4.4 Dances

Dances provide an opportunity for students to socialize in a supervised and safe environment. The values and regulations given below were developed collaboratively by the Deans and Activities Directors of each of the schools in the diocese and will be implemented, published and enforced therein. 

These common policies emerge from our shared mission in promoting the Catholic, Christian values that recognize the dignity and self-worth of all people. Student behavior and manner of dress should reflect this guiding principle.

4.4.1 Dance Regulations 

All students in attendance must provide a student ID upon request from school personnel.

Large jackets, purses and backpacks may be inspected by school personnel before admittance to the dance. Students bring valuables at their own risk; there may not be storage guaranteed.

For the duration of the dance, students should comply with the dress code stated below. Additionally, all dance styles must comply with standards that include modesty and safety. School personnel will be the final judge of the appropriateness of dance style. School personnel will confront any student behavior or dancing deemed inappropriate or dangerous.

Students violating any of these rules may have their parents phoned and may be asked to leave the dance. Students who are in violation of school policies will also be subject to school disciplinary procedures. Behavior regulations and school policies apply to school dances, on or off campus.

Any student attending a Saint Francis High School dance may be subject to a breathalyzer test.

4.4.2 Manner of Dress 

Students are expected to be clean and neat in their personal appearance, observing standards of modesty, moderation and good taste. Any interpretation and judgment in these matters lies with school personnel supervising the dance. Clothing should be clean, hemmed and unripped. Clothing displaying any offensive or sexually-suggestive language, or anything related to tobacco products, alcohol or other illegal drugs will not be permitted. Shirts must be either tucked into the pants or extend below the waistline. Pants, which may be short or long, must be secured around the waist. Gym or team shorts are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times. Hats are not permitted.

Shorts, skirts and dresses may be no shorter than mid-thigh. Slits on dresses or skirts that end above mid-thigh are not permitted. Tops and dresses should not be too low cut in the front or the back. Exposed mid-sections are also not permitted. Shoes must be worn at all times. 

Please note that some schools may modify the dress requirements for a theme dance or formal. In such circumstances, the school will provide clear instruction regarding the expectations for a particular dance. In addition to the diocesan-wide policies given above, here at Saint Francis the following regulations are also in effect.

Any student who is deemed out of dress code will normally not be allowed to attend the next school dance. In extreme cases the student may also not be permitted to enter the dance.

4.4.3 Guest Policy 

Guest passes are available for juniors and seniors unless otherwise specified. Except for the first dance of the school year, students may bring a guest to school dances by obtaining a guest pass from the Deans’ office. Freshmen and sophomores may bring a guest to the sophomore sponsored dance. Saint Francis students are responsible for the behavior, conduct and appearance of their guests. Dance guest passes are available in the Deans’ office a week and a half prior to the dance, and are due the Wednesday immediately preceding the dance. All guest requests are subject to approval by the Deans’ Office.

Any late guest pass will only be accepted with prior approval from the Deans. Students dismissed from Saint Francis High School are not permitted to attend dances as guests of Saint Francis students.

Guests are not admitted without a high school ID or guest pass. Failure to have an ID card may result in not being admitted to the dance.

All students in attendance must provide student ID upon request from school personnel. In the event of any violation of these regulations or any other behavior deemed inappropriate, the Dean of the guest’s school will be notified of the incident.

4.4.4 Timing of Dances 

Students arriving an hour after the dance start time will not be allowed to enter. Students are expected to remain at the dance until departure. Students will be allowed to leave 30 minutes before the end time of the dance. Any exception or accommodation to this time policy requires a signed note from a guardian submitted to the Deans’ Office before the start of the dance.