Rest
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of overall health, particularly in childhood and early adolescence. It is essential for physical well-being, cognitive development, emotional regulation, and academic success. Quality sleep fosters growth by optimizing brain function, strengthening the immune system, enhancing attention, and promoting emotional resilience. Conversely, sleep deprivation has been linked to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and even certain cancers. Prioritizing adequate rest reduces these risks, supporting long-term health, sustained energy levels, and emotional stability.
Beyond its physiological benefits, sleep is crucial for cognitive development. It facilitates memory consolidation, information processing, and problem-solving, which are critical functions for children acquiring and applying new knowledge. Well-rested children demonstrate sharper focus, stronger decision-making skills, and improved impulse control, which, in turn, helps mitigate negative behaviors. Academically, sufficient sleep is essential for retaining learned material and applying it effectively in class. Sleep enhances a child’s capacity for learning by promoting neural connections that support understanding, creativity, and the ability to perform well on academic tasks. Researchers also estimate with high probability that many children suffering from sleep disorders are treated with medication for ADHD due to a misdiagnosis, highlighting the significant impact that sleep disturbances can have on a child’s overall well-being.
Sleep also plays a vital role in emotional well-being. Children who consistently get sufficient rest are more likely to exhibit emotional stability, a positive outlook, and resilience. Deep sleep, in particular, is crucial for mental and emotional health, as it allows the brain to eliminate toxins, reinforce cognitive function, and clear unnecessary information. This process helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases later in life. Additionally, dreaming serves an essential function in emotional regulation, aiding in problem-solving, processing daily experiences, and reinforcing learning, all of which contribute to overall psychological well-being.
Recommendations for Improving Sleep
Attendance
If you are early, you are on time.
If you are on time, you are late.
The habit of showing up early—for class, practice, a meeting, the school day, work—demonstrates respect for everyone else's time.
Our curriculum is detailed and fast-paced at Thales Academy, so even one part of a class missed can put a student behind. Thus, to help our students find success, we are strict on attendance at Thales Academy.
Teach your child that success starts with showing up by helping them arrive early, attend every day, and stay all day. Furthermore, set the example yourself–don’t make excuses or condone skipping school. Limit absences to sickness, family emergencies, and bereavement leave, and try to schedule appointments outside of the school day or over track out.
Regular school attendance is of paramount importance in the educational process. A pattern of absenteeism and/or tardiness can rapidly have a significant, negative impact on a student's ability to learn and grow. In order to achieve optimal student outcomes, and accounting for the central role daily attendance plays in the cumulative curriculum at Thales Academy, the Thales Academy Board of Directors has established our attendance policy in alignment with state compulsory school attendance laws.
Attendance Policy
Any of these instances will cause a student’s enrollment to be placed under review, and the student may be subject to removal from Thales Academy:
Per Year:
- 8 Excused Absences
- 2 Unexcused Absences
- 12 Tardies/Early Departures
Notes:
- Excused Absences are granted ONLY for documented illness, injury, or death in the immediate family. Written documentation in the form of a doctor's note or a note from the student's parent/guardian must be submitted to the Office Manager within 24-hours of the absence to count as an excused absence. We highly recommend getting a doctor’s note whenever possible
- All other absences will be counted as Unexcused Absences (including any absences that could be defined as excused but lack the required written documentation submitted to the Office Manager within 24-hours of the absence). Suspensions are also counted as unexcused absences
- Tardies/early departures will be counted in total regardless of reason, with no excused or unexcused differentiation
- Students will be marked tardy if they are not inside the building by the end of the morning carpool time listed on the campus bell schedule
Additional Notes:
- Absences should be reserved for medical emergencies, sickness, or death in the immediate family
- Families should use the four track outs during the year to schedule non-urgent medical appointments, vacations, trips, and celebrations
- Family vacations, travel, educational enrichment activities, sports programs, or any other non-school-related activity during the academic year, including religious observances and scheduled non-urgent medical appointments (doctor checkups, dentist appointments, etc.) are all considered unexcused absences
- Head of School may, but is not obligated to, provide a one-time excessive absenteeism exception in the instance of a documented case of illness if the student has satisfactorily maintained their work for the duration of the absence
Make-Up Work Policies
- Due to Excused Absences: Students have one day for each day absent to complete missed work (not counting weekends)
- Due to Unexcused Absences: Students are expected to keep up with missed assignments and return to school with work completed
Pre-K–5
Families must inform each teacher in advance and collect any missed work. All work is due immediately upon the student’s return
JH/HS
Families must inform each teacher in advance and collect any missed work that is available from each teacher. If the work is not available in advance, the student is responsible to check Canvas and email his/her teachers about what work was missed. All work is due immediately upon the student’s return
- Excessive Tardies/Early Departures in Same Class: 7 tardies or early departures in the same class in a semester will remove the privilege for a student to make up work missed due to future tardies or early departures in that class unless an exception is approved for documented medical reasons by the Head of School
Dress Code
We have found that students learn best when given the freedom to focus their attention on academics and those aspects of character that are truly important. Our simple dress code fosters an environment of professionalism that matches the standard set by our faculty and staff.
Pre-K–5 Dress Code
School uniforms are required for all students attending Thales Academy. Uniforms are to be worn at all times. All uniforms are to be neat, clean, and in good condition. Clothing must meet the following criteria or students will be required to contact their parents/guardians for a change of clothing.
Bottoms
Boys and Girls
Pants, Shorts, Skirts, & Skorts
Color: Khaki or Navy Blue
Length: Shorts & skirts/skorts: Knee-length (at the knee); Pants: Full-length, straight-leg
Style: Dress-style pants (straight-leg only), shorts, skirts, or skorts.
No cargo-style, capri-style, knit, stretch, denim, or corduroy material allowed. Pants must be straight-leg style only—No wide leg, skinny, boot cut, flare, etc.
Skirts must be worn with bike or knit shorts, leggings, or tights (white, navy, light blue, or red only) underneath.
All garments must be free of holes, rips, and/or tears.
Jumpers and Polo-Style Dresses
Girls
Jumpers
Color: Khaki or Navy Blue
Length: Knee-length (at the knee)
Style: Jumpers should be professional and appropriately fitting.
Jumpers must be worn with a short- or long-sleeve polo-style, collared shirt underneath.
Jumpers must be worn with bike or knit shorts, leggings, or tights (white, navy, light blue, or red only) underneath.
No corduroy or knit material.
Polo Style Dresses
Color: Navy Blue, Light Blue, or Red
Length: Knee-length (at the knee)
Style: Polo-style dresses should have a collar and be professional and appropriately fitting.
Polo-style dresses must be worn with bike or knit shorts, leggings, or tights (white, navy, light blue, or red only) underneath.
Tops
Boys and Girls
Shirts
Color: Solid Red, Navy, Light Blue only
Style: Polo-style cotton or dri-fit collared shirts, long sleeve or short sleeve.
No button down blouses.
Turtlenecks in colors red, light blue, and navy are acceptable if they are worn under school appropriate sweaters or sweater vests. Turtlenecks may not be worn alone. Polos should be free of graphics, emblems, or designs such as Polo, Under Armour.
Sweaters
Color: Solid Red, Navy, Light Blue only
Style: Woven, knit pullover sweater, sweater vest or cardigan. Crewneck or V-neck are allowed. A polo style, collared shirt must be worn under all sweaters, vests or cardigans.
Inside: Sweaters with hoods are not allowed.
Fleece
Color: Solid Red, Navy, Light Blue only
Style: Fleece pullovers, fleece vests, or fleece jackets are acceptable and can be worn in class. A polo style, collared shirt must be worn under all Fleece pullovers, fleece vests, or fleece jackets.
Sweatshirt fabric not allowed.
Footwear
Boys and Girls
Allowed: Low-top tennis shoes (no bright neon-colors; no character-themed)
Close-toed, solid brown, black, or navy dress flats/shoes
Prohibited:
- High top sneakers
- Heels
- Boots
- Ugg-style shoes
- Sandals
- Clogs
- Flip-flops
- Sport Slides
- Crocs
- Mules
- Heelys or other wheeled shoes
- Blinking, light-up, or noise-making shoes
- Shoe charms
- Shoe sequins/gems
- Socks above ankle-length
- Leg warmers
Socks: Socks must be solid color of white, gray, or navy blue only and be ankle-length.
Leggings and tights: Leggings and tights must be solid color of white, navy, light blue, or red and are only allowed to be worn under skirts, jumpers, and polo-style dresses.
School Gym Uniforms and PE Classes
Pre-K–5 students do not dress-out for PE.
Accessories
Piercings: Girls may wear small earrings only; earrings should not contain inappropriate text or symbols. Boys may not wear earrings.
No facial piercings.
Watches: A single traditional non-smart wristwatch with a band width of 1 inch or smaller may be worn as long as it is silent in operation at all times and includes no visuals beyond the time and date on the watchface.
No smart watches or fitbits or other watch-style devices.
Other Jewelry: No necklaces, chains, bracelets, rings, anklets, or other jewelry allowed.
Makeup: Makeup should not be heavy. Temporary and/or permanent tattoos, and face/body glitter are not allowed. Nail polish, if worn, should be in natural colors only.
Hair: Student hair should not be colored, highlighted, tinted and/or dyed hair in unnatural colors or have faux hawks. Boys’ hair length should be clean cut and above the collar. Boys are required to be clean shaven. No Fairy Hair.
Hair Accessories: Headbands, hair bows, and other hair accessories should be solid in color and not include any glitter, sparkles, gems, charms, or character-themes; no neon- or metallic-colored hair accessories. All hair accessories should not be excessively large or gaudy and should not contain inappropriate text or symbols.
Hats and Head Gear: Hats, bandanas, or other head coverings are not allowed to be worn inside of the buildings.
Other Notes Regarding Dress Code
- Shirts are to be tucked in at all times
- Bike or knit shorts are to be worn under skirts
- No coats, hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, or non-uniform sweaters/fleeces may be worn in the classroom
- Undergarments must not be visible when students are in uniform
- Shirts must be properly buttoned and must be tucked
- No deep V-necks or plunging necklines
- Undershirts, camisoles included, should be white and/or match school colors and should be tucked in appropriately. Boys' undershirts should be t-shirt style only
- Outside: Other outerwear may be worn outside of the school building only but may not not contain inappropriate text or symbols
- Backpacks: Wheeled backpacks are prohibited
- Articles of clothing or accessories not detailed or listed in this section will be considered not in compliance with the dress code
- School administration makes the final decision on the acceptability of items in reference to dress code. All decisions are final and are not subject to appeal
Dress-Down Policy
Student Spirit Day Dress Code Policy
Thales Academy holds special “spirit days” where students and teachers may wear attire outside of the normal dress code. On spirit days, students may wear a spirit t-shirt with uniform bottoms. These days are announced in advance and typically fall on the last Friday of each month/quarter and field trips. Campus administrators will notify students about specific days. The spirit shirts must be Thales approved spirit wear from our campus store or an approved club t-shirt. No hoodies are allowed on spirit days. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. As a campus we will host one spirit week each year for homecoming. All Thales Academy students’ attire every day should reflect that you are a representative of Thales Academy.
Dress Code Violations & Enforcement
Dress Code Enforcement Policy
- All Thales Academy team members have been assigned the responsibility to uphold the dress code
- Articles of clothing or accessories not detailed or listed in this section will be considered not in compliance with the dress code
- Students may be reported and sent to the front office for dress code violations by any Thales Academy team member, even if it is not his or her student, and for any dress code violation, including untucked shirts and rolled-up shorts/skirts/skorts
- The Office Manager will confirm details with the reporting Thales Academy team member and issue consequences (see below for list of consequences). (Students may be required to wait in the instance of a busy front office)
- All Thales Academy team members are trained to show prudent judgment that upholds our school's official policies and values, and their decisions to report any students for violations will be final and not subject to appeal without requiring any additional review from Heads of Schools or Leadership
- School administration makes the final decision on the acceptability of items in reference to dress code. All decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
Pre-K–5 Dress Code Violation Consequences
First Offense: An official written warning will be recorded and shared
Second Offense: An official written warning will be recorded and shared, and a call will be made to the parent/guardian
Third Offense: An official written warning will be recorded and shared, and a call will be made to the parent/guardian. If the dress code violation requires a change of clothes to comply, a parent/guardian will be contacted to bring an appropriate change of clothing for the student before the student may return to class and/or to pick up any prohibited items if necessary
Fourth Offense: 1 day suspension
Fifth Offense: 3 day suspension and student's enrollment put under review
Uniform Retailer Guidelines
Families are welcome to purchase students' daily uniforms at any retailer they choose, as long as uniforms are in compliance with our dress code policies. (We have also arranged uniform stores with Lands' End, if preferred.) Please note that all students must purchase PE uniforms and spirit wear directly from their campus online stores; more information will be provided by your campus.
JH/HS Dress Code
School uniforms are required for all students attending Thales Academy. Uniforms are to be worn at all times. All uniforms are to be neat, clean, and in good condition. Clothing must meet the following criteria or students will be required to contact their parents/guardians for a change of clothing.
Bottoms
Pants, Shorts, Skirts, & Skorts
Color: Khaki or navy blue
Length: Shorts & skirts/skorts: Knee-length (at the knee); Pants: Full-length, straight-leg
Style: Dress-style pants (straight-leg only), shorts, skirts, or skorts.
No cargo-style, capri-style, knit, stretch, denim, or corduroy material allowed. Pants must be straight-leg style only—No wide leg, skinny, boot cut, flare, etc.
Skirts must be worn with bike or knit shorts or tights (white or navy only) underneath; no leggings.
All garments must be free of holes, rips, and/or tears.
Belts must be worn with pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts if they have belt loops. Belts must be brown or black in color, and cannot be embellished with decorations.
Tops
Shirts, Sweaters, Fleece
Inside: Jackets and sweatshirts with hoods and crewneck sweatshirts are not compliant with the dress code. No hoods are allowed in the building. The following items are acceptable in the building:
- Collared shirts: Long sleeve or short sleeve. Polo style. Colors are solid navy blue, red, light blue, hunter green, or maize yellow. High school students may also wear white.
Oxford shirts are allowed to be worn for high school students. - Pullover sweater, sweater vest, or cardigan: Crewneck or v-neck in solid navy blue, red, light blue, hunter green, or maize yellow. High School students may also wear white
- Fleece pullovers, fleece vests, or fleece jackets are acceptable in solid navy blue, red, light blue, hunter green, white or maize yellow. No graphics or prominent logos permitted.
- A collared uniform shirt must be worn under all sweaters and fleeces
- Sweatshirt fabric not allowed.
- Undergarments must not be visible when students are in uniform.
- Shirts must be properly buttoned and must be tucked in at all times. If it is not long enough to stay tucked in, it is not an appropriate shirt. No deep v-necks or plunging necklines. Undershirts and camisoles should match school colors and should be tucked in appropriately.
- Shirts should be free of graphics, emblems, or designs such as Polo, Under Armour.
Students must wear a uniform shirt under all sweaters and fleeces.
Outside: Other outerwear may be worn outside of the school building only but may not not contain inappropriate text or symbols.
Footwear
Tennis Shoes
All shoes must be closed-toed.
Allowed: Low-top tennis shoes (no high tops; no bright neon-colors; no character-themed)
Close-toed, solid brown, black, or navy dress flats/shoes
Prohibited:
- High top sneakers
- Heels
- Boots
- Ugg-style shoes
- Sandals
- Clogs
- Flip-flops
- Sport Slides
- Crocs
- Mules
- Heelys or other wheeled shoes
- Blinking, light-up, or noise-making shoes
- Shoe charms
- Shoe sequins/gems
- Socks above ankle-length
- Leg warmers
- Leggings
Socks: Socks must be solid color of white, gray, or navy blue only and be ankle-length.
Tights: Tights must be solid color of white or navy and are only allowed to be worn under skirts or skorts.
Leggings are not allowed in grades 6–12.
Accessories
Piercings: Girls may wear small earrings only; earrings should not contain inappropriate text or symbols. Boys may not wear earrings.
No facial piercings.
Watches: A single traditional non-smart wristwatch with a band width of 1 inch or smaller may be worn as long as it is silent in operation at all times and includes no visuals beyond the time and date on the watchface.
No smart watches or fitbits or other watch-style devices.
Other Jewelry: No necklaces, chains, bracelets, rings, anklets, or other jewelry allowed.
Makeup: Makeup should not be heavy. Temporary and/or permanent tattoos, and face/body glitter are not allowed. Nail polish, if worn, should be in natural colors only.
Hair: Student hair should not be colored, highlighted, tinted and/or dyed hair in unnatural colors or have faux hawks. Boys’ hair length should be clean cut and above the collar. Boys are required to be clean shaven. No Fairy Hair.
Hair Accessories: Headbands, hair bows, and other hair accessories should be solid in color and not include any glitter, sparkles, gems, charms, or character-themes; no neon- or metallic-colored hair accessories. All hair accessories should not be excessively large or gaudy and should not contain inappropriate text or symbols.
Hats and Head Gear: Hats, bandanas, or other head coverings are not allowed to be worn inside of the buildings.
Belts: Belts may be worn in solid black or brown and are required to be worn with any bottoms that have belt loops. Belt buckles should not be excessively large or gaudy and should not contain inappropriate text or symbols.
Other Notes Regarding Dress Code
- Shirts are to be tucked in at all times
- Bike or knit shorts are to be worn under skirts
- No coats, hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, or non-uniform sweaters/fleeces may be worn in the classroom
- Undergarments must not be visible when students are in uniform
- Shirts must be properly buttoned and must be tucked
- No deep V-necks or plunging necklines
- Undershirts, camisoles included, should be white and/or match school colors and should be tucked in appropriately. Boys' undershirts should be t-shirt style only
- Outside: Other outerwear may be worn outside of the school building only but may not not contain inappropriate text or symbols
- Backpacks: Wheeled backpacks are prohibited
- Articles of clothing or accessories not detailed or listed in this section will be considered not in compliance with the dress code
- School administration makes the final decision on the acceptability of items in reference to dress code. All decisions are final and are not subject to appeal
School Gym Uniforms and PE Classes
Students at our K–8 campuses wear their school uniforms for PE class. Students at our other campuses must dress out for PE and are required to wear a specific gym uniform consisting of navy shorts and a Thales Academy grey t-shirt (your campus will provide information for ordering your PE uniform if it is required at your campus). All students should have their name written clearly on each article of clothing. It is recommended that this be placed inside the collar of the shirt and on the tag of the shorts.
Dress-Down Policy
Student Spirit Day Dress Code Policy
Thales Academy holds special “spirit days” where students and teachers may wear attire outside of the normal dress code. On spirit days, students may wear a spirit t-shirt with uniform bottoms. These days are announced in advance and typically fall on the last Friday of each month/quarter and field trips. Heads of school will notify students about specific days. The spirit shirts must be Thales approved spirit wear from our campus store or an approved club t-shirt. No hoodies are allowed on spirit days. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. As a campus we will host one spirit week each year for homecoming. All Thales Academy students’ attire every day should reflect that you are a representative of Thales Academy.
Student Athletes: Game day dress requirements will be consistent through all Thales Academy Athletic teams. Students may wear game jerseys and uniform bottoms on home and away game days. Jerseys must be tucked in at all times.
Dress Code Violations & Enforcement
Dress Code Enforcement Policy
- All Thales Academy team members have been assigned the responsibility to uphold the dress code
- Articles of clothing or accessories not detailed or listed in this section will be considered not in compliance with the dress code
- Students may be reported and sent to the front office for dress code violations by any Thales Academy team member, even if it is not his or her student, and for any dress code violation, including untucked shirts and rolled-up shorts/skirts/skorts
- The Office Manager will confirm details with the reporting Thales Academy team member and issue consequences (see below for list of consequences). (Students may be required to wait in the instance of a busy front office)
- All Thales Academy team members are trained to show prudent judgment that upholds our school's official policies and values, and their decisions to report any students for violations will be final and not subject to appeal without requiring any additional review from Heads of Schools or Leadership
- School administration makes the final decision on the acceptability of items in reference to dress code. All decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
JH/HS Dress Code Violation Consequences
First Offense: An official written warning will be recorded and shared. If the dress code violation requires a change of clothes to comply, a parent/guardian will be contacted to bring an appropriate change of clothing for the student before the student may return to class
Second Offense: 1 day suspension
Third Offense: 3 day suspension and student's enrollment put under review
Uniform Retailer Guidelines
Families are welcome to purchase students' daily uniforms at any retailer they choose, as long as uniforms are in compliance with our dress code policies. (We have also arranged uniform stores with Lands' End, if preferred.) Please note that all students must purchase PE uniforms and spirit wear directly from their campus online stores; more information will be provided by your campus.
Faculty & Staff Dress Code
All Thales Academy team members serve as role models for the students with whom they work. It is the expectation of the Thales Academy Board of Directors that all team members dress professionally and appropriately relative to their specific job duties and responsibilities. The overriding principle is that all team members, while on duty, are representatives of Thales Academy.
The Board desires that Thales Academy team members respect and adhere to the guidelines for team member dress and appearance established by this policy. The Head of School is authorized to interpret and enforce this policy. Any team member in violation of this policy may be asked by his or her Head of School to go home and change clothes and/or refrain from wearing such clothing in the future. Repeated problems with an team member's inappropriate dress or appearance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Thales Academy team members are expected to visibly wear an official Thales Academy credential while on campus. A Thales Academy team member's dress or appearance may not be so unusual, inappropriate or lacking in cleanliness that it clearly disrupts the learning or working environment.
All Faculty
Men
- Shirts: Collared Oxford-style shirts. Necktie required if special guests are visiting (e.g. speaker or classroom guest)
- Pants: Khaki, black, navy blue, or neutral colored slacks or chinos
- Outerwear: Classic-styled pullover sweaters, vests, cardigans, or fleeces, or dress coats/blazers may be worn but must be over an Oxford-style shirt with the top of the shirt collar visible
- Shoes: Dress shoes only. No tennis shoes
- Socks: Dark solid color socks
- Hair: Hair should not be colored, highlighted, tinted and/or dyed hair in unnatural colors. No Fairy Hair or faux hawks. Hair length should be clean cut and above the collar. Facial hair should be kept well-groomed and moderate in length
- Tattoos/Skin: No visible temporary and/or permanent tattoos. No makeup or nail polish
Women
- Shirts: Business casual, appropriate neckline
- Pants: Chinos, slacks
- Skirts: Business casual, knee-length or longer
- Dresses: Business casual, knee-length or longer, appropriate neckline
- Leggings: No leggings unless sweater or dress is layered on top and is knee length. Any leggings should be a solid, neutral color
- Shoes: Dress sandals (no flip flops), boots, flats, heels (no higher than 3 inches)
- Hair: Hair should not be colored, highlighted, tinted and/or dyed hair in unnatural colors. No Fairy Hair or faux hawks
- Makeup: Makeup should not be heavy. No visible temporary and/or permanent tattoos. No face/body glitter. Nail polish, if worn, should be in natural colors only
PE Only
Athletic apparel
- Shirts: Appropriate neckline
- Bottoms: Chinos, slacks, jogging pants, or shorts. If worn, shorts must be a 7-inch inseam or longer
- Running shoes
- No hoodies
After School Care Only
Additional Rules & Exceptions
Technology
Thales Academy recognizes the importance of modern technology skills as a part of an effective 21st century education. However, personal technology devices brought from home cause distractions and discipline issues in an educational setting. To maximize learning and remove the disciplinary challenges personal devices invite, Thales Academy will no longer allow personal technology devices and wireless communication devices on campus for students at all.
