Handbook
The handbook contains information about dress code, attendance and tardy policies, academic programming and much more. Please use this file as your go-to guide.
Dress Code
The purpose of the school uniform is to promote neatness, discipline, a sense of school identity, and to provide an atmosphere of learning that is free from emphasis on clothing. The enforcement of the dress code is a joint responsibility of parents, students, teachers and administrators. Parents must see that children leave the house properly attired. Teachers and the administrator must see that students follow the uniform policy. Failure to follow the uniform policy will result in violations and detentions. On certain occasions, the student will not be permitted to attend class until the dress code infraction is corrected. Since this handbook cannot make provisions for the continual changing of fads in dress, the school administration reserves the right to decide what is acceptable and appropriate.
GENERAL DRESS CODE RULES:
Hair should be kept clean and properly styled.
Boys’ hair may not touch the collar in the back, should not be over the eyes, and should not be below the ears on the side.
Hairstyles bordering on the extreme (multiple colors, braids, beads, shaved, mohawks, etc.) will not be permitted. Administration reserves the right to determine what is extreme.
Solid color means all one color on the entire item. No contrasting color or stripes on body, sleeves, or collar.
All parts of the uniform are to be neat, clean, and fit appropriately.
Neither coats nor sweatshirts are to be worn in the classroom.
Label all clothing with the child’s name.
A plain t-shirt may be worn under polos or turtlenecks.
Dress code is to be followed at all times during the school day.
Make-Up and Jewelry: No make-up is allowed. When a student arrives with make-up, teachers may ask her to remove it. Girls are allowed to wear fingernail polish but it must not be distracting. Girls in 3-8 can wear jewelry, but is limited to appropriate small pierced earrings (post type, no hoops) in lower ear rings, religious necklaces and watches. Boys’ jewelry is limited to rings, religious necklaces and watches. No earrings for boys. Students in K-2 are not allowed to wear watches or activity trackers (i.e., Fitbits.)
Pants and Shorts: The uniform pants and shorts are navy blue or tan khaki. No jeans, corduroy or sports pants with pockets on the outside may be worn. Pants must have belt loops and a belt must be worn at all times, even if a fleece is worn (simple belts with buckles only – nothing overly decorative). No cargo, carpenter, lycra material, or low cut pants are allowed. Girls should not wear the stretchy uniform pants with elastic waistbands that are sold as school uniforms. Shorts may be worn with or without cuffs. Shorts should be an appropriate length and a final decision is at the principal’s discretion. Very short shorts are not appropriate and will not be acceptable.
Skorts: Girls in grades K-4 may wear solid navy or khaki skorts. Skorts should be an appropriate length and a final decision is at the principal’s discretion. Very short skorts are not appropriate and will not be acceptable. On free dress days, skorts should be the length of the approved uniform skort.
Shirts/Blouses: Solid colors of red, white and navy blue are allowed. Shirts and/or blouses must have a collar, may be either long or short sleeved and be made of appropriate fabric. No sheer material or tight-fitting tops are acceptable. Only the top button of the buttoned shirt may be unbuttoned. Shirts must be tucked in. NO TRANSFERS OR LETTERING OF ANY KIND IS ACCEPTABLE. Turtlenecks or mock turtlenecks may be worn. Turtlenecks must be in white, red or navy blue. Plain undershirts may be worn under acceptable uniform shirts. Long-sleeved t-shirts should not be worn under short-sleeved polo shirts.
Shoes: For students in grades K-3, shoes must be athletic. No sandals of any type may be worn unless a temporary medical reason exists. No crocs, boots, moccasins, slippers, etc will be allowed. For students in grades 4-8, tennis shoes are suggested. No sandals, crocs, boots, or slippers will be allowed.
Sweaters: Solid white, red, navy blue cardigans or pullovers may be worn. Uniform shirts must always be worn under the sweater.
Sweat-Shirts: Jackets and sweatshirts may be worn outside and to and from church but not during mass nor during class time. Students will be expected to keep those items at their seats during mass and in their lockers or on their coat hangers during the school day.
Black Fleece: The black fleece and black track jacket purchased through the spirit sale will be allowed in the classroom and at church. No other black sweatshirt, fleeces, or jackets will be permitted.
Socks: Socks or tights must be worn and visible.
Alternate Dress: Free or alternate dress will be scheduled on the first school Monday of each month. If there is a school Mass on that day, free dress will be on the next available day without a school Mass. Dress will still need to be appropriate in style and length for school. Socks and shoes must be worn and must meet the dress code. Appropriate boots may be worn on these days.
Leggings and Jeggings: May be worn but must not be overly tight. Longer tops MUST be worn with these items. Administration reserves the right to decide if pants are too tight and should be changed.
Students may NOT wear the following: Shirts with inappropriate wording or pictures, sleeveless shirts, girl’s cut-out shoulder shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, short-shorts, pants, shorts, jeans or jean shorts with holes in them, torsos must not be exposed.
Ink Markings: Students may not have any visible printed ink markings or drawings on their skin.
Spirit Dress: St. Philip Catholic School Spirit Day is scheduled for the fourth school Monday of each month unless otherwise noted. Only St. Philip School shirts or solid green or white shirts may be worn since this is a spirit day to honor our school. Only uniform shorts, uniform pants or jeans may be worn with spirit shirts. Jean shorts and capris may be worn but cannot be cut-offs or frayed.