AQUIN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS - ST. JOSEPH CAMPUS 

202 W. Pleasant St. - Freeport, IL 60132

2019-2020 DRESS CODE

 AQUIN PRESCHOOL

DRESS ATTIRE:  The preschool children are not required to follow a formal dress code.  However, the children should always wear modest clothing that is clean and in good repair.  It is suggested that children wear clothing they can easily undo for bathroom purposes.

SHOES:  Shoes must be clean, in good condition, and must cover the entire foot including the toes and heels (NO flip-flops/sandals).  Therefore, for safety at play, we recommend tennis shoes for preschoolers.

AQUIN ELEMENTARY

2. DRESS CODE PHILOSOPHY:  The purpose of having a dress code is to help provide an atmosphere for learning that is free from distraction and one characterized by modesty and decorum.  Dressing up in uniform for school reflects a positive image and lends dignity to our most important task at school--LEARNING.  It also allows us to recognize the demands of society in regards to professional dress and makes a distinction between work and recreational activities and assists in eliminating unnecessary competition among the students.

DRESS CODE:   Aquin Elementary has a dress code that is in effect during normal hours on regularly scheduled school days.  This dress code was developed by information received from parents and teachers.  Implementation of this dress code is primarily the responsibility of the parents and students.  Obviously, due to the significant variations in styles, these guidelines do not cover all circumstances.  Therefore, it is best if both parents and students kept in mind this basic rule:  

If you have to question whether it is dress code or not--don't wear it.  

The classroom teachers, staff, and administration of Aquin Elementary will handle infractions of the dress code.  Violations of the dress code may result in the student not being permitted to return to class until properly attired.  

The office has a supply of uniform clothing that may be borrowed or the office may call home and request proper clothing be brought to school.

DRESS CODE CLOTHING:

1. SLACKS:  Students should wear only black, navy blue, or tan dress slacks. Slacks are to be ankle-length.  Yoga pants or any type of knit slacks such as leggings are not considered dress code slacks and are not allowed.  Slacks with leg zippers, excess pockets and/or tool loops such as cargo slacks are not allowed.  
2. SKIRTS, SKORTS AND JUMPERS:  Students should wear only black, navy blue, or tan dress skirts, skorts, and jumpers. They may be no shorter than 2” inches above the knee. (See #9 for additional details).
3. SHORTS AND CAPRIS:  Black, navy blue, or tan dress (walking) shorts or capris may be worn from August through October 15th and then again beginning April 1st.  Shorts may not be shorter than 2” above the knee.  Knit shorts, capris, or yoga capris are not acceptable.  Capris and shorts with leg zippers, excess pockets and/or tool loops as found on cargo shorts are also not allowed.
4. BELTS: Students must wear a belt with any slacks, shorts, or capris which have presentable belt loops.  
5. SHIRTS: Students should wear either a solid white, solid navy blue, or solid light blue (not royal blue):

• polo shirt with a collar (a solid white undershirt/t-shirt may be worn under a polo—no colored t-shirts)
• long or short sleeved oxford shirt or blouse with a collar  
• turtlenecks or mock turtlenecks (only solid white, navy blue, light blue or black are allowed)

There should be no other color on the tops such as colored bands. Small, appropriate logos are allowed,  these logos would be limited to clothing manufacturers, which are small and unobtrusive and within the spirit of our dress code.  However, shirts with large lettering and designs are not approved.  Shirts and blouses should have no lace or eyelet trim.  All shirts are to be tucked into the dress code bottoms (skirt, slacks, skorts, capris, or shorts) so that the belt or waistband shows.  Official lettering, symbols, and designs associated with Aquin Catholic Schools are all acceptable.   

6. SWEATERS:  Any solid-colored sweater can be worn over any of the approved shirts.  Regulation tops are required underneath any sweater or sweatshirt.                                                        
7. SWEATSHIRTS and QUARTER-ZIPS:  Navy, gray, white or gold sweatshirts and quarter-zips will be allowed over any approved uniform top. Official lettering, symbols, and designs associated with Aquin Catholic Schools are all acceptable. Fleece jackets and pullovers are NOT dress-code approved.
8. SHOES:  Shoes must be clean, in good condition and cover the entire foot including the toes and heels.  For safety reasons, shoes with wheels and lights will not be allowed.  Crocs, clogs, sandals, and boots are not allowed either.  

9. TIGHTS:  Only plain, solid-colored tights are allowed. Girls may also wear plain, solid-colored, ankle-length leggings under their skirts/dresses in place of tights during the colder winter months.  Tights and leggings must be solid and either white, navy, black, or tan.

DRESS-UP DAYS:  Note: students choosing not to participate in dress-up day must dress in uniform attire.

BOYS: are required to wear a collared dress/polo shirt and with dress slacks or uniform bottoms.  A sweater, tie, or sport coat are optional.

GIRLS:  are recommended to wear a dress, skirt, or dress slacks with a dress shirt/blouse (absolutely no spaghetti straps or sleeveless dresses or tops).  All other articles of clothing must conform to dress code.  Boots are allowed on dress-up days, providing that they do not have a heel that is over one inch. Also, no open-toed (sandals) shoes are allowed (an exception to this is when a classroom teacher has given permission for a special occasion such as 6th grade Graduation, May Crowning etc…).  

JEANS AND SPECIAL DRESS DAYS:

From time-to-time, throughout the year, special jean days/short days are given or the style of dress to be worn is stated.  Jeans/shorts with leg zippers, excess pockets and/or tool loops such as cargo jeans, cargo shorts, etc. are not to be worn.  Also, yoga pants/leggings are not allowed.  Articles of clothing worn on these days shall not be ragged, torn, ripped or have holes in them.  Shirts shall not be sleeveless; shorts should be no shorter than 2” above the knee.  Boots can be worn on jean days, providing that the heel is not over one inch.

GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE DRESS CODE:

• Clothing must always be clean and in good repair.    
• All clothing must fit properly.  No oversized or baggy looks are allowed.
• See-through clothing is prohibited, as well as clothing that is too tight or clinging.
• No jackets/coats are to be worn in the classroom.  It is recommended for all students at the elementary campus to keep an approved Aquin sweatshirt (with an Aquin logo) in their locker for chilly days.
• If a student is inappropriately dressed, the school will try to provide alternate clothing for the day.

        If necessary, a call to a parent/guardian will be made requesting appropriate school clothing.

• Personal cleanliness and good grooming are expected of all students.
• Students are not to wear excessive makeup.
• The wearing of jewelry should be limited.  Any jewelry that is distracting to other students or dangerous to students is prohibited (only earring studs/posts are allowed; dangling earrings are not allowed).
• Hairstyles should be appropriate for a Catholic school.  The hair on boys should not be longer than the shirt collar.  Bizarre hairstyles, stripes, or designs in hair are not allowed and will be treated as flagrant violations of the dress code.
• Because so many of the dress code items look identical, it is important to label all clothing with your child’s name; especially clothing that is frequently taken off (e.g. jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc…).