DRESS CODE
PHILOSOPHY
Dress code is preparation for many facets of life, including awareness of appropriate dress in various settings, specifically a Catholic Christian setting. Santa Clara High School considers the dress of its students a significant factor in their educational experience as we prepare them for college and careers. The dress code is based on modesty, decency, cleanliness, and commonly accepted norms of good taste as is seen in most professional settings. 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.
The Administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate in a student’s dress, accessories, hairstyle, or general appearance. Further, the Administration reserves the right…
● To request that a student change attire
● To regulate against certain fashions
● To confiscate any objectionable items when they deem necessary. At no time is any bizarre, immodest, or oversized type of apparel permitted.
B. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Regulations concerning student dress before and after school:
● Once students arrive on campus for the school, they MUST be in their Santa Clara High School uniform.
● After school, students who remain on campus must remain in their uniform or they may change into S.C. athletic practice gear.
● Clothes must be worn appropriately at all times. (No altered or modified styles will be allowed).
● No gang-affiliated, visible undergarments or other similar items are deemed inappropriate.
Listed below are specific rules for dress and grooming. These rules are to be observed by all students upon arrival at school, while at school or at any school function unless otherwise specified by the Administration. If a student is unclear as to the appropriateness of certain attire, the student should refrain from wearing it until he/she checks with the Dean of Students or Vice Principal as to whether or not it’s appropriate for school.
Uniform regulations are enforced on all school days, including field trips, unless otherwise authorized by the Administration.
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 dress code.
5.Admission to school or class may be denied because of dress code violations.
6.The Dean of Students reserves the right to request a student to change attire.
7. Students in violation of the dress code may be held in the office until parents are notified or asked to go home and change.
8.Parent notes will not excuse appearance/dress code violations.
9.The principal, vice-principal, and dean are the final interpreter of the dress code.
10.Any alteration of the uniform to give it a “gang-style” look is grounds for expulsion.
11.The Dean of Students reserves the right to regulate against unbecoming fads or fashions.
C. DRESS CODE
The following regulations apply to ALL students:
Team/Group Dress
Some school teams/groups have clothing items made specifically for their group. Team/group clothing that do not conform to administrative guidelines and have not been approved, may not be worn without specific permission from the Vice Principal or the Dean. Santa Clara apparel (letterman jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, cardigans) are allowed.
● No Pro/Collegiate Team-affiliated clothing may be worn.
Shirts:
Acceptable:
● Seniors ONLY may wear the Under Armour Senior Polo from our SCHS Eastbay store with the S.C. logo.
● White, dress collar shirt with SC logo (short or long sleeve) for Grades: 9, 10, 11 from Dennis Uniforms or Navy Blue or white Under Armour polo from our SCHS Eastbay store with S.C. logo.
● A plain short sleeve or long sleeve white or blue crew neck t-shirt may be worn under the uniform shirt.
Not Acceptable:
● No oversized shirts; no shirts that are too tight or form-fitting.
Outerwear/Sweatshirts:
Acceptable:
● Students may only wear Santa Clara's outerwear/sweatshirts.
● Santa Clara outerwear/sweatshirts must be purchased from the Dennis Uniform Company, through S.C. Eastbay store., a school team or club.
● The school polo must be worn under the outerwear/sweatshirt, but outerwear/sweatshirts may not be worn under polos.
Not Acceptable:
● No longer permitted are solid blue or gray outerwear/sweatshirts with no logo visible.
● No denim, flannel, leather, plaid, or fur is allowed.
Pants/Walking Shorts
Acceptable:
● Dark Navy blue or Desert sand/khaki twill pants and walking shorts (i.e Dickies, Hollister, or Dennis).
● Other brands may be worn if they are the same style and color as Dennis Uniform. (Refer to Dennis Uniform catalog)
● Walking shorts - no shorter than 4 inches above the knee or longer than 2 inches below the knee.
Not Acceptable:
● No denim, lycra, jogger, or cargo pants.
● No baggy or pants worn low
● No frayed or cut pants/shorts.
● No skin-tight pants or hip-huggers
● No Jeggings, overalls, coveralls, sweat/warm-up pants, dance/stretch pants
● No Capri style pants
● Shorts that are too tight or too short
Shoes/Socks:
Shoes must be canvas or leather, athletic style, or dress shoe style.
Shoelaces must be white, black, or navy blue, or the same color of the shoe.
Socks must be worn and visible during the school day. Socks must be solid white, black or navy blue.
Acceptable:
● Dressy Flats, Flat Booties/boots, or ¾ length flat booties/boot in black or brown
Not Acceptable:
● Moccasins or knee high heeled boots, sandals, heels, Crocs, Uggs, open-toed shoes
● Solid red or neon-colored shoes
● Shoes may not have any offensive designs. This is at the discretion of the School Administration*
*judgment is at the discretion of the school's administration and Dean of Students
Scarves
Acceptable:
● Scarves around the neck must be of solid colors: dark blue, black, tan, gold or white or an official S.C. scarf
Not Acceptable:
● Scarves are worn as a head covering
Head Covering/Hats/Bandannas:
Students may only wear S.C. beanies or S.C. hats purchased through the main office. Beanies or hats are only permitted outside of school buildings and not inside hallways or classrooms.
Tattoos/Piercings/Writing on Skin:
Tattoos, whether temporary or permanent, may not be visible at school or at any school activity. Body piercings (other than the ears for girls) are not allowed. Students should not have writing on their skin. Unacceptable piercings may not be covered by anything (i.e. Band-Aids), they must be removed. If students refuse to take their earrings/noserings off they will be sent home.
Accessories/ Jewelry:
Excessive or inappropriate jewelry, wallets on chains, and the like are not permitted. Sunglasses may not be worn in class or in the buildings at any time.
Acceptable:
● Girls are allowed no more than two sets of modest earrings (Not excessively large)
Not Acceptable:
● Excessive earrings, bracelets, or long necklaces
● No ear gauges
● Boys MAY NOT WEAR EARRINGS!
● Band-aids covering piercings or body art
Backpacks/ Bookbags:
Writing, drawing, patches of anything inappropriate on backpacks/book bags is not allowed.
Young Men
The following regulations apply to young men:
Hair:
Hair must be properly groomed, clean, neat in appearance, and must be a natural color. Exaggerated or extreme hairstyles, hair that hangs in the face or that emulates gang or criminal affiliations distract from the educational experience and are not permitted. Dyed hair, including bleached hair, is not allowed. School administration shall determine if a student’s hairstyle violates this policy. Failure to comply with the guidelines may result in the student being sent home. Students sent home would only be readmitted to school when their hair conforms to the appearance code specific to hair.
Grooming:
Faces must be clean-shaven at all times and at all events, including senior activities. Under no circumstance are beards, mustaches or goatees permitted. Students who fail to conform to this policy will be required to shave at school and may receive a detention. Students who are pulled out of class or an assembly to shave to meet the required standard will be provided a disposable razor and shaving cream. Students may under no circumstances refuse to cooperate with this policy (ex: Skin sensitivities, razor preference, etc.) If a student refuses to cooperate they will be sent home and may face additional disciplinary action. Students will be charged $2.00 each time they shave to replenish the shaving cream and razors.
Earrings:
Boys MAY NOT WEAR EARRINGS
Head Bands :
Headbands are NOT allowed.
Pants/Belts:
Boys must wear their pants/shorts fitted to the waist, no underwear visible, and with a belt. The belt must be “traditional” black, brown, or navy blue leather/leather-like and be an appropriate length for the student’s waist. Belts with large or “military” style buckles, cloth belts, or belts not consistent with the school’s interpretation of “modest” (i.e., studded belts) are prohibited. Boys may not wear girl’s pants.
Athletic Tights:
Athletic tights may not be worn undershorts. This includes sweats or any other clothing that is visible under the uniform shorts.
Young Women
The following regulations apply to young women
Skirts/Skorts:
Girls may wear a uniform plaid skirt/skort purchased from Dennis Uniforms. It must be worn no more than 4” above the knee in the front and the back and not rolled. The shorts of the skort should not be cut out. Spandex shorts must be worn under the skirt.
Legwear:
Girls may wear solid white, navy blue, or black tights. Flesh-colored nylons may only be worn with socks. Leg wear must be in good condition without holes or runs.
Not Acceptable:
Jeggings, overalls, coveralls, sweat/warm-up pants, skin-tight pants, hip-huggers, dance/stretch pants, long johns, patterned socks/leggings, and capri style pants are not permitted; thigh-high hosiery of any kind is not permitted.
Hair:
Hair must be properly groomed, clean, neat in appearance and must be a natural color; no "unnatural" or "two-toned" colors are allowed. No shaved or partially shaved heads are allowed. No exaggerated or extreme hairstyles, hair that hangs in the face or that emulates gang or criminal affiliations distract from the educational experience are not permitted. School administration shall determine if a student’s hairstyle violates this policy.
Cosmetics:
Make-up, if worn, must be in good taste. Excessive makeup or extreme colors are not permitted. Refrain from a smokey eye look, bright red lips, and excessively large fake lashes.
Nails/Nail Color:
Natural nails may be grown or Acrylic nails may be worn, but cannot be excessive in length. Nails cannot interfere with the completion of class expectations. Nail color may be worn in good taste. Modest colors (clear or light shades) are preferable. French Tip nails will be acceptable. The use of poor judgment may result in the removal of the privilege.
Jewelry:
Earrings must be limited to no more than two per ear. Any type of excessive or inappropriate jewelry is not allowed during school hours.
Mass Dress Uniform
Students will wear dress uniforms on all Mass days and for special events/assemblies as designated by the administration. These dates will be published on the school calendar. Mass Dress uniform is defined as follows:
For Santa Clara Young Men:
1. Dark Navy Blue or Desert sand/khaki (no shorts)
2. White collar shirt (long or short sleeves) from Dennis Uniform.
3. Must wear an S.C. tie from Dennis Uniform.
4. May wear S.C. sweater vest or mass sweater from Dennis Uniform.
5. Belts must be worn in the following colors: brown, navy blue, or black are they allowed to
purchase from anywhere or just Dennis Uniform
For Santa Clara Young Women:
1. Skirts, or Dark Navy, Desert sand/ khaki and no shorts
2. White-collar blouse (long or short sleeves) from Dennis Uniform.
3. MUST wear an S.C. sweater vest or mass sweater from Dennis Uniform.
4. Optional S.C. tie from Dennis Uniform.
5. Socks, tights, and leggings must be solid colors (navy, black, tan, white) and un-patterned.
Friday Spirit Dress
Friday Spirit dress is a privilege, not a right. The following applies on the Fridays of the month or special events as scheduled. If there is no school on a Friday there will be spirit dress on the last day of school for the week. If a mass day falls on a Friday, students will not be allowed to wear a spirit dress and must wear the appropriate mass attire.
Acceptable:
● Blue jean pants may be worn in good condition without holes or patches, tatters, fringe, or frayed
● S.C. attire only (i.e. S.C. Athletic shirts, S.C. spirit t-shirt, letterman jackets, Class t-shirt, S.C.)
● Outerwear must be Santa Clara clothing such as athletic gear, clubs, or spirit.
● SC hooded sweatshirts may be worn but hoods must be off during school
● Regular school day dress may also be worn
Not acceptable:
● No jean shorts, no Cargo shorts, no jean skirts, no gym shorts, no joggers.
****Spirit Dress violations will result in loss of future dress privileges
****Note: Every Friday is Spirit Dress day as stated above, NOT FREE DRESS.
D. SPECIAL DRESS CODE
“THEME”-DRESS DAYS
At several times during the school year, the school administration approves special dress days (i.e., class T-shirt, red/green dress for Christmas, “Super-hero” dress, etc.). These theme days are strictly voluntary. The administration will specify what constitutes appropriate dress for these days. Students who choose not to participate must be in a normal school uniform. Students who do choose to participate must conform to the prescribed dress criteria. Any student, who in the opinion of the Dean, fails to meet the “spirit” of these days, will be barred from attending class until appropriate dress can be arranged and/or detention will be assigned.
TESTING DAY DRESS
Students should be dressed in uniform on all school-wide testing days.
FIELD TRIP DRESS
As representatives of Santa Clara High School, it is important that students dress appropriately while they are on a field trip. Ordinarily, the school uniform is the appropriate dress for school field trips or spirit dress.
Any student who is not dressed/groomed appropriately will not be permitted to participate in the field trip and will be subject to disciplinary action.
DRESS CODE FOR OTHER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
Attire worn to any Santa Clara High School-sponsored event, any event that includes the Santa Clara Community, or any event in which a student may be representing Santa Clara (whether on or off the Santa Clara campus) must be modest and deemed appropriate by the Administration for the event. This includes dances, awards nights, field trips, games or any other extra-curricular event. Furthermore, school appearance policies covering hair, grooming, tattoos, piercing, cosmetics, and accessories/jewelry are to be followed completely while attending a school-sponsored event. If a student’s appearance is deemed to be inappropriate or inconsistent with school policy, the student’s parents will be contacted and the student will be required to leave the event or change into clothing appropriate for the event as determined by the school. Students who habitually disregard this policy will be barred from attending Santa Clara activities and may face serious disciplinary action (up to and including dismissal from Santa Clara).
E. UNACCEPTABLE AT ANY SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT
● Pants/jeans with holes, tears, or frayed edges
● Attire with offensive logos (e.g. alcohol, tobacco, satanic symbols, sexual innuendoes, etc.)
● Form-fitting or clinging tops or skirts
● Revealing clothing (e.g. crop tops, halters, off the shoulder or one shoulder, sheer, low-cut, strapless, or spaghetti string tank tops for girls).
● Any shirt or top which does not provide coverage of the cleavage, midriff, and lower back at all times
● Shorts or skirts more than four inches above the top of the knee cap, including mini-skirts
● Pajama pants
● Any oversized, baggy, gang-style, or related attire
The Activities Director will publish exceptions to this policy before specified school events
On school photo day: MASS DRESS IS REQUIRED
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.
