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A Statement of Rationale for Having a Dress Code
Personal appearance – Ever since those fig leaves in the Garden of Eden, one’s dress and appearance have been a personal and important issue. Appearance is also important in a community context, though, and deserves to be addressed in a learning environment such as a Christian school. The following assumptions govern our thinking:
1.Your appearance reflects your values. In many ways, you become what you look like. Your values are shaped by your choice of appearance, and your choice of appearance represents to others what you consider important. In other words, if you choose to look like the latest superstar, not only will others assume you want to look like that superstar, but you will begin sharing those same values as well. Naturally, we do not want your appearance to conflict with the values associated with our school.
2.Your appearance affects your behavior, and that of your peers. If your appearance is excessive or draws attention to itself in some way, then you are a distraction to the tasks at hand, which are education and maturity. There are two extremes of clothing: being overly concerned or having no concern. Both extremes will distract from, and interfere with, the learning process.
3.Your appearance sets the tone for our environment. In this case, since clothing influences mentality, and appearances affect group living, our standards of dress aid in shaping the overall climate of the place in which we operate. We want to be proud of our learning environment, no matter what the current standards and taste of our society.4. Community interest takes precedence over personal preference. Personal sacrifices are inevitable whenever a group of people function in a close setting. Unless a rule or expectation is a violation of an individual’s integrity, personal life-style choice like dress and conduct are acceptable when within the confines imposed by the community as a whole.
DRESS CODE
GIRLS:
Shirts: Oxford weave/cotton blend collared shirts or Polo style with short or long sleeve collared shirts or Turtlenecks may be worn. Any brand name labels must be no larger than a standard business card. Shirts with squared hems may be worn outside.
Slacks/capris/gauchos/crop pants: Solid colored pants may be worn. Fabrics to be avoided include: knit, jersey, flannel, parachute fabric, velvet and leather. Slacks must not be tight fitting. Tight-fitting will be defined as any slacks or jeans that has less than two inches of ease at the fullest part of the hip. Ease is measured by lightly gathering the fabric to one side of the garment.
Jeans: Solid, colored jeans may be worn, but must continue to be in good repair without holes or fringes for hems. No overalls, no cutoff or frayed jeans are allowed. No multi-colored or embellished jeans are allowed. Low-rise jeans are prohibited. Jeans must not be tight fitting. Tight fitting will be defined as any slacks or jeans that have less than two inches of ease at the fullest part of the hip. Ease is measured by lightly gathering the fabric to one side of the garment.Walking shorts: They must be walking short length (No more than 3 inches above the knee) and be solid in color. Allowed from August – October 31 and after Spring Break to the end of the year.
Skirts, jumpers, skorts: Solid in color. Bottom hem or slits must be no higher than 3 inches above the knee.Sweatshirts: Sweatshirts must be worn with polo shirt or turtleneck underneath except on Friday. Hooded sweatshirts may be worn. Any brand name labels or logos must be no larger than a standard business card.
Sweaters & Jackets: Jackets with zippers are allowed. Any brand name labels or logos must be no larger than a standard business card. This refers to lightweight jackets and sweaters, which are allowed in or out of the classroom. No heavy coats will be allowed in the classroom. Please label jackets, coats, and sweaters with the student’s name.Belts: Mandatory with jeans, slacks, and shorts with belt loops.
Shoes: Saddle oxfords, loafers, flats (no high heels), or athletic shoes (high or low top), sandals with full ankle straps may be worn. Elementary students are only allowed to wear shoes without backs on chapel day. Middle School and High School students may wear sling style shoes without backs on any day. Flip flops are not permitted at any time.Jewelry: Jewelry must be modest in design and taste (body piercing is not allowed).
Hats: No hats, bandanas, or caps are to be worn inside the school building.Hair: Style must be modest and in good taste (no spikes, shaved, or multi-colored hair).
Elementary Chapel Wear (Every Thursday): The attire for chapel is the same as regular dress code with the exception that walking shorts are not allowed on this day and dresses or skirts are allowed (No more than 3 inches above the knee). Dress slacks are permitted with dress blouses. Dress shoes without backs may be worn on chapel days. No flip flops are permitted.Middle/High School Chapel Wear (Every Thursday): The attire for chapel is the same as regular dress code with the exception that walking shorts and jeans are not allowed on this day and dresses or skirts are allowed (No more than 3 inches above the knee). No T-shirt type shirts may be worn with skirts on chapel day. Dress slacks are permitted with dress blouses. Dress shoes without backs may be worn on chapel days.
Friday Wear: School or Christian T-shirt or sweatshirt – T-shirts must be tucked in at all times.Performance Attire: Girls must wear skirts, dresses, or slacks suits for all performances unless otherwise stated.
BOYS:
Shirts: Oxford weave/cotton blend collared shirts or Polo style with short or long sleeve collared shirts or Turtlenecks may be worn. Any brand name labels must be no larger than a standard business card. Shirts with squared hems may be worn outside.Slacks: Slacks but must continue to be in good repair without holes or fringes for hems and solid in color.
Jeans: Solid colored jeans may be worn, but must continue to be in good repair without holes or fringes for hems. No cutoff or frayed jeans are allowed. No multi-colored or embellished jeans are allowed.Walking Shorts: They must be walking short length (No more than 3 inches above the knee) and be solid in color. Allowed from August – October 31 and after Spring Break to the end of the year.
Sweatshirts: Sweatshirts must be worn with polo shirt or turtleneck underneath except on Friday. Hooded sweatshirts may be worn. Any brand name labels or logos must be no larger than a standard business card.
Sweaters & Jackets: Jackets with zippers are allowed. Any brand name labels or logos must be no larger than a standard business card. This refers to lightweight jackets and sweaters, which are allowed in or out of the classroom. No heavy coats will be allowed in the classroom.Belts: Mandatory with jeans, slacks, and shorts with belt loops.
Shoes: Saddle oxfords, loafers, or athletic shoes (high- or low-top). Sandals with full ankle straps may be worn.Jewelry: Neither earrings nor body piercing are allowed.
Hats: No hats, bandanas, or caps are to be worn inside the school building.Hair: Must be worn in a moderate, well-groomed fashion, not over the collar, below the ear, nor over the eyes (no extreme or bizarre styles). Young men are expected to be clean-shaven (neatly trimmed moustaches are allowed).
Elementary Chapel Wear: The attire for chapel is the same as regular dress code with the exception that walking shorts are not allowed on this day and dress shirts with collars are allowed. Dress shirts with squared-hemmed tails may be worn outside on chapel day.Middle/High School Chapel Wear: (Every Thursday) The attire for chapel is the same as regular dress code with the exception that walking shorts and jeans are not allowed on this day and dress shirts of any color with collars are allowed. Dress shirts with squared-hemmed tails may be worn outside on chapel day.
Friday Wear: School or Christian T-shirt or sweatshirt – T-shirts must be tucked in at all times.Performance Attire: Boys must wear dress slacks and a dress shirt for all performances unless otherwise stated. Neckties are optional.
Dress Code Enforcement
The intent of our dress code is to promote modesty as well as proper appearance. We ask that all parents help us properly monitor their child’s dress. Our goal is that the dress code would not become an issue, but that spiritual and academic development would be our focus. However, dress code accountability must be enforced, and we ask that parents and students understand our intent and fully comply with these policies.
Dress Code enforcement does not depend on who else is wearing something, or how many times someone wore it without getting caught. It is each student’s responsibility to follow the Dress Code at all times.
If dress code violations become excessive, the principal will meet with parents to discuss how the parent can help the school enforce the appearance code. When a student is found in violation of the appearance code, the parent will be asked to bring the proper clothing to the school.