Our dress code has been updated to provide more specific examples and clarification for all staff members. This is posted in our faculty handbook and presented here to bring attention to the clarifications. Business casual is the model.
The dress and general appearance of teachers and staff is important to the school mission as Catholic educators. This code applies to all school employees, full or part-time, and substitute teachers. At all times, school faculty and staff are asked to model to our students appropriate and professional behaviors. All faculty and staff are expected to maintain a neat appearance. Since our students must abide by a uniform code, all staff members should be conscious that our dress also has a professional bearing. Business casual is a great model to follow. Women may wear dresses, skirts, professional bottoms (slacks, khakis, colored pants) with a blouse or appropriate shirt. Skirts should not be shorter than two inches above the knee. Comfortable shoes, including open back or open toe may be worn as long as they present a professional appearance. Men may wear slacks, khakis, dress shirt with or without a tie, sweater, or collared shirt. Casual shoes, dress shoes, or sneakers are acceptable footwear for men.
Modesty is also essential to professional dress. No spaghetti straps, low cut necklines, revealing or tight fitting clothing, skirts/dresses with high slits, tank tops, crop tops, shorts. Be sure shirts are long enough to cover the belly. Leggings or stretch pants may only be worn under a dress.
Dress down days for teachers are allowed on field days, teacher work days, tag days, or other special activities as approved by the principal and/or pastor. Final word on the propriety of clothing rests with the principal and pastor.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in T-shirt Tuesday where teachers are permitted to wear an inspirational t-shirt and bottoms such as a skirt, khakis, dark wash denim, or dressy jeans. Faculty and staff are encouraged to wear St. Mary’s spirit wear polo shirts on Thursdays with professional bottoms. We attend Mass each Friday and Holy Day. Students wear formal uniforms these days, and teachers should dress comparably with respect and reverence for the celebration of the Eucharist.
The physical education teacher will wear the appropriate attire for the requirement of the position. If the PE teacher chooses to wear shorts, they must be long gym shorts or walking shorts.
If it becomes necessary, a teacher/staff member will be asked to return home to comply with the dress code if the guidelines are not followed.
I thank you for your cooperation and attention to the professionalism of our school faculty and staff.