Dress/Uniform Code
Notre Dame Catholic School views the education and formation of its students as its most important task. All aspects of school life must support this task. Therefore, the school requires that the students dress in a specific manner that contributes to a Catholic learning environment. If the school uniform and dress code policy is a financial problem, parents/guardians should contact the principal or the
pastor. All students from Preschool through Eighth Grade must wear the school uniform. Students are expected to arrive and leave school each day dressed according to code and neatly groomed. Parents/guardians should also be sure that students attend to matters of personal hygiene and grooming. All clothes must be neat, clean, in good repair and fit properly.
Your child’s teacher will be in contact with the parents if he/she does not follow the dress code. The principal and/or pastor will make the final decision on all matters of uniform and dress code should any questions arise. The following is an outline of the Notre Dame School Dress Code. Any interpretation of the uniform/dress code is that of the principal and the pastor.
Girls’ Dress Code
Shirts: White polo shirt with school logo.
Only plain short sleeve white tshirts/undergarments may be worn underneath shirts. All shirts must be tucked in and may not be oversized.
Skirts (5-8) and skorts and shorts: Skirts, skorts and shorts must be NO MORE THAN TWO (2) inches above the knee.
Pants: Pants must not be over-sized and must not sag.
They must be purchased through Dennis Uniform Co.
Socks and Tights: are to be solid white or navy blue crew socks, covering the ankle, with no stripes or symbols. Girls may wear white or navy knee socks or tights.
Shoes: Athletic shoes, mostly one neutral color – white, black, brown, navy may be worn. Shoes must be fully laced and tied or fastened in some way. Shoelaces are to match the white, black, navy or brown color of the shoe. No sandals, flip-flops, boots, or clogs may be worn.
Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Jackets: Only what is available through Dennis Uniforms may be worn inside the school and at school events.
Grooming: Cosmetics (including lip gloss) and nail polish may not be worn or brought to school. Only clear lip balm may be used. Nails are to be kept trimmed to an appropriate length. False nails are not allowed. Make up, hairspray and nail polish may not be brought to school.
Hair: Hair must be neat and clean and well groomed at all times. Color of hair must be the natural color-no hair coloring, bleach, striping or streaking. Hair must not hang in the eyes.
Jewelry: For the safety of all students, girls with pierced ears may wear one pair of non-dangling, non-hoop earrings, one ring per hand, one bracelet per wrist and one necklace or chain. No body piercing and no tattoos.
Boys’ Dress Code
Shirts: Gray polo shirt with school logo.
Only plain short sleeve white tshirts/undergarments may be worn underneath shirts. All shirts must be tucked in and may not be oversized.
Shorts or Pants: Pants and shorts must be hemmed. Pants and shorts must not be oversized, sag or be faded. Pants and shorts are to be worn at the natural waist. No underwear should be seen. Pants and shorts must be purchased through Dennis Uniform Co.
Belts: Black, brown or navy blue belts are encouraged for all boys, but must be worn if pants are loose.
Socks: White or navy crew socks, covering the ankle, no stripes or symbols.
Shoes: Athletic shoes, mostly one neutral color -white, black, navy or brown may be worn. Shoes must be fully laced and tied or fastened. Shoelaces should match the shoe color. No sandals, flipflops, boots, etc. are allowed.
Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Jackets: Only what is available through Dennis Uniforms may be worn inside the school and at school events.
Hair: Hair must be neat and well groomed at all times. Hair may not hang in the eyes or over the ears. Boys’ hair length is not to exceed beyond the top of the collared shirt. This includes curly hair that when straightened exceeds beyond top of shirt collar. No stripes, tails, or shaved heads. Color of hair must be the natural color-no hair coloring, bleach, striping or streaking. No spiked hair, gelled hair, or exotic hairstyles.
Jewelry: boys may wear one ring, but may not wear earrings. One bracelet per hand may be worn and one necklace that may be worn under the white shirt.
No body piercing and no tattoos.
Spirit Dress, Birthdays, Masses, and Field Trips
“Spirit Day” or “Jean Day” is designated as the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month. On this day, students may wear blue jeans (see “non-uniform code” for appropriate fit) that are non-worn or faded along with their uniform shirt or Red Notre Dame Tee.
Birthdays: Students may come to school in non-uniform dress. (Please see the “Nonuniform Code” for acceptable attire.)
Masses and Field Trips: Students are to be in full uniform when attending Mass or participating in a field trip (unless otherwise authorized by the teacher and/or principal). Masses and field trips are a wonderful opportunity for our students to represent our school and, in a subtle way, to bear witness to the greater community about their faith.
Full Uniform: Attire is long pants and uniform shirt for boys and skirt or jumper and uniform shirt for girls; shorts may not be worn.
Non-Uniform (“Free Dress”) Code
Clothing must be modest and appropriate for the school environment and fit in a traditional manner (skirts, skorts, pants and shorts must be worn at the waist and may not be worn baggy or sagging; pants must be hemmed to an appropriate length; frayed hems and split seams or clothing that is torn or faded is not allowed).
The following items may not be worn:
• short-shorts, cut-offs, bicycle shorts, tights (unless worn under a dress or skirt in a
coordinating color) tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, crop tops (any top that shows a bare midriff)
• sandals, clogs, platform shoes or any shoe with open backs or slick soles
• no cloth headwear other than a narrow headband or scrunchy for a ponytail (no bandanas, scarves, long tied headbands, etc.)
A consequence of wearing the above will be to have the parent called to bring appropriate clothes for the student.
Failure to follow the uniform code will result in the loss of a Spirit Day or other nonuniform occasion privileges (including 8th grade privileges). Students will receive an “out-of-dress” notice. The notice will serve as a telephone pass for the student to phone for someone to bring the uniform. If there is no one available to do so, a uniform will be borrowed from the school –to be laundered and returned the following day.Teachers will inform parents of any “out of uniform” situations. In certain cases (as in a Mass day or Field Trip) if a student is out of uniform, the parent may be required to bring the child the uniform that day in order for him/her to participate. If repeated offenses occur, the principal may conference with the parents in order to resolve the situation.