St. Philomena School

ST. PHILOMENA SCHOOL DRESS CODE

The importance of proper dress for St. Philomena students and the demonstrated commitment to it by parents and school cannot be over-emphasized.  The uniforms and the traditions they convey demonstrate our commitment to quality in Catholic education.  It is an expression of unity that eliminates materialistic competition and strengthens our academic focus and discipline.  It assists students in feeling they belong and are accepted by others.  The code is for grades K-8; Pre-K does not have a dress code.  Students wear uniform dress from the first day of school through the last.  The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of attire and neatness in relationship to the dress code and its interpretation.

Students are required to bring a written excuse from a parent if an exception to this policy is absolutely necessary.  This note is presented to the homeroom teacher and forwarded to the Principal for approval.

Uniform Violation Policy

1. The teacher fills out the violation form and sends it home to be signed.
2. The student is to return the signed form to the teacher the next day. The homeroom teacher will keep all violation forms for tracking and record keeping.
3. If necessary, parents will be called to come and take the student home to remedy the situation – particularly if the violation is considered grave or repetitive in nature.
4. Consequences for multiple violations will be at the discretion of the Principal. 

General Regulations for All Students

These general regulations apply to all students.  See below for additional gender-specific guidelines.

1. Students are expected to be clean and well-groomed. 
2. Shirts and blouses are to be fully tucked in at all times. Shirts and blouses are to be either white or light-blue in color.  Shirts may be tailored fit, knit polo shirts (with a collar) or turtleneck style.  Button and snap fronts are permitted and must be worn buttoned/snapped except for the top closure. No denim, emblems or insignia are permitted on the shirts.  They may be long or short sleeved.  A plain white t-shirt may be worn under the shirt/blouse but may not extend below the shirt sleeves or be worn inside out.
3. Pants should be tailored, dark navy with a regular pant leg style.  They should fit at the regular waist line and be of hem length.  Pants that are not permitted include: knit or sweatpants, corduroy’s, jeans and denim, cargo or pants with flapped pockets, pants with elastic at the ankles, or pants with flared legs or slit bottoms.  Also, pants must be plain with no studs,  and no pockets or zippers on the pant legs
4. Dress uniform shorts may be worn during the months of August through October, May and June.  Shorts should be dark navy blue and should reach the knee.  Knit, jean, faded, cut-off or cargo shorts are not permitted.  Shorts must be knee length
5. Belts may be worn only if they are a simple black, brown or blue, and the buckle is small.  The strap should be plain with no studs, cut-outs or emblems.
6. Clothing with brand names is not permitted.  All clothing that is of a certain identifiable brand must have the visible brand tag removed.
7. Socks will cover the ankles without being pulled up and should be solid blue or white in color.
8. Dress shoes are a mandatory part of the uniform.  Shoes should be either brown or black in color, be cut below the ankle, and be leather or leather-like. Heels on shoes must be low and thick, black rubber soles are not permitted.  Boots are only for outside wear in snowy weather.
9. P.E. Shoes for gym class are permitted and include running, walking, or (court) basketball athletic shoes/sneakers with light colored soles. These shoes may be kept at school year-round. Fashion tennis shoes, skateboard tennis shoes, Vans hiking shoes, and any shoes with black soles are not permitted. 
10. In colder months, sweaters may be worn over the uniform shirt.  Sweaters should be solid navy blue or any shade of blue or white/cream.  They may be a cardigan, pullover, or sweater vest (not tight or over-large) and have buttons, zippers, or snaps. Jogging style jackets/tops, sweaters with a hood, and over-sized sweaters are not permitted.
11. The ONLY sweatshirts permitted are the St. Philomena logo navy sweatshirt which may be purchased at EmbroidMe (see below) or through SPS web page.
12. Hair must be neatly styled and of reasonable length without any kind of hair color or unusual hair cuts or style.  “Messy” styles are not acceptable.

Gender-Specific Regulations

In addition to the General Regulations above, please observe the following additional guidelines for girls and boys.

Exceptions to the Dress Code

1. Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts may wear their Scout uniforms on meeting days.
2. Students may occasionally wear St. Philomena shirts/colors (Maroon & Gold) on class field trips when designated by their teacher.
3. Students may wear a shirt over the uniform on Pep Assembly/Spirit Days:

• T-shirt that bears the St. Philomena name or logo.
• St. Philomena sweatshirt.
• Plain maroon or gold sweatshirt, sweater, or t-shirt.

4. The Administration may designate other days when students may wear holiday-themed shirts/colors over their uniform shirt such as: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.  Halloween costumes are permitted in grades K-3.  These exceptions are determined annually and their guidelines are communicated through the weekly school e-mail newsletter.

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