The Uniform Dress Code for Mater Dei High School is based on our belief that students should present an image that reflects a sense of pride in themselves, their families, and their school. In a society that places much emphasis on fashion, where consumerism attempts to define social position and self-worth by the price, label, or logo which appears on clothing, our dress code stands as a reminder that clothing can be simple and uniform.
The real worth of the individual is in what he or she accomplishes with the gifts and talents God has given. Our students will enter careers and professions where what they wear or their general appearance will not be their choice. We feel that we have an obligation to help them understand and accept those expectations as part of being an adult.
We consider proper dress and grooming to be part of the learning process. Students are expected to observe the ordinary rules of neatness, cleanliness, modesty, and good taste. Since the Student Handbook cannot make provisions for the continually changing styles, the school administration reserves the right to decide what is acceptable and appropriate dress for school AND school functions.
The student dress code is outlined in detail on the following pages. Violations of dress code policy may warrant disciplinary action. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to detention, changing clothes, sending students home, community service, and/or loss of special dress day privileges.
The standard dress code for girls and boys consists of uniform pants, belt, white, red or yellow short/long sleeve monogrammed polo shirt, shoes, and socks.
Pants
The uniform pants are solid tan in color. Pants are to be pleated or plain front cotton twill pants. Pants are to be tapered or straight-legged; no flare-bottom, bell-bottom, Capri pants, or shorts of any kind are permitted. Pants must have belt loops. Pants may not have torn hems, frayed hems, split seams, cuffs, exterior pockets, exterior seams, grippers, rivets, exterior zippers, exterior snaps, excessive stitching, or elastic/drawstring waist. Pants must fit properly and be worn at the natural waistline.
Belt
A dress belt, appropriate for school, is required at all times. Belts must be of neutral colors and not have accessories. Not wearing a belt may result in detention.
Polo Shirt
Polo shirts must be the approved red, white, black, or yellow Mater Dei monogrammed uniform shirt. The polo shirt may be either long or short sleeved. Only the top button may be worn open. Shirts that are the wrong size (too tight/too short) will not be acceptable. SHIRTS MUST BE PROPERLY TUCKED IN ALL DAY! Detentions may be issued.
Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt
The oxford shirt must be an approved red, white, black or yellow Mater Dei monogrammed uniform shirt. Only the top button may be worn open. Shirts that are too tight or short will not be acceptable. Shirts must be properly tucked in all day. Detentions may be issued.
Sweatshirt/Sweater
School sweatshirts must be the approved red, white, black, or yellow Mater Dei monogrammed uniform sweater. An approved school polo shirt must be worn (collar showing) under the sweater/sweatshirt. Black fleece jackets, monogrammed and provided by one of our approved vendors, are also permitted. Any other Mater Dei sweatshirts or team pull-overs are not to be worn. Detentions may be issued.
Jewelry & Other Accessories
Body piercing (any body area other than the ears) jewelry and/or tattoos are not permitted and are not to be covered with band-aids, tape, etc. ONLY girls may wear earrings. Girls may be asked to remove multiple earrings if they are determined to be excessive.
Shoes
Black or brown dress shoes appropriate for school are to be worn. Sandals, moccasins, houseshoes or shoes resembling houseshoes, boots of any style (work or western), and athletic shoes are unacceptable for school wear. No open back shoes or shoes resembling athletic shoes will be permitted. Dress shoes must have a closed heel. The wearing of athletic shoes is permitted for medical reasons upon the presentation of a note to the main office from a medical doctor stating their necessity. This permission slip is limited to one week. A parental note is not sufficient.
Socks
Socks must be worn at all times. Socks should be of solid white, black, red, or tan in color, and should be visible with the shoes on.
Hair & Makeup
Girls' hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hairstyles bordering on the extreme (multiple colors, beads, etc.) will not be permitted. Makeup, if worn, should be properly applied and not distracting.
Boys' must be clean-shaven: long sideburns (below the ear), and beards are not permitted. Boys may be sent to the office to shave for a cost of $1.00 or one-hour detention. Hair may not touch the collar in back, should not be over the eyes, and should not be below the ear on the sides. Hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hairstyles bordering on the extreme (colors, spiked, etc.) will not be permitted.
Students may be granted three (3) days to comply with this rule after a verbal warning is given. Failure to do so will result in the student being suspended from school until there is compliance.
Boys' must be clean-shaven: long sideburns (below the ear), and beards are not permitted. Boys may be sent to the office to shave for a cost of $1.00 or one-hour detention. Hair may not touch the collar in back, should not be over the eyes, and should not be below the ear on the sides. Hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hairstyles bordering on the extreme (colors, spiked, etc.) will not be permitted.
Students may be granted three (3) days to comply with this rule after a verbal warning is given. Failure to do so will result in the student being suspended from school until there is compliance.
Specifically Prohibited Items
- Plain white undershirts may be worn under polo shirts. Undershirts with any type of writing, logos, pictures, or any color other than white are unacceptable.
- Shirts or sweaters are not to be tied around the waist.
- No long-sleeve t-shirts are to be worn under short sleeve polo shirts.
- No wallet chains or key chains are to be hanging out of the pockets.
- Torn, ripped, frayed, worn-out, or otherwise altered clothing is not acceptable.
- Visible tattoos are not acceptable.
- Visible body piercing jewelry including tongue piercing, nose piercing except earrings on girls, is not acceptable.
Special Dress Days
Your cooperation is essential to make these dress days both meaningful and possible. Failure to comply may result in a dress code violation, detention, and possible loss of continued dress day privileges. Any student may elect to wear their uniform on SPIRIT DAYS. (To be in uniform means to be in compliance with all uniform dress code policies.)
ALL STUDENTS MUST PARTICIPATE IN DRESS- UP DAYS AND MAY DAY.
Spirit Days
The emphasis is on school spirit and modesty. A spirit day is designed to promote school spirit by wearing shirts/sweaters that advertise Mater Dei. Shirts must be professionally and/or commercially made and be promoting Mater Dei, school organization, or team.
Jeans or school pants are permitted. No sweatpants, Capri pants, cargo pants, or other large pocket pants are to be worn. Shorts are not permitted. Pants must be worn at the natural waistline. Jeans/pants must be in good condition; clean and free of holes, etc.
Unsafe or inappropriate footwear, bare feet, shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, inappropriate messages (satanic musical groups or wording, alcohol advertisements, or suggestive logos) are not permitted. Hats, headbands, torn, ripped and/or cut clothing, leggings (body-hugging slacks) are not acceptable.
Dress Code Violations
Dress code violations are considered a procedural violation {see Disciplinary Infractions page 16 of the Student Handbook}.
On special dress days/spirit days, students may not be allowed to attend classes until they are in proper attire. Parents may be contacted. Any student sent home because of not following guidelines must return in regulation uniform dress. Time missed will be considered unexcused.
Other Reminders
Coats/jackets are not to be taken to the last block of the day. If an assembly is the last event of the day, no coats/jackets, books, etc. should be taken to the assembly.
Purses should be locked in lockers.
NEVER leave clothes, books, or purses lying in restrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, on the bleachers, in the cafeteria, or on the steps outside the building.
NEVER leave LOCKERS unlocked or carry large amounts of money during the school day. Valuables may be left at the office and picked up after school.
Dress-Up Days
Used in observance of Mass or other religious functions. Dress-up days will be observed only on special days determined by the administration. Students are expected to observe the ordinary rules of neatness, cleanliness, modesty, and good taste.
Girls
Casual attire (culottes, skorts, shorts, etc,) are not permitted. 'Professional' pant-suits are acceptable. Skirts/dresses must be knee length or longer.
Open backs, low-cut fronts, slits of inappropriate length, midriffs, snug-fitting, spaghetti straps, etc. are NOT acceptable. Professional looking Capri pants are acceptable. Flip flops are not considered appropriate for dress-up days.
Boys
A tie must be worn with a solid color shirt, school uniform pants, and dress shoes (no sneakers). Senior boys are required to wear a sports coat in addition to the above-mentioned guidelines on May Day.