DRESS CODE
A. PHILOSOPHY
A dress code is a preparation for many facets of life, including awareness of appropriate dress in various settings, specifically a Catholic Christian setting. PMA 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 code is also widely recognized by educators in both private and public schools as a means of providing a safe learning environment.
In order to maintain uniform appearance and proper comportment throughout the school day and at school events, all students, staff, and faculty must follow the dress code expectations of their biological sex while on campus and while representing the school at outside functions. Modesty is expected at all times.
PMA Administration is the final arbiter on what constitutes proper uniform compliance.
B. GENERAL GUIDELINES
1.A good rule of thumb in any doubtful situation is: “avoid all extremes.”
2.All clothing will be clean, neat, modest and in good taste.
3.Students are required to be in proper uniform/dress code at all times on campus and within sight of the school building.
4.All students out of uniform are in violation of the code.
5.Admission to school or class may be denied because of code violations.
6.The Dean of Character & Discipline reserves the right to request a student to attire.
7.Students in violation of the code may be held in the office until parents are notified.
8. Parent notes will not excuse appearance/dress code violations.
9.The administration is the final interpreter of the dress code.
10.All pants, shorts, blouses/shirts and skirts shall be purchased through Michael’s Uniform.
11.Students will be fitted by Michael’s Uniform according to school standards.
12.Any alteration of the uniform to give it a “gang-style” look is grounds for expulsion.
13.The Dean of Character & Discipline reserves the right to regulate against unbecoming fads or fashions.
Note: All uniform items must be purchased at PMA or Michael’s Uniform and must display the appropriate labels.
C. THE PMA UNIFORM
WOMEN’S DRESS CODE-STANDARD
Skirt: Black or grey.
Must extend to the top of the knee.
Waistbands may not be rolled. A slit on the skirt is not allowed.
No denim, stretch, or see-through fabrics should be visible protruding from below the skirt.
Shirt/Blouse: Official PMA polo.
Red, White, Burgundy, Black, Grey
Solid white undershirts, turtlenecks and solid white crew necks ONLY may be worn under a uniform shirt. These undershirts may not have logos or visible writing.
No rolling of the sleeves.
Pants: Black
Must be hemmed.
May not be torn at the seams, oversized or worn hanging below the hips.
Jeans/skinny jeans/or jean style pants are not allowed.
No Cargo Pants
Shorts: Black or grey
Shoes: Solid white, black, grey or crimson in color.
Socks/Stockings: White or black.
Sweatshirt: School sweatshirts only.
Hair: Girls highlights and streaks may be moderate and not contradict the natural hair color.
Earrings: Two pairs of earrings only.
No larger than two (2) inches in diameter.
No other visible part of the body may have an earring or stud in it (e.g. eyebrows, nose, lips, belly button, tongue, etc.)
Bracelets: Two per wrist.
Hats/Caps: No head covering may be worn in the building. Only PMA hats/caps may be worn outside on campus during the school day.
Make-up/Nails: Make-up and nail grooming must be in good taste, stress moderation and avoid exaggeration.
Bags/Backpacks: All bags should be free of writing on the outside, except for the students name and company label if there is one.
Tattoos: Tattoos must be completely covered at all times while on campus or at off-campus school activities.
WOMEN’S UNIFORM-FORMAL
Black Skirt, Oxford Shirt, Vest, Pullover or
Cardigan Sweater, School Tie, White Socks (long), Dress Shoes.
MEN’S DRESS CODE-STANDARD
Shirt: Official PMA polo
Must be tucked in at all times.
Solid white undershirts, turtlenecks and solid white crew necks ONLY may be worn under a uniform shirt.
Pants: Black
Must be hemmed.
May not be torn at the seams, oversized or worn hanging below the hips.
Jeans/Skinny jeans/or jean style pants are not allowed.
No Cargo Pants
Belt: Black
Shorts: Black
Shoes: Solid white, black, grey or crimson in color,
or any combination thereof.
Socks: White or black crew socks.
Sweatshirt: School sweatshirts only.
Hair:
All students must be clean shaven daily.
Hair must be styled in a neat and clean presentation free of hair designs shaved into or styled into the hair or eyebrows
Hair may not be any color other than its natural color.
Hair must have a gradual progression/blend; no completely shaved heads or parts of the head are allowed (clipper length of 1 or higher).
No long or loose hair strands are allowed.
Hair may not be more than 3" in height length from the scalp.
Hair may not extend below the middle of the ear or eyes.
Hair may not extend beyond the top of the shirt collar.
Hair cannot have jewelry or flashy accessories
Sideburns may not extend beyond the bottom of the ear and cannot be flared
Earrings: None are permitted
Hats/Caps: No head covering may be worn in the building. Only PMA hats/caps may be worn outside on campus during the school day.
Make-up/Nail polish: None.
Bags/Backpacks: All bags should be free of writing on the outside, except for the students name and company label if there is one.
Tattoos: Tattoos must be completely covered at all times while on campus or at off-campus school activities.
MEN’S DRESS CODE-FORMAL
Black Pants (Slacks), White Oxford Shirt, Tie, Vest or Pullover Sweater, Black socks, Black dress shoes.
ADDITIONAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES:
1. SHIRTS/BLOUSES: The shirts/blouses must be fully tucked in at all times unless shirt style indicates otherwise. All polo shirts are to be tucked in.. Shirt/blouse sleeves are to be rolled down not up. When school sweatshirts are worn, the shirt collar must be worn over them. No tight fitting clothing. No cleavage display. If underwear is visible through fabric, a white camisole must be worn under shirt/blouse.
2. UNIFORM PANTS Pants are available in black material. Pants may not be torn at the seams and must be hemmed. Boys must wear a plain black belt at all times. Pants may not be oversized or worn hanging below the hips. No pedal pushers, skorts, cargo, jeans, denim, stretch fabrics or sweat pants may be worn. Skinny jeans/pants are not allowed.
3. UNIFORM SHORTS Shorts are available in black material. Shorts must be hemmed to touch the top of the knee and may never be rolled. No pedal pushers, skorts, cargo, jeans, denim, stretch fabrics or sweat pants may be worn.
4. UNIFORM SALES: All formal uniform items, uniform skirts, pants, shorts, oxford shirts, and blouses must be purchased through Michael’s Uniform. PMA Polo shirts, PE Uniforms, and other outerwear items are available for purchase at the student store.
5. SWEATSHIRTS AND OUTERWEAR OR OPTIONS FOR STAYING WARM AT ST. PIUS X - ST. MATTHIAS ACADEMY
a. Official PMA letterman jacket over uniform shirt or blouse..
b. Official PMA uniform jacket over uniform shirt or blouse.
c. Official PMA sweatshirt over uniform or blouse.
d. Solid white turtleneck under uniform shirt or blouse.
e. Solid white turtleneck under uniform shirt or blouse with one of the above jackets or sweatshirts.
f. Official PMA pullover.
g. Official PMA sweater.
This also applies to rainy days. If you choose not to buy the uniform jackets than an umbrella may be necessary. No other outerwear is allowed.
h. No Blankets may be worn as a coat
6. Athletic uniforms may not be worn during class time. On game days official team shirt may be worn upon approval.
7. SHOES/SOCKS Shoes and socks must be worn on campus. Shoes must be solid white, black, grey or crimson in color, or any combination there of.
Shoes will have closed toe and heel and look appropriate with the uniform. Socks/stockings must reach and be pulled above the ankle or higher and must be white or black. Crew socks for boys may not go above the calf. Leggings and steel-toe boots are not permitted. Shoelaces must be white or black and match the color of the shoe. Boys and girls formal uniform shoes are to be entirely black. Shoes made of canvas/fabric are unacceptable on formal uniform days.
8. EARRINGS Girls may wear two pair of earrings only and they may not be larger than 2 inches in diameter. Boys may not wear earrings even while covered with a Band-Aid on campus. While girls may wear two pair of earrings only, no other visible part of the body for boys and girls may have an earring or stud in it (eg, eyebrows, nose, lips, belly button, tongue, etc.).
9. HATS/CAPS No head covering may be worn in the building on campus during the school day. Only PMA hats, etc. may be worn on campus (outside of the building) during the school day.
10. HAIR
Boys:
1. All students must be clean shaven daily.
2. Hair must be styled in a neat and clean presentation free of hair designs shaved into or styled into the hair or eyebrows
3.Hair may not be any color other than its natural color.
4.Hair must have a gradual progression/blend; no completely shaved heads or parts of the head are allowed (clipper length of 1 or higher).
5.No long or loose hair strands are allowed.
6.Hair may not be more than 3" in height length from the scalp.
7.Hair may not extend below the middle of the ear or eyes.
8.Hair may not extend beyond the top of the shirt collar.
9.Hair cannot have jewelry or flashy accessories
10. Sideburns may not extend beyond the bottom of the ear and cannot be flared.
11. Cultural considerations may apply.
Girls: Girl’s highlights and streaks may be moderate and not contradict the natural hair color. Any non-natural colors including but not limited to primary colors, neon colors and fluorescents are not allowed. Barrettes, bobby pins, bows, headbands, scrunchies and rubber bands may be used to ensure that the hair is neatly manicured into a neat ponytail or to pull the hair away from the face or base of the collared shirt.
Boys and Girls: Hairstyles will be moderate; exaggerated styles are not permitted. No artificial coloring of any kind is permitted. No fluorescent or unnatural hair colors are permitted. No Mohawk haircuts. The administration reserves the right to determine violations of the code and to determine what styles are exaggerated. Students not complying with the hair code will normally be suspended until the situation is remedied.
11. MAKEUP/NAILS Makeup and nail grooming must be in good taste, stressing moderation and avoiding exaggeration. Fingernails may be no longer the one-inch from the base of the cuticle.
12.. TATTOOS Tattoos must be completely covered at all times while on campus or at off-campus school activities.
13. BOOK BAGS/BACKPACKS All book bags should be free of writing on the outside, except for the student name and the company label, if there is one. The only allowed pins or patches are those of the school. Students are responsible for book bags and personal belongings at all times. Book bags and personal items left unattended will be taken to lost & found or the office of the Dean of Character & Discipline.
14. FIELD TRIPS The school uniform is to be worn on all field trips unless excused by the Principal.
15. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL DETERMINE VIOLATIONS OF THE DRESS CODE.
D. SPECIAL DRESS CODE
(Permitted on designated days at school or when attending school-sponsored events such as dances and athletic games).
When deciding what to wear for special dress, students must keep in mind the general principles of the regular dress code, especially with regard to neatness, cleanliness, modesty, good taste and gang-style attire. Anything, which violates these principles, is not acceptable at any school-sponsored event. The following are specifically not allowed on special dress days.
E. UNACCEPTABLE AT ANY SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT
● Pants/jeans with holes, tears, or frayed edges
● Low rise or hip hugger pants, jeans or skirts
● Attire with offensive logos (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, satanic symbols, sexual innuendos, etc.)
● Form-fitting or clinging tops, skirts, or shorts
● Revealing clothing (e.g. tank tops, sleeveless attire, crop tops, halters, off the shoulder or one shoulder, sheer, low-cut, strapless, spaghetti string tank tops for girls, any tank top, etc.)
● Any shirt or top which does not provide coverage of the cleavage, midriff, and lower back at all times
● Shorts or skirts more than 3 inches above the top of the knee cap, including mini- skirts
● Bike or knit shorts, stretch pants, non- nylon sweat pants, pedal pushers, beach wear, skorts, cargo, athletic shorts, leggings or pajama pants
● Any oversized, baggy, gang-style or related attire
● Head coverings of any kind, sunglasses, earrings on boys, chains suspended from pocket.
The Director of Student Life will publish exceptions to this policy before specified school events
On school photo day: School Formal Uniform must be worn.
The first violation of the special dress code by a student may result in the loss of the privilege by the student for the rest of the year.
