The policy in question

DRESS CODE

It is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure the dress code standards are met on a daily basis. The Upper School dress code was developed through conversations among students, faculty members and administrators; its purpose is to maintain a standard appropriate for a school environment that satisfies in a respectful way the needs of people from different cultures and generations. All clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair, and be in accordance with any guidelines set for a particular activity.

The following clothing items are required at all times under the dress code:

• Shirt or top with sleeve openings that extend no lower than the midway down the ribcage (i.e., fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms)
• Shirts that extend below the waist, over the navel area
• Pants, dresses, skirts, or shorts that extend to at least mid-thigh
• Footwear

The following clothing items are not permitted under the dress code:

• Undergarments visible to others, except for over-the shoulder bra straps
• Clothing displaying sexual, drug/alcohol-related, disrespectful phrases or offensive words, graphics, or logos
• Hats indoors
• Pajama pants
• Sheer pants or shirts (unless another item of clothing is worn underneath)
• Strapless tops

If an SPA adult becomes concerned that an item of clothing is either undermining the spirit of the dress code or not in accordance with the guidelines set above, that adult will contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students (or Principal) will be the final judge of appropriate dress in these situations, and hear any disputes or questions the student might have. Repeated violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary action.