Uniforms

Students in grades 5–8 are expected to arrive at school and remain throughout the school day in accordance with the Sacred Heart Cathedral School uniform and appearance guidelines. If a student is out of uniform, school personnel or administration may address the concern with the student and communicate with parents as needed.

The school understands that occasional mistakes and oversights may occur. When a uniform concern arises, parents will be asked to assist in correcting the issue by bringing appropriate uniform items to school or helping ensure future compliance.

Students in grades 5-8 arriving at school not in uniform or found out of uniform during the school day, have exhibited a uniform infraction. This will result in a referral to the Middle School Student Behavior Support personnel or Assistant Principal. A parent notification form will be sent home requiring corrective action. Parents should sign and return it within 24 hours and commit to a resolution date they have noted on the form. Failure to correct the uniform infraction in the agreed upon time frame will result in a points reduction.

If a student repeatedly violates the same uniform expectation, additional intervention may be necessary. Upon the third infraction for the same offense within a school year, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to meet with school administration to review the uniform policy, discuss the documented concerns, and establish a plan for consistent compliance moving forward.

Continued repeated infractions of the same offense after the administrative meeting may result in disciplinary consequences or loss of certain privileges, as determined appropriate by the administration.

The school recognizes that unique or temporary circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to fully comply with the uniform policy. In those situations, parents are encouraged to communicate with the school in advance whenever possible. Requests for temporary exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School administration reserves the right to make final determinations regarding compliance with uniform and appearance standards.

Out of uniform days are intended to provide students with an opportunity for appropriate self-expression while maintaining the standards and expectations of Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Student attire must remain modest, neat, safe, and appropriate for the school environment.

The following guidelines apply to all out of uniform days:

• Shorts for both boys and girls, as well as skirts and dresses for girls, must comply with the school’s “post-it note” length guideline.

• Tight-fitting clothing is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, bike shorts, compression-style clothing, and excessively form-fitting attire.

• Leggings may only be worn if paired with a top that meets the “post-it note” length guideline.

• Pants, jeans, and other clothing items may not contain rips, tears, holes, or frayed areas.

• Clothing may not display inappropriate language, images, symbols, slogans, or messages, including content that is offensive, suggestive, violent, or inconsistent with the values and mission of SHCS.

• Clothing must appropriately cover undergarments, midriff, chest, and back at all times.

• Footwear must remain safe and appropriate for school activities.

Administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of student attire. Students who do not meet out of uniform day expectations may be required to change clothing, contact home for alternate attire, or receive disciplinary consequences in accordance with school policy.