Philosophy
The Saint Francis dress code reflects the Christian and academic atmosphere of the school. Student attire should reflect pride in the person and in the school, and dress should be moderate and in good taste. The administration and the faculty will monitor student compliance with the code. The Deans reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of a student’s general appearance and compliance with the code. The administration of Saint Francis has ultimate authority to change the dress code when necessary.
The following regulations are to be observed by all students. Note that the dress code is in effect during the school day (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and whenever students are in classroom buildings.
General appearance
All students should be well groomed and appropriately attired at all school-related activities. Specifically, clothing must be neat, clean, modest and in good taste at all times. Extreme fashion in dress or hair style is inappropriate for school. Clothing with inappropriate words, graphics, symbols, decorations or references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco or sex is not acceptable. Students whose appearance is judged out of dress code by the faculty or Deans will be subject to the disciplinary policies of the school.
Pants and shorts
Pants must be full length, neat and properly fitted. Capri pants, if mid-calf and properly fitted, are acceptable school pants. Only school uniform shorts are permitted. Shorts must reach the top of the knee.
Not acceptable: Overalls, fatigues, camouflage, form-fitting (lycra, knit, spandex, jeggings, or skinny jeans) or excessively baggy pants, athletic wear, warm-ups, blue jeans or pants that look like blue jeans, sweats or sweat-type pants or pants and skirts that are tattered, faded, bleached or frayed.
Shirts, tops, and blouses
Collared shirts with sleeves are required for boys, and must be buttoned up and tucked in at all times. Words or graphics on shirts are limited to pocket-sized logos or Saint Francis High School graphics. Turtlenecks are also acceptable school tops. Girls may wear tops without collars if they are modest in appearance, are not low-cut and cover the midriff. All shirts/tops must have sleeves, including one which is worn under a shirt/top. Shirts worn over inappropriate shirts/dresses do not make the shirt/dress acceptable.
Not acceptable: Crew-neck shirts, T-shirts, mock turtlenecks, athletic jerseys, denim shirts, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, crop-tops, transparent or sheer tops and form-fitting or low-cut tops of any kind.
Skirts/dresses
Skirts and dresses with sleeves are acceptable school attire if they conform to the fit and length expectations of the school. Skirts and dresses must be appropriate for school, modest in fit. Skirts and dresses must touch the knee, even if worn over leggings or tights. Skorts and culottes are acceptable if they conform to the regulations of fit and length of regular skirts.
Not acceptable: Halter dresses, jean dresses or skirts, sundresses, strapless dresses, low-cut dresses, high-slits on skirts or immodest skirts or dresses of any kind. Shirts worn over inappropriate dresses do not make the dress acceptable.
Outerwear
Jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts are appropriate school outerwear if they conform to the dress regulations of appropriate fit and good taste. Only Saint Francis sweatshirts, college sweatshirts or plain sweatshirts are acceptable. All jackets, sweatshirts or coats may be worn only as outerwear over dress-code attire. No outerwear or other clothing may be tied around the waist.
Shoes
Shoes or dress sandals must be worn at all times.
Not acceptable: Rubber or plastic thongs or athletic sandals.
Hair
Hair is to be neatly groomed at all times. Extreme hair styles, colors or hair decorations are unacceptable. Male students may not wear their hair longer than the top of the collar nor extend below the eyebrows or below the ears. Male students are expected to be clean-shaven daily.
Restricted items
The following specific items are regulated or restricted:
- No hats, caps or visors of any type are to be worn on campus by any student during the school day;
- Sunglasses may not be worn on campus during the school day;
- No chains may be attached to clothing or backpacks;
- Body piercing, nose rings or posts, or tattoos are unacceptable for all students;
- Earrings must conform to the standards of good taste and appropriateness;
- Military or camouflage clothing of any kind is not permitted;
- Blue jeans or pants that look like blue jeans are not permitted;
- Denim shirts, skirts, dresses or jackets are not permitted;
- Words or graphics on shirts and outerwear are limited to pocket-sized logos or Saint Francis High School graphics.
Liturgy/Special Occasion Dress
In keeping with appropriate dress and respect for certain occasions and events, Saint Francis will require students to dress more formally on specific designated days. These days will be announced in advance and students will be expected to adjust to these guidelines for the school day.
Boys: Collared shirt and tie, dress slacks, no shorts or sweatshirts.
Girls: Collared button blouse and tie, dress slacks or knee-length skirt or dress with short or long sleeves, no plunging neckline or sheer material, knee-length.
Dress Code Violations
Most violations can be avoided if parents and students familiarize themselves with the dress code expectations, and parents take an active role in making sure that students are attired correctly for school. A student who is out of dress code may be referred to the Dean’s Office for a change of clothing. Repeated violations of the dress code can only be viewed as a deliberate choice by the student, and the student will be assigned a restricted dress code for a period of time. Blatant disregard for the dress code will result in a student being sent home from school. Any student sent home for dress code will not be allowed to make up academic work.
Penalties range from detention for minor infractions to suspension for repeated and flagrant violations.