Uniform & Dress Code

Appearance and Student Uniform Requirements

Student dress, grooming, and personal cleanliness impact the image of St. Mel School. It is a part of school tradition to wear uniforms to avoid class distinction and over-interest in fads. Besides representing school families, the clean, up-to-code uniform draws students’ attention to community responsibility. A neat, clean, and tasteful appearance with well-groomed hair creates an atmosphere of confidence, respect, and learning. Moreover, it is an opportunity to uphold, reflect, and respect the dignity of the human person. In adhering to the St. Mel School uniform and dress code, students practice the virtues of humility, modesty, obedience, and respect.

It is the joint responsibility of parents and students to see that the uniform and dress code of the school is carried out daily. It is the responsibility of the teacher and staff to monitor and report non-compliance. Every student is expected to be in proper uniform every school day unless otherwise authorized. The uniform should be neat, clean, and in good repair. Violations of any uniform, dress code, and appearance requirements are subject to school disciplinary sanctions. 36

The school cannot anticipate every fashion trend that may develop and therefore reserves the right to make judgment regarding the application of these general guidelines to specific items at any time.

BASIC UNIFORM (all pieces required every day)

  • Jumper: Bel-Air plaid for Grades TK-3 (Available at All Awards/Lands End). No shorter than 2″ above knee.
  • Skirt: Bel-Air plaid for Grades 4-8 (Available at All Awards/Lands End). No shorter than 2″ above knee. Black or navy spandex shorts if tights are not worn.
  • Slacks: Solid navy corduroy or stay-press.
  • Shirt/Blouse: White polo shirt. Grades 6, 7 and 8 have red polo option.
  • Sweater/Sweatshirt: Grades TK-5, Navy; Gr. 6 and 7, Red; Gr. 8, Grey (created by 8th grade).
  • Summer Uniform option (4/1 –10/31): Navy walking shorts. No shorter than 2″ above knee.
  • Socks: Plain solid color in black, white or navy. No logos. Must be visible and cover ankle bone.
  • SHOES: Fabric: Canvas and/or leather. Style: No high tops, sandals, or backless shoes. Color: Solid basic dark colors: brown, black, navy, burgundy.

School Logo must be on Shirts/Blouses/Sweater/Sweatshirt attire. White turtlenecks are acceptable. If wearing a T-shirt under the uniform shirt, it must be plain white.

Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in.

P. E. UNIFORM

  • Crew Shirt: Grey with School Logo
  • Sweatshirts: Solid Green with School Logo
  • Athletic Shorts: Solid Green, or Grey
  • Sweatpants: Solid Green, or Grey
  • Shoes: Tennis or athletic shoes, High-Tops are acceptable for P.E. Only

All students are REQUIRED to wear their P.E. Uniforms for P.E. Class.

GENERAL DRESS CODE and UNIFORM REGULATIONS

  • All clothing should be marked clearly with student first and last name
  • Uniform items must be size-appropriate and may not be modified in any way (e.g., purchasing smaller sizes than are appropriate or hemming skirts, etc).
  • No distracting shoes, i.e., lights, buzzers, or skating, etc.
  • Sandals and open-toed shoes are never allowed.
  • Only school uniform sweatshirts may be worn.
  • Outer coats may be worn over the uniform outdoors, but not in the classroom (sweaters/sweatshirts only).
  • No other clothing is allowed including Scout uniforms, and high school/college sweatshirts.
  • Students must call home for a change of clothes if out of uniform.
  • If circumstances prevent a student from coming to school in uniform, a note must be sent to the teacher. The substitute uniform should be as similar to the uniform as possible.
  • NO HATS or Hooded sweatshirts
  • NO TATTOOS, permanent or washable
  • No fake nails, nail polish, or French manicures.
  • A clean, well-groomed appearance is required for students. Students sent to school without attention to cleanliness, uniform, or neatness may be sent home to be properly prepared for school.
  • Make-up, lipstick, or colored lip gloss are not permitted during the school day.
  • Clear lip balm only is permitted.
  • Hairstyles are to be simple, clean, and neat. Hair must be its natural color with no highlights, no fads, distinct layers, or distracting hairstyles.
  • Boys’ hair must be out of the eyes, above the ears, and above the collar.
  • Boys must be clean shaven (when applicable).
  • The only acceptable forms of jewelry that may be worn include a wristwatch, one pair of matching stud earrings for girls only (one in each earlobe only), a holy medal, cross, or crucifix on a chain, a scapular that is worn inside the shirt or blouse (for boys or girls), or a medical alert necklace and/or bracelet when necessary (no other bracelets may be worn).

SPIRIT DAY DRESS CODE

School spirit wear shirts will be worn with school uniform.

UNIFORM HOLIDAYS

On certain days, the principal may call a uniform holiday. On these occasions, students be dress in a manner consistent with modesty, and follow guidelines laid out by the principal for the occasion.

FREE DRESS

  • Modesty and simplicity are guiding principles for free dress.
  • No extreme fads
  • Jeans in good repair (with no holes, intentional or otherwise), will be acceptable for “free dress”
  • Pants of any kind must fit appropriately, i.e. not skintight, no spandex and no skinny jeans.
  • Pants should be worn at the waist (no sagging).
  • Halters, tank tops, or spaghetti straps are not allowed.
  • No midriff shirts, loose baggy trousers, cutoffs, see-through shirts, or bike shorts are allowed.
  • Objectionable clothing displaying images, e.g., alcohol, tobacco, drugs, controversial rock groups, or themes, are not allowed.
  • No flip flops. Sandals with backs are permitted.
  • Hoods on sweatshirts are not allowed to be worn on campus
  • If there is doubt, a plain T-shirt (w/ sleeves), and jeans in good repair are acceptable.

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