Rationale: Supports standards set by the Diocese of La Crosse to encourage respect for self and others and to promote Catholic values. Prevent and limit extremes that may detract from the educational program. Adherence (or Enforcement) is the student and family’s responsibility. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately at all times and abide by the spirit of the guidelines rather than look for opportunities to take advantage of loopholes. St. Mary School administration and staff have final determination of acceptability.

General Guidelines: Neat, clean, hemmed and appropriately fitted. No holes, frays, rips, cut-offs or sheer/see through fabrics. Undergarments may not be visible.

Students may not wear the following:

• any saying, slogan, pictures or reference on clothing that is inconsistent with Catholic faith and morals. This includes but in not limited to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, sexually suggestive messages, songs or musical groups whose lyrics have contents inconsistent with Catholic teaching are inappropriate for wear.
• any shirt which exposes the midriff or inappropriate necklines (no cleavage showing). Shirts and blouses must cover midriffs while stretching and bending.
• pants/dresses/skirts, etc. with holes.
• In addition, students in grades 5-8 may not wear sweatpants while at school.

Pants/Shorts/Capris/Skorts/leggings:

• Must be clean, in good repair, and well fitting.
• Leggings may be worn underneath a dress or skirt provided that all body parts are covered.
• Shorts/Skorts and capris may be worn October 6th and after April 29th
• Shorts/skorts must be of an appropriate and respectable length which below a child’s finger tips. If the length is more than three (3) inches above the knee, the student must be wearing leggings underneath.
• Shorts may not be rolled up to make them shorter in length.
• Skirts/Dresses/Jumpers/Shorts/Rompers: Must be fingertip length (i.e. when a student extends her arm and fingers as far as she can down her legs) and have proper neckline. If an article of clothing has spaghetti straps, the student must always have a sweater or top to be worn.

Shirts/Blouses:

• Must be clean, in good repair, and fit well in a modest manner.

Tank Tops:

• may be worn if there is a two-finger width (1.5 inches or more) of coverage on the shoulders.
• spaghetti straps may be worn if the child also always wears a jean jacket or sweater to cover the shoulders.

Outerwear:

• No outerwear is to be worn within the school building during the school day. This includes jackets, ponchos, hats, caps, bandanas or other types of headwear are not to be worn in the building.

Shoes:

• Shoes must be worn throughout the school day.
• The type of shoe is not to pose a health or tripping hazard.
• Open-toed shoes are acceptable, but they must have backs or back straps.
• Flip flops are not permitted.

Hairstyles:

• Hairstyles must be clean cut, reasonable style, and natural color. No mustaches or beards

MASS Days (are dress up days):

A higher standard of dress is expected at all Masses and special event days. No colored or printed jeans. No sweatshirts, jackets or other outerwear. Boys are required to wear a collared shirt. Girls are required to wear a dress, skirt or a dressy top and dress pants.

If a teacher determines that a student is dressed inappropriately, the student will be sent to the school office. If the principal determines that the student’s dress is inappropriate, the student will be asked to change his/her clothing. If the student does not have a change of clothing, his/her parent(s) will be called and will be required to bring in a change of clothing for the child. Parents will be notified of any infringements.