2013-2014 Dress Code (Revised June 2013) Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Cor. 10:31-33 One s dress and appearance is a deeply personal matter because it touches on how the individual chooses to express himself. This is one reason why dress codes are generally not popular they require that we defer to a standard which, in some cases, may not suit our personal preferences. Nevertheless, as Christians, we should understand the Biblical mandate that we live not merely to please ourselves. We must be willing, within reason, to defer our personal preferences to the interests of the larger community. The following guidelines are intended to allow significant freedom in student dress while respecting a fundamental standard of modesty and neatness as well as a standard appropriate to our particular community. In exercising this freedom, students should avoid extreme styles which draw undue attention to self. This dress code applies to all school-day related events. In the case of after school events (sports, socials, etc.), students are asked to ensure conformity to all modesty/neatness principles stated in the following. Please carefully note that the administration s interpretation of the dress code is the final arbiter in any areas of dispute. Students are encouraged, whenever in doubt as to a style, to ask a school administrator for clarification. In choosing attire, students should ask the following question: Does this attire glorify God, neither giving offense to anyone nor merely seeking my own profit?
Guidelines for Males All clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair. Clothing with tears, holes, rips, or frayed edges is not appropriate for the school setting. Slacks - Relaxed fit, khaki-style pants. Cargo and jean-cut pants permitted. (A belt is required with any shirt that is tucked in). - No jeans, jean material or stretch or skinny styles. - Shorts (of the same style as slacks) may be worn until October 31 and after April 1. Shirts - Polo, Oxford, or Turtleneck style (small emblem/logo allowed). - Tucked in unless shirt has a straight/square-cut hem. - No t-shirts or sweatshirts. Sweaters/jackets - Sweaters, sweater vests, and blazers may be worn over the abovementioned shirt styles. - Lightweight, well-fitted track jackets/pullovers or fleece style jackets/pullovers (small emblem/logo allowed) may be worn over the above-mentioned shirt styles. - No hoods allowed. Socks Footwear Personal Grooming Jewelry - Required with all footwear. - Dress or semi-dress shoes (neutral colors only) with socks. - No flip flops, or sandals. - Sneakers/athletic shoes may only be worn with shorts. - Hair neatly groomed; should not obscure vision, extend over middle of ear, or exceed collar length. - Clean shaven (no facial hair). - Avoid hair styles which draw undue attention to self (mohawks, etc.). - Finger rings, necklaces, and bracelets permitted. - No piercings or tattoos.
Guidelines for Females All clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair. Clothing with tears, holes, rips, or frayed edges is not appropriate for the school setting. Slacks - Relaxed fit, khaki-style pants. Cargo and jean-cut pants permitted. - No jeans, jean material, stretch, or skinny styles. - Capris (of the same style as slacks) may be worn until October 31 and after April 1. Skirts/dresses/jumpers - Must reach the top of the knee. - Dresses and jumpers should cover the shoulders and be within one inch of the collarbone unless worn over a shirt that meets the guidelines for shirts/blouses. - Should not be tight or sheer; should be sized so that normal movements do not reveal cleavage, undergarments, or the midriff. Shirts/blouses - Polo, Oxford, or Turtleneck style blouses/shirts (small emblem/logo allowed). - Crewneck style dress shirts may be worn under dresses, jumpers, blazers, sweaters, or under a scarf; they should not be worn alone. - All shirts must cover the shoulders and be within an inch of the collarbone. - Shirts should not be tight or sheer; should be sized so that normal movements do not reveal cleavage, undergarments, or the midriff. - No t-shirts or sweatshirts. Sweaters/jackets - Sweaters, sweater vests, and blazers may be worn over any shirt that meets the guidelines for shirts/blouses. - Lightweight, well-fitted track jackets/pullovers or fleece style jackets/pullovers (small emblem/logo allowed) may be worn over the abovementioned shirt styles. - No hoods. Footwear - Dress or semi-dress shoes or sandals/flip flops. - Sneakers/athletic shoes may only be worn with capris. Personal Grooming - Hair neatly groomed. - Only moderate ear piercing permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. My child has several pairs of nice, khaki-colored jeans. Are these ok? Jeans ( blue or any other color) may be worn on casual days, but not as a normal part of the dress code. 2. How do I know how tight is too tight for blouses, sweaters, and pants? What about shirts or tops that are low cut? Young ladies, out of respect for themselves and their Christian brothers, should dress modestly. As a guideline, a young lady should be able to easily grasp loose material in her clothing. In deciding if a shirt is too low, keep in mind that necklines of shirts and tops should be within an inch of the collarbone. 3. My daughter says that shirts that are worn under a dress, sweater, or blazer do not need a collar. Is this true? Yes, it is, although any such shirt should be a dressier shirt or blouse (no t- shirts) and should cover the shoulders, be within an inch of the collarbone, and not be tight or short.
Guidelines for Casual Days (for both male and female students) On designated Casual Days, students may wear: Jeans T-shirts or sweatshirts Tennis shoes Please note the following guidelines: All attire must be neat and in good repair. All attire must be modest. All attire must be of appropriate fit (no baggy pants, oversized shirts, skinny pants, tight-fitting tops, etc.) Students are asked when wearing T-shirts with symbols, writing or pictures, to be especially careful to avoid offensive content. Parents are encouraged to use Philippians 4:8 as providing good criteria for evaluation of such content. Students may not wear hats, sweat pants, sports shorts, or warm-up sports pants on Casual Days. Dress Code Violations It is expected that high school students will exemplify godly standards in personal choices regarding dress. Over the years it has been our experience that the vast majority of our students have cheerfully complied with the spirit of the dress code. Violations of the dress code will be administered through the Demerit program. The judgment of the administration will serve as the final authority in interpreting and enforcing this code. If your child comes to school out of dress code (a violation of any of the above), they will be asked to correct the issue. In some cases you may be called and asked to bring your child a change of clothes. Your support of these guidelines is critical. If, in the judgment of the administration, the student demonstrates a continued attitude of non-compliance, the parents will be contacted and expected to resolve the problem. The administration will make every effort to communicate with parents in a timely manner if it is determined that dress code violations are becoming an issue for a student.