ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL DRESS CODE The school dress code is designed to promote neatness, discipline, excellence, and a sense of school pride and identity. A school dress code also provides an atmosphere for learning free of emphasis on clothing. The enforcement of the dress code is the joint responsibility of the parents, students, teachers, and principal. Parents must see that their children leave home following the dress code policy. The teachers and principal are to enforce the dress code policy at school. The school reserves the right to call for a change of clothes or send home any student whose dress is deemed inappropriate for school. Parents, please make sure all items, especially sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets, are marked with your child’s name. Dress code clothing can be purchased at Old Navy, Target Stores, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and other local retail shops.
SHIRTS Students may wear solid red, white, or navy blue long-sleeved or short-sleeved polo shirts (plain or with the St. Matthew School logo). Shirts must be tucked in. A solid, white t-shirt may be worn under the uniform shirt.
SWEATSHIRTS and SWEATERS Students may wear solid red, white, or navy blue sweatshirts or fleece jackets (plain or with the St. Matthew School logo) over their uniform shirts. They may also wear solid red, white, or navy blue cardigan or pullover style sweaters over their uniform shirts. Students may not wear hooded sweaters, hooded sweatshirts, or hooded fleece jackets.
PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, SKORTS, and CAPRIS PANTS Students may wear khaki or navy blue uniform pants or walking shorts. Uniforms pants are pleated or plain front cotton twill pants. For Girls, avoid purchasing leggings or jeggings. The pants should have a cotton twill blend and not a tight fitting look. For Boys, avoid the cuffed jogger pants. Belts and belt loops are required for grades one through five. Uniforms will be monitored closely this school year. No flair bottom, bell bottom, denim, stretch tight fitting, cargo, or carpenter pants. Shorts must be fingertip length or longer and must not fall below the knee. Girls may also wear khaki or navy blue skirts, skorts, jumpers, polo shirt dresses, or Capri pants. Skirts, skorts, jumpers, and dresses must be no more than four inches above the knee. *Shorts and Capri pants may be only be worn before Thanksgiving Break and after Spring Break.
BELTS Belts and belt loops are required for grades one through five.
SOCKS and SHOES Shoes may be casual or athletic in style. Shoes must have an enclosed toe and heel. Sandals, boots, shoes with lights, and Crocs are not allowed. Socks must be worn at all times. Students may wear solid red, white, navy blue, black, or tan/khaki socks. Girls may wear solid red, white, navy blue, black, or tan/khaki tights or leggings under their skirts, skorts, jumpers or polo shirt dresses.
JEWELRY Jewelry needs to reflect Christian values. Boys may not wear earrings. No body piercings or tattoos are allowed. Jewelry that is distracting will not be allowed.
HAIR Hair needs to be kept neat, clean, and properly styled. Extreme hairstyles and colors are not allowed.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students in Grades 4 & 5 must wear gym uniforms to be purchased via the link sent out during summer. Additional uniforms may be purchased throughout the school year provided families pay shipping cost. Students in Grades K-3 wear their regular dress code clothing and gym shoes for P.E. class.
SPECIAL DRESS DAYS
FIRST FRIDAYS—FREE DRESS DAY The first Fridays of the month are designated as free dress days. On a free dress day, the students may wear whatever they choose with these restrictions: Shirts must have sleeves and contain appropriate pictures and sayings. No halter tops or cold-shoulder shirts. Jeans and pants should not be oversized, frayed, unhemmed, or have holes. No low-rise or ultra-low rise pants, yoga pants, flannel or pajama pants, lycra pants, or words across the seat of pants. Leggings are acceptable only if worn as tights under a skirt or tunic-style shirt or long sweater that is fingertip length or longer. Shorts and skirts must be fingertip length or longer. No hats may be worn inside the building. Sandals with backs and boots with no more than a 1” heel may be worn; no flip-flops. All students have the option to remain in school uniform on free dress days. Good rule: If you think you shouldn’t wear it, you shouldn’t.
LAST FRIDAYS—SPIRIT SHIRT DAY The last Friday of each month will be designated as Spirit Shirt Day. Students and staff members may wear a St. Matthew shirt or a Diocesan theme shirt with jeans or uniform bottoms.
