Handbook
“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!” – Evonn Berube-Reiersen, Founding Trustee
Outdoor Gear:
At RVCS, students and guides go outdoors every day regardless of the weather.* The clothing that a student wears can affect their happiness, safety, and learning potential. Being properly dressed for time outdoors enables the student, as well as the entire school community, the freedom and confidence to explore the earth together. Something as simple as forgetting one’s hat or hiking boots can sidetrack a group’s experience for the whole day. The success of our curriculum relies on the attention and cooperation of parents, students, volunteers, and staff.
All students are required to have appropriate outdoor clothing and gear year-round. Students need to be comfortable in and protected from the heat, cold, rain, and snow in order to participate in all outdoor activities. Well supported, closed-toe shoes are appropriate for active movement. All necessary gear, in addition to a complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing, must be on site at all times to support planned and spontaneous learning experiences.
*Unless it is deemed unsafe to be outdoors
Dress Code:
The reason for a dress code at RVCS is to increase the safety of both guides and students. Clothing worn at RVCS must be suitable and safe for all school activities and conducive to orderly instruction. Covering up, to reduce chances of insect bites, rashes and scratches from plants, and sunburn, is the best way to avoid these hazards.
Long pants that cover the ankle are strongly suggested. If shorts are worn, the length should reach almost to the knee [no more than 4 finger width (approximately 2 inches) above] in order to protect as much of the upper leg as possible. Students must wear a shirt with fabric on the front, back, and sides. Although shirts with sleeves are recommended, any sleeveless shirts must have a durable strap that is not prone to breaking. All outer clothing must cover torso and underwear. Only closed-toe shoes with a sturdy back strap are permitted (no open-toe or open-back sandals, flip flops or shoes with more than a 1.5” heel). Crew socks, or any socks that cover the ankle, are recommended. Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to or from any student or guide. Hoodies must allow the face and ears to be visible. The RVCS dress code also prohibits attire or grooming depicting or advocating violence, criminal activity, use of alcohol or drugs, pornography, profanity or hate speech.