SMS Dress Expectations

The following code applies to student dress each academic day from 7:30 am to 3:05 pm.

Rationale behind a Dress Code

The physical appearance of our students sets the tone for the school day. Maintaining a positive environment depends on a cooperative student body that takes pride in their personal appearance. Clothing that is neat, clean, and modest accurately reflects the spiritual and academic environment we are trying to accomplish. Clothing that may be popular or trendy today may not necessarily be appropriate for school. The dress code is designed to guide students and their parents in making clothing choices that are consistent with the values in the mission statement of Saint Mary’s Springs High School.

Parents/guardians and faculty/staff of Saint Mary’s Springs students have a responsibility to reinforce expectations of dress appropriate for school. This is an important aspect of the preparation of your son/daughter for life in future academic, professional, and religious environments. We appreciate the support of parents in helping to teach our students their dress at school is different from being at the shopping mall, beach, or park.

General Notes about Clothing

Any clothing that belittles any other person, group of people, or institution is unacceptable at any time. Any clothing that depicts affiliations with groups or philosophies contradictory to Catholic/Christian values is unacceptable. This includes clothing supporting music groups, TV shows, movies, alcohol/drug companies or other forms of entertainment that are not consistent with the Catholic/Christian mission of Saint Mary’s Springs High School.

All clothing items that do not cover the mid-section are unacceptable. Clothing items that are sheer, see-through, overly revealing, or immodest are not appropriate for school. All undergarments are to be covered and not worn as outerwear. Clothing that is dirty, sloppy, torn, ragged, patched, excessively baggy, “suggestive” in nature, or overly casual will not be permitted. Saint Mary’s Springs reserves the right to judge the appropriateness of student dress and grooming. The Principal or Dean of Students can make any final decision regarding the dress of a student.

The dress code applies to all students on or off of campus during which the student participates, represents, or competes on the behalf of Saint Mary’s Springs High School (including field trips, fine arts performances, sporting events, or other school business).

Shirts, Sweaters, Sweatshirts

A collared shirt (polo, golf, oxford, turtle neck, “mock” turtleneck) is appropriate for school. Shirts with buttons must be worn closed/ fastened to within one button of the collarbone at all times (even with t-shirts underneath them). Shirts with shirttails will be worn tucked-in. T-shirts are not allowed but a shirt with a rounded collar may be worn if the neckline conforms to the collarbone or higher. V-neck shirts are not allowed.

Halter-tops, midriff blouses/shirts, tube tops, tank tops, and outfits with spaghetti straps are not allowed. Sleeveless tops must have a neckline worn at the collarbone.

Cardigan sweaters, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, wind shirts, and fleece that have a full zipper or button up must be worn with a collared shirt or a shirt with a rounded collar neckline that conforms to the collarbone or higher.

Outerwear items (jackets, jean jackets, vests, etc.) are not substitutes for shirts, sweaters, or sweatshirts and are not to be worn during the school day as an accessory. Other accessories not permitted in school will include: scarves, gloves, mittens, sunglasses, or other items considered to be outerwear.

Pants

Khaki-style cotton pants/slacks, Capri pants or other dress pants are acceptable.

Bib overalls, wind/sweat pants, jeans or pants that appear to be denim (any color) are prohibited. Army fatigues/camouflage, hospital, or prison attire is not allowed. Sweat pants or athletic wear may be worn in physical education class only.

Dress/walking shorts may be worn between the months of May 1st and September 30th. Shorts will be within 4 inches of the knee. Denim and athletic short are not permitted.

All pants will be worn at waist level.

Skirts, Dresses and Dress Outfits

Skirts and dresses will be worn at to the top of the kneecap or longer. This also applies to the highest point of any slit in a dress or skirt. 

Denim dresses, skirts, or skorts will not be worn, just as denim shorts are not worn.

Dresses/skirts will not be sheer or skintight. Sleeveless dresses/skirts must have a neckline that conforms to the collarbone or higher. V-neck collars are not acceptable.

Footwear must be worn at all times.

Headwear

Hats, bandanas, do-rags, headbands/sweatband, or other style of popular headwear will not be worn at any time inside the school building during the school day.

Headphones will not be worn in the building at any time.

Jewelry, Headwear and Body Accessories

No visible body piercing, except of the ear, are allowed. Any other piercing, posts, etc. will not be worn, including but not limited to, eyes, nose, tongue, etc. Placing a bandage over an existing or new piercing is not acceptable. Hair that is tinted or dyed must be in natural hair colors. The school also reserves the right to restrict hairstyles that may be considered outrageous and be a distraction to learning.

Dress Outside of the School Day

Teachers may request an exemption for their class on field trips from the administration. Athletic teams that travel to away events in game uniform do not need to wear school day dress code to their event.

	1st and 2nd Violation:	Correct the problem, detention after school, and parent notification
	3rd and 4th, etc:	Correct problem, detention, and parent notification

(revised 8/2007)