DRESS CODE PHILOSOPHY 

A dress code is a preparation for many facets of life, including awareness of appropriate dress in various settings, specifically a Catholic setting. St. Paul High School considers the dress of its students a significant factor in their educational experience. The dress code is based on modesty, decency, cleanliness and commonly accepted norms of good taste. The dress code is also intended to help students avoid excessive concern about their appearance and keep their focus on the more important aspects of their education. In the specific circumstances of the times in which we live, the value of a uniform dress and appearance is also widely recognized by educators in both private and public schools as a means of providing a safer learning environment. ​

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

• St. Paul High School students are not allowed to wear baggy clothing, unapproved jewelry, or bandanas at any time on campus or at any school event. Articles of clothing or styles of grooming that imply affiliation with groups in conflict with the St. Paul High School philosophy are forbidden at all times. 
• a good rule of thumb in any doubtful situation is: "avoid all extremes"
• Flip-flops (athletic slides) and sandals are never allowed.  Even of special dress days.
• all clothing will be clean, neat, modest and in good taste (no spaghetti straps, tank tops, bare midriffs, sleeveless shirts, skirts or shorts shorter than 7" above the knee when kneeling, etc.)
• students are required to be in proper uniform/dress code at all times on campus and within sight of school buildings
• all students out of uniform are in violation of the code.
• a student in violation of the uniform may be given a replacement item. The replacement item must be returned at the end of school day or the parent(s)/guardians will be charged a replacement cost. The parent's account will be charged the Michael's uniform company price for the replaced item
• the Dean of Students reserves the right to request a student to change attire.
• students in violation of the dress code may be held in the office until parents are notified
• parent notes will not excuse appearance/dress code violations
• the Administration is the final interpreter of the dress code
• admission to school or class may be denied because of dress code violations
• any alteration of the uniform is grounds for disciplinary action
• the Dean of Students reserves the right to regulate against unbecoming fads or fashions

The Dean of Students will determine the conformity or non-conformity with regard to all dress code guidelines. Parents are expected to actively enforce the dress and grooming regulations of the school. 

These guidelines will be in effect for the summer and academic school year. 

DRESS AND GROOMING REGULATIONS 

Uniform Dress Code 

St. Paul High School students are not allowed to wear baggy clothing, unapproved jewelry, or bandanas at any time on campus or at any school event. Articles of clothing or styles of grooming that imply affiliation with groups in conflict with the St. Paul High School philosophy are forbidden at all times. 

Shirts 

• must be navy blue, white or gray combed short or long sleeved cotton polo shirts.
• ALL shirts must have the St. Paul High School logo and be purchased through Michael's uniform company.
• turtlenecks are not allowed.
• items worn under shirts are to be white or the same color as the polo.
• under-shirts worn must not show beneath the uniform shirt The shirts may be worn untucked as long as the hem of the shirt is even.

Michael's uniform company phone # (310) 672-2170 

Sweaters/Vests/Coats/Jackets 

• Sweaters or pullovers (not to be confused with sweatshirts) must be navy blue, grey or white. They must have the official St. Paul High School logo and must be purchased through Michael's Uniform Company. All coats, windbreakers, blazers, and ski jackets must be solid-colored gray, white or navy blue. They must have the official St. Paul High School logo and must be purchased through Michael's Uniform Company.

Sweatshirts 

• only sweatshirts sold by St. Paul High School are allowed. Non-St. Paul High School sweatshirts will be confiscated and may not be returned.  (Sweatshirts provided by vendors, ie. Jostens, are not permitted)
• sweatshirts do not replace shirts. School uniform polos must be worn under the sweatshirt.
• Sweatshirts may be purchased through the Main Office, Student Store, and at selected events.
• Polos must be tucked in while wearing a sweatshirt.

Skirts/Pants/Shorts 

Girls may choose from the uniform skirt or pants available from Michael's Uniform Company. 

• Skirts/Pants/Shorts: Navy blue or khaki pants/shorts with the St. Paul logo must be on the pants/shorts. Standard school skirt, Seven (7) inches above the knee while kneeling.  All skirts, pants, and shorts must be purchased at Michaels Uniform Company. No cargo or unapproved pants or shorts.
• slit/cut/frayed pants/shorts hems are not allowed

Boys may choose from navy blue or khaki twill pants or shorts; all of which may be purchased from Michael's Uniform Company. 

• Pants/Shorts: Navy blue or Khaki with the St. Paul logo must be on the pants or shorts. Must be purchased at Michael's Uniform Company: no cargo or unapproved shorts or pants

Formal Dress Days

Keeping in mind the need to help guide our students to understand the need for formal vs regular school attire, this school year we will be implementing "Formal Dress" attire. 

• Only navy pants or a school skirt and a white polo
• No sweatshirts
• only St. Paul cardigan sweaters/vest/pullovers may be worn
• Shirts must be tucked in
• Students must wear a black or brown dress belt (if pants are worn)
• No Shorts

Belts 

When wearing shirts tucked in, both boys and girls must always wear belts when wearing pants. Belts must be solid in color and plain in design – shoelaces or other material does not constitute a belt. They must be black or brown. Only traditional belt buckles are allowed. Initialed or customized belt buckles are not acceptable. 

Shoes and Socks 

• students may choose to wear a dress type shoe or athletic/tennis style shoe
• dress type shoes must be hard soled and no high heels
• acceptable colors for shoes are solid white, dark blue, gray or black primarily
• Shoes may not have sequins, glitter, or spikes
• students may wear low top suede, leather, fabric or Vans® athletic shoes with laces that tie
• Shoe laces must match the color of the shoe
• slip on athletic shoes are not permitted (they must have a strap or tie)
• shoes may not have patterns, designs or pictures
• students may not wear plastic shoes or any style of boots (including UGGs), high tops or sandals; huaraches, moccasins or woven shoes
• No flip flops or slides
• shoes must be kept tied and clean
• girls may choose to wear flats, but they must be worn with socks and have to follow the school policy for shoe colors
  
  Socks must be solid white, gray, navy, or black. They may be three-quarter or crew in length (Socks must be visible and worn above the ankle bone). NO stripes around the top of socks.  Nike Elite socks are okay if in schools colors of navy and white. Socks must be worn at all times. Solid black or blue tights are allowed. Tights may not be worn under shorts. Knee socks are permitted (no trouser socks, nylon socks/stockings, or socks that go above the knee) for the girls.

Backpacks 

Backpacks must remain in good condition. They may not be decorated in any manner. 

Fun Friday Dress Code 

• shirts and/or sweatshirts must be an official St. Paul High School purchased item (ex. homecoming shirt, march for hunger, sport or camp shirt, sweatshirt, etc.)
• blue or black jean pants (no shorts, leggings, sweatpants etc.) No writing, holes, or baggies allowed
• St. Paul uniform tennis shoes
• no hats.  Only SP beanies may be worn
• questions – ask the Dean of Students
  
  GROOMING GUIDELINES 

The following grooming guidelines apply to St. Paul High School students during business hours, extra-curricular activities, and any other time students are representing St. Paul High School. 

• dyed or colored hair (including rinsed) is not permitted. Highlighting may be moderate and natural colors only and at the discretion of the dean
• boys' hair must be neat; it may not touch the shirt collar and ears must be visible. Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and not exaggerated. The hair must not be excessive in length and the sides and back must be evenly tapered. Hair shorter than 1-clip is not permitted.  Students may never shave their head or go to a 0-clip
• students are not allowed to shave their head. First violation during the school year merits probation and a three day suspension; second violation, the student may be placed on probation and a one week suspension; third violation, the student may face serious disciplinary action including but not limited to expulsion
• exaggerated hairstyles (e.g. punk, duck tail, mohawks, fohawks, undercuts, shaved sides, exaggerated spikes, unkempt) are not permitted
• excessive make-up is prohibited. Teachers are instructed to take away makeup being applied in class.
• nail polish must be moderate, worn in good taste, and permitted on girls only.
• excessive jewelry such as large hoop earrings, plugs, ear stretchers, skull and cross bone earrings, spiked rings, nose rings, tongue rings and other body piercing, is prohibited. Girls may wear no more than two earrings per ear
• boys are not permitted to wear any ear accessories, nail polish, or any type of make up
• hats, beanies, or bandanas are not permitted during school hours. St. Paul High School caps are permitted after school, and should always be properly displayed with the bill of the cap forward
• boys must be clean-shaven
• visible tattoos are prohibited at any school function, including games, practices, and dances—on and off campus etc.
• ​shaved eyebrows are not allowed​