issued school ID will result in a referral to administration. Freshmen & new students will receive a temporary ID until their official ID comes in after picture day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to order all of my uniform items at the beginning of the year?
No, you can purchase items as you need them. Please plan for enough time, as the vendor may take several weeks for your order to come in. As cooler weather approaches, you may want to purchase a Norwich Tech sweatshirt, sweater, or vest.
How do I know what size to purchase?
All items are sold in adult sizes. There are some women's sizes available as well.
What happens if I am not in compliance with the Norwich Tech uniform policy?
Every effort will be made to bring the student into compliance by offering to loan him/her the necessary clothing for the day. Alternatively, a parent or guardian can bring the appropriate clothing to school. Dress code violations will be directed to the SAIL Instructor, Dean of Students, or administration.
- 1st violation-Conference with the student, contact home, and the student will receive a uniform pass for the day.
- 2nd violation-Conference with the student, contact home, one administrative detention, and the student will receive a uniform pass for the day.
- 3rd violation- Conference with the student, contact home, and two administrative detentions. The student will receive a uniform pass for the day, and the student's counselor will be notified.
- 4th violation- One day of ISS and parent meeting.
What if I can't afford to buy an academic or shop uniform?
The student or parent should contact Ms. Virginia Messina, Director of Counseling, at virginia.messina@cttech.org to discuss what assistance may be available.
The above guidelines are intended to help students comply with the uniform policy. It is not possible to list every scenario or predict evolving clothing styles. In all cases, school administration will make the final decision regarding appropriate clothing for school.