SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY AND DRESS CODE

Philosophy

Research has proven that a student’s personal appearance has a direct effect on his/her attitude, behavior and general success in school. Wearing uniforms and appropriate dress shows respect for the school, others and themselves.  

The uniform policy ensures equity for the student body.The uniform also represents and identifies the school. Every student and parent must follow these guidelines when purchasing uniforms from Visitation's official uniform provider, Michael's Uniforms. 

General Information

All students at Visitation must wear school uniforms. Parents should be conscientious about observing their children in the morning to ensure that they are dressed according to the uniform code. A note is required from the parent/guardian if a student is not in uniform. A lack of cooperation can result in a Uniform Notice in grades JK - 4 and a restriction in grades 5 - 8. If the occasion presents itself when a teacher or staff member considers a student’s attire or grooming inappropriate, parents will be notified.

Visitation School’s student dress code is based on modesty, neatness, good taste, practicality and safety. The school reserves the right to regulate against unbecoming fads or fashion trends. Any clothing, hair or accessories that are, in the opinion of the faculty, not in accordance with the above stated philosophy, are not permitted while in school, or at any school functions. 

All students must appear neat, clean and well-groomed at all times. Clothing should be in good condition and appropriate for the occasion (i.e. P.E., Mass day, standard uniform). Uniforms are to be worn every day. In an emergency situation, if a student is unable to be in full uniform, a note of explanation is required.

Purchase of Uniform Items

From the first day of school all student clothing should be purchased from the following approved uniform vendor:

Michael's Uniforms​

225 South Market Street

Inglewood, CA 90301

Tel: (310) 672-2170

Parents will be notified in advance of special days that are arranged for the uniform company to be at the school for the purchase of uniforms. Special orders with the uniform company may be taken over the telephone.

General Uniform Requirements for Boys and Girls

The uniform at Visitation School has general requirements for all students and then specific requirements boys and girls, P.E. days, and special occasion days. 

1. Footwear:

1. Options for Shoes: 

1. Shoes must be worn everyday and must be closed-toed.

2. Approved shoe colors/brands include: 

1. black, navy, grey or white or a combination of these  color shoes. 

2. Toms, Vans, Converse, Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are all acceptable brands, and carry color combinations within our uniform code. 

3. Not allowed: 

1. No shoes with patterns (checkered, decorated, light up, etc.) 

2. Options for Socks: 

1. Socks must be worn everyday with the uniform.

2. Approved sock colors include: 

1. Solid

1. black, navy or white socks only may be worn.

2. Socks with logos/brand names:

1. socks may contain only a small logo, but it must not go the whole length of the sock.

2. Outerwear:

1. Only uniform sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn in classrooms.

1. Regular uniform sweatshirts only have the school logo on the top left pocket and are purchased from Michael’s. 

2. Cold weather accommodations:

1. During cold weather, non-uniform outerwear may be worn outside. 

2. Hats and beanies may be worn outside on extremely cold days. .

3. 8th grade Privilege:

1. Eighth graders may begin wearing their high school sweatshirts beginning May 1st.

4. Not allowed:

1. Spirit sweatshirts (grey and blue colors that are purchased at Michael’s or through the PTO) may not be worn on regular school days.

2. Hats and beanies are not allowed (see below for exceptions). 

3. P.E. Uniforms:

1. On P.E./Yoga days, students must wear their complete P.E. uniform which includes the following items: 

1. P.E. shorts or pants

1. P.E. shorts must be appropriately sized and long enough to be seen when wearing a shirt untucked. 

2. P.E. tee shirt. 

3. Tennis shoes with minimal colors may be worn on P.E. days only.

4. P.E.uniforms may be worn to school and worn all day. No changing is required. 

2. Not allowed on P.E. days:

1. Spirit sweatshirts (grey & blue colors that are purchased at Michael’s or through the PTO) may not be worn on P.E./Yoga days.

2. Spirit shirts, sweatshirts and jog-a-thon shirts are not part of the P.E. uniform.

4. Grooming:

1. Hair must be clean and neatly combed. 

1. Only the student’s natural hair color may be worn. 

2. Hairstyles that are unbecoming, bizarre, distracting, or otherwise inappropriate (including mohawks, faux-hawks, etc.) are not permitted.

3. Spiked hair may only be one inch in length from the scalp and no designs may be shaved into the hair. .

2. No strongly scented cologne or any other strongly-scented hair products are permitted.

3. No writing/drawing on the body or temporary tattoos.

Specific Uniform Requirements for Boys

1. Pants/shorts options include:

1. Navy blue twill pants (no cargo pants)

2. Navy blue walking shorts (no cargo shorts)

3. Pants/shorts must be neatly hemmed and belted (Gr. 2-8 belted).

4. Solid black or navy belts with modest buckles

2. Shirt options include: 

1. White, light blue or navy polo with school logo, tucked in.

2. Long sleeve undershirts may be worn under polo shirts. They must be the same color as the polo worn.

3. Grooming

1. Hair must be trimmed above the shirt collar, eyebrows and ears.

2. Boys must be clean shaven. No mustaches, beards or long sideburns.

3. No hats or any hair accessories of any kind are to be worn.

4. No earrings may be worn.​​

Specific Uniform Requirements for Girls

1. Shirt Options include:

1. Grades JK – 8 

1. White, light blue or navy polo with school logo

2. Long sleeve undershirts may be worn under polo shirts. They must be the same color as the polo worn.

1. A camisole is required under the uniform shirt if undergarments are visible.

2. Skirt/Skort/Jumper may not be shorter than 2” above the knee; options include:

1. Grades JK - 4

1. Plaid jumper 

1. Navy/white tights or leggings may be worn under the jumper.

2. Plaid skort (appropriate length)

1. Navy/white tights or leggings may be worn under the skort. 

3. Navy blue walking shorts/pants

1. No tights or leggings are to be worn under shorts.

2. Grades 5 - 8  

1. Navy skirt with shorts underneath

1. Navy or black cartwheel/bike shorts must be worn under the navy skirt.

2. Navy/white tights or leggings may be worn under the skirt

2. Plaid skort (appropriate length)

1. Navy/white tights or leggings may be worn under the skort. 

3. Navy blue walking shorts/pants

1.  No tights or leggings are to be worn under shorts.

3. Grooming

1. Hair 

1. Hair (bangs) must be kept out of the eyes.

2. Headbands that have animal ears, horns, or other large adornments may not be worn.

2. Make-up

1. No make up, including any mascara, is allowed.

2. No tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen may be worn.

3. Earrings and Jewelry

1. One pair of stud earrings may be worn on the earlobes only. 

2. Hoop earrings of any size are not permitted.

3. Thin bracelets or necklaces are permitted to be worn.

4. Nail Polish

1. Only clear nail polish may be worn.

Special Occasion Dress Code

Non-uniform dress is a privilege granted to students at different times during the year. Non-uniform dress clothing must be neat and modest. Formerly, non-uniform dress code was understood to be ‘free dress’ so here are some guidelines to clarify non-uniform dress. Parents are responsible to ensure that their children are dressed in a manner suitable for a Catholic school student.

Special dress arrangements may be announced during the school year in order to celebrate certain holidays and events. At all times, students are required to dress in a manner that is comfortable and appropriate for an entire day of school activities. Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times. Slippers, Crocs, and sandals are not allowed.

Spirit Dress Guidelines:

On certain days, students will be allowed to wear “Spirit Wear”. On these days, students may wear any Visitation Spirit tee shirt or sweatshirt and jeans (no rips or holes) or regular school bottoms. Spirit sweatshirts (grey and blue colors that are purchased at Michael’s or through the PTO) may only be worn on spirit days. For example, the navy/grey blue spirit sweatshirts that say Visitation across the chest are only for spirit days. Also, the VS puffy letter sweatshirts from Michaels are only for spirit days.  Regular uniform sweatshirts have the school logo on the top left pocket.  

Non-uniform dress days/Theme Dress Guidelines:

On certain days (holidays such as St. Patrick’s, Valentine’s, etc.), non-uniform dress or themed dress will be permitted. Please follow any guidelines that are sent out regarding this from the school office. 

1. General guidelines include:

1. Always wearing closed toe shoes (no slippers, Crocs, or sandals). 

2. Jeans must be in good repair (no rips or holes). 

3. Shorts must be of an appropriate length.

4. Tops of an appropriate length are permitted. 

5. Looser fitting cotton leggings and tights are permitted as long as they are worn with appropriate length tops covering the waist. 

1. Girls who choose to wear leggings must have tops going past their hips. 

2. Not allowed: 

1. Tight athletic leggings (lululemon, Athleta, etc.) are not allowed. 

2. Sweatpants, joggers and pajama pants and slip-on UGGs are also not permitted.

3. Tank tops and crop tops are not allowed. 

Jewelry and make-up rules are the same for regular school days and non-uniform dress days. All other school regulations for dress apply.

Dress Code Violations and Consequences

The administration and faculty reserve the right to require a student to return home to obtain alternative dress in the event that he/she arrives at school in serious violation of the dress code. 

Students in grades JK - 4 will receive a Uniform Notice upon violation of the dress code. Three (3) Uniform Notices will result in a detention and may result in the loss of future special dress privileges. 

In grades 5 - 8, students will receive an immediate restriction or Behavior Form for their violation. Restrictions will take place on Thursday mornings. Restrictions may affect behavior grades.