Dress Code

The Uniform Dress Code for Mater Dei High School is based on our belief that students should present an image that reflects a sense of pride in themselves, their families, and their school.

In a society that places much emphasis on fashion, where consumerism attempts to define social position and self-worth by the price, label, or logo which appears on clothing, our dress code stands as a reminder that clothing can be simple and uniform. The real worth of the individual is in what he or she accomplishes with the gifts and talents God has given. Our students will enter careers and professions where what they wear or their general appearance will not be their choice. We feel that we have an obligation to help them understand and accept those expectations as part of being an adult.

We consider proper dress and grooming to be part of the learning process. Students are expected to observe the ordinary rules of neatness, cleanliness, modesty, and good taste. Since the Student Handbook cannot make provisions for the continually changing styles, the school Administration reserves the right to decide what acceptable and appropriate dress is for school AND for school functions.

Approved providers of the Mater Dei High School monogrammed polos and sweatshirts are Southwest Grafix and Midwest Marketing. Uniform dress pants may be purchased through any retail outlet that carries slacks/pants that meet all regulations of the school dress code.

Pants

The uniform pants are solid tan in color. Pants are to be pleated or plain front cotton twill pants. Pants are to be tapered or straight-legged; no flare-bottom, bell-bottom, capri pants or shorts of any kind are permitted. Pants must have belt loops. Pants may not have torn hems, frayed hems, split seams, cuffs, exterior pockets, exterior seams, grippers, rivets, exterior zippers, exterior snaps, excessive stitching, or elastic/drawstring waist. Pants must fit properly and be worn at the natural waistline. Skinny style or snug-fitting pants are not allowed.

Belt

Polo Shirt

Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt

Sweatshirt/Sweater

School sweatshirts must be the approved red, white, black, or yellow Mater Dei monogrammed uniform sweater. An approved school polo shirt must be worn (collar showing) under the sweater/sweatshirt. Black fleece jackets, monogrammed and provided by one of our approved vendors, are also permitted. Any other Mater Dei sweatshirts or team pullovers are not to be worn. Detentions may be issued.

Jewelry & Other Accessories

Body piercing (any area other than the ears) jewelry and/or tattoos are not permitted and are not to be covered with Band-Aids, tape, etc. ONLY girls may wear earrings. Girls may be asked to remove multiple earrings if they are determined to be excessive. Permanent or temporary tattoos or body drawings (writing or drawing on body) of any kind are forbidden. Body piercing, e.g. tongue, nose, etc. is not allowed. Gauges are also not allowed.

Shoes

Black, tan, or brown dress shoes appropriate for school are to be worn. Sandals, moccasins, house shoes, or shoes resembling house shoes, Hey Dudes, boots of any style (work or western), and athletic shoes or polo tennis shoes are unacceptable for school wear. No open-back shoes or shoes resembling athletic shoes will be permitted. Dress shoes must have a closed heel. The wearing of athletic shoes is permitted for medical reasons upon the presentation of a note to the Main Office from a medical doctor stating their necessity. This permission slip is limited to one week. A parental note is not sufficient.

Socks

Hair And Make-Up

Girls’ hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hair color must be a natural hair color (i.e. brown, blonde). Make-up, if worn, should be properly applied and not distracting.

Boys' hair may not touch the collar in the back, should not be over the eyes, and should not be below the ear on the sides. Hair should be kept clean and properly styled. Hair color must be a natural hair color (i.e. brown, blonde).

Students may be granted three (3) days to comply with this rule after a verbal warning is given. Failure to do so will result in the student being suspended from school until there is compliance.

Boys must be clean-shaven: long sideburns (below the ear), and beards are not permitted. Boys may be sent to the office to shave for a cost of $1.00 or one-hour detention.

Alternate Dress Days

Alternate dress days (i.e. Field trips, May Day, and other special events) will be observed only on special occasions as determined by the Administration. Students are expected to observe the ordinary rules of neatness, cleanliness, modesty, and good taste.

• Girls: Casual attire, including shorts, is not permitted. ‘Professional’ pants are acceptable. Dress jeans are not acceptable. Skirts/dresses must be knee-length or longer. Open backs, low-cut fronts, slits of inappropriate length, midriffs, snug-fitting, spaghetti straps, etc. are NOT acceptable. Flip-flops are not considered appropriate for dress-up days.
• Boys: A tie must be worn with a solid color shirt, school uniform pants or dress pants, and dress shoes (no athletic shoes). Senior boys are required to wear a sport coat in addition to the above-mentioned guidelines on May Day.

Spirit Dress Days

• Shirts must be professionally and/or commercially made and be promoting Mater Dei, a school organization, or a team.
• Jeans or school pants are permitted. No sweat pants, yoga pants, cargo pants, or other large pocket pants are to be worn. Shorts are not permitted. Jeans/pants must be in good condition; clean and free of holes, no frayed jeans, etc.
• Unsafe or inappropriate footwear, bare feet, shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, and inappropriate messages (satanic musical groups or wording, alcohol advertisements, or suggestive logos) are not permitted. Hats, torn, ripped, and/or cut clothing, and leggings (body-hugging slacks) are not acceptable.
• Jackets, sweatshirts, or hooded sweatshirts that do not promote Mater Dei may not be worn over a Mater Dei shirt.

Prohibited Dress Code Items

• Plain white or black undershirts may be worn under polo shirts. Undershirts with any type of writing, logos, or pictures are unacceptable.
• Shirts or sweaters are not to be tied around the waist.
• No long-sleeve t-shirts are to be worn under short sleeve polo shirts.
• Torn, ripped, frayed, worn-out, or otherwise altered clothing is not acceptable.
• Visible tattoos are not acceptable.
• Visible body piercing jewelry including tongue piercing, and nose piercing except earrings on girls, is not acceptable.