Dress Code

Saint Michael School Uniform Philosophy – The use of uniforms has several significant benefits:

• They promote the mindset that school is a special place with special expectations. 
• Uniforms help to develop and enhance school pride.  
• They project a positive image to the community and eliminate the pressure of “dress competition.” 

Please ensure that your child adheres to our Uniform Dress Code and treats this code with respect.

Students who do not follow the uniform dress code will be asked to change into appropriate attire.  The Principal has final discretion about the appropriateness of student attire.

“A uniform silently teaches the lesson of equality while allowing individuality to shine through via action, words, and personality.” 

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Saint Michael Catholic School generally observes three time periods of dress code requirements:

1. Fall Uniforms: First Day of School – September 30th
2. Winter Uniforms: October 1st-April 30th
3. Spring Uniforms: May 1st – Last Day of School

The Fall and Spring periods permit students to wear walking shorts. Regardless of the time period, uniforms must be worn on all Mass Days. “Dress Down” certificates may not be used on Mass Days.

Uniforms may be purchased from any clothing retailer, as long as the items comply with the school dress code as outlined below. We currently have vendor agreements with two uniform providers, and one local screen printing business:

• Tommy Hilfiger: We are pleased to announce that Saint Michael Catholic School has chosen School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger as our uniform partner for the upcoming school year. You can visit the company website at: https://www.globalschoolwear.com Partner School Code STMI03 When you shop thru our school code, SMS receives a 5% cash back so thank you! 

• French Toast: We also have a school uniform program with French Toast, a major supplier of school uniforms, where the school receives 5% back. You can visit the company website at: https://www.frenchtoast.com School Code: QS483B
• Silver Screen Design: SDS is a local, family-owned screen printing business in Greenfield, MA. For years, they have offered quality, custom apparel to our families and we now have an online store just for SMS gear. Please note that this is a small, custom apparel shop, not a large retailer, so all sales are final. Make sure to measure your student and check out the accompanying size charts for all products before purchasing: https://cart.silverscreendesign.com/saint_michael_catholic_school/shop/home

General Guidelines for Boys

• Hair must be neat and clean; hair color must be natural in appearance; dying hair to an unnatural color (e.g., pink, blue, green, etc.) is not permitted
• Earrings are not permitted
• Tattoos and/or body piercings must not be visible
• Only khaki or navy dress pants are permitted; oversized or baggy pants, skinny pants, or cargo pants are not permitted
• The waistband of the pants must sit at the student’s waste; drooping the waistline below the waist is never permitted
• The same policy regulating appropriate pants also applies to shorts
• Shorts must be at finger-tip length or longer
• Shirts may be either a button-down oxford shirt or knit polo shirt, depending on the uniform time period
• Oxford shirts may be short-sleeved or long-sleeved
• All shirts must be white, light blue, or navy according to guidelines for each grade, see below
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times
• Ties must be worn during the Winter Uniform time period **
• Vests, crewnecks, V-necks, cardigans or hoodies must be plain navy, or with SMS logo only
• Belts must be worn and must be either solid black or solid brown
• Solid black, solid brown, or solid navy dress shoes are to be worn on all Mass days
• Athletic shoes may be worn on non-Mass Days
• Crocks, sandals, flip-flops, or clogs are not permitted
• Boots may be worn to and from school, but may not be worn during the school day; all students must change into appropriate shoes when they arrive at school

Specific Guidelines for Boys

All boys in grades K-12 are permitted to wear short-sleeve or long-sleeve polo shirts, in white OR NAVY, during the fall and spring periods only. 

Boys in grades K-6 are required to wear navy pants only. Students must wear light blue Oxford (dress) shirts during the winter period, but are permitted to wear blue Oxford shirts year round if they desire.

Boys in grades 7-12 must wear white Oxfords shirts and khaki pants only. Students are required to wear Oxford shirts during the winter period, but are permitted to wear white oxford shirts year round if they desire.

**Grades K-8 SMS Plaid ties may be purchased in the school office.

**Grades 9-12 SMS Navy Striped ties may be purchased in the school office.

Boys in grades 9-12 are required to purchase a blazer. (Blazers must be labeled and left at school)

Uniforms must be worn to all away sporting events.

General Guidelines for Girls

• Hair must be neat and clean; hair color must be natural in appearance; dying hair to an unnatural color (e.g., pink, blue, green, etc.) is not permitted
• One small stud earring in each ear is permitted; hoop earrings or dangling earrings are not permitted
• Tattoos and/or body piercings must not be visible
• Shorts and slacks must be khaki or navy according to guidelines for each grade, see below
• Skirts and skorts must be SMS school plaid, khaki or navy according to guidelines for each grade, see below
• Oversized or baggy pants, cargo pants, or skinny-legged pants are not permitted
• Shorts, skirts, and jumpers must be finger-tip length or longer
• Short-sleeve or long-sleeve white blouses are permitted year round
• Short-sleeve or long-sleeve knit polo shirts that are white or navy are permitted
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times
• Vests, crewnecks, V-necks, cardigans or hoodies must be plain navy, or with SMS logo only
• Socks and tights must be solid navy or solid white in color; tights must be opaque; knee socks, crew and ankle socks are permitted
• Solid black or solid brown belts are required with pants or shorts that have belt loops
• Solid black, solid brown, or solid navy dress shoes are to be worn on all Mass Days
• Athletic shoes may be worn on non-Mass Days
• Crocks, sandals, flip-flops, clogs, or dress boots are not permitted
• Boots may be worn to and from school, but may not be worn during the school day; all students must change into appropriate shoes when they arrive at school

School ties are permitted (optional), with a blouse, and may be purchased in the office

Specific Guidelines for Girls

• All girls in grades K-12 are permitted to wear short-sleeve or long-sleeve white blouses year round.
• All girls in grades K-12 are permitted to wear white or navy polo shirts during the fall and spring periods only. (see dates above)
• Girls in grades K-6 may wear navy or SMS school plaid jumpers.
• Girls in grades 7-12 are not permitted to wear jumpers.
• Girls in grades K-6 are permitted to wear pants, skirts, and shorts in navy or plaid only.
• Girls in grades 7-12 are permitted to wear pants, skirts, and shorts in navy, plaid, or khaki.
• Girls in grades 9-12 are required to purchase a blazer. (Blazers must be labeled and left at school)
• Uniforms must be worn to all away sporting events.

 Dress Code Policy: PE Uniform for Boys and Girls

On PE days, students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade will arrive at school in their PE uniforms. 

Students in 9-12 grade should wear their uniforms to school, and bring a change of clothes for afternoon PE classes.

• Solid navy sweatpants, windpants or standard-length, navy, athletic shorts are required; “short-shorts” or leggings are not permitted
• Solid white or navy t-shirts (long or short sleeved) are required; students may also wear a solid navy sweatshirt or fleece as weather dictates 
• “Saint Michael School” t-shirts or sweatshirts are also permitted on all PE days
• Athletic shoes are required

Dress Code Policy: Dress Down Days

From time to time during the school year, there will be announced Dress Down Days. These may be part of a celebration, a reward, or part of a school fundraiser. In addition, students are invited to “Dress Down” on their birthday, as a way to celebrate. If your student has a summer birthday, they are able to choose another day to redeem their “Dress Down” pass.

Students are expected to wear modest, casual clothes that are in keeping with the Catholic school environment. Tank-tops, yoga pants, mini-skirts, or dresses/skirts that do not conform to the established length requirements in the dress code policy are never permitted. If a parent or student is unsure if clothing is in compliance with these expectations, prudence would dictate that the outfit should not be worn.

**Please note: Students in our preschool program are exempt from the uniform dress code but are asked to follow the guidelines as they pertain to safety, cleanliness and modesty.