MT. VERNON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

 DRESS CODE 2009-2010

Mt. Vernon Christian School dress standards are based on Biblical principles and on the concept of appropriateness. Principles in God’s Word clearly apply in two areas of Christian dress. The principle of modesty is given to Christians in 1 Timothy 2:9 and should be followed in dress standards. Secondly, Christians should follow the principle of separation from worldliness in dress as taught in II Corinthians 6:17. Certain styles of dress identify the individual with ungodly philosophies in society or groups in the community; therefore, Christians need to be discerning and seek to avoid those associations (I Thessalonians 5:22; I Peter 2:9).

Parts of our dress standard have been established because it has been determined that certain styles of clothing, while not wrong, are not appropriate for the primary activity of the school. We believe that the way students dress strongly influences their behavior, self-image, and the effort they put forth in school.  With rapid changes in styles and various ideas about what constitutes a “neat” appearance, it is difficult to have a clear policy that specifically covers all situations.  We depend upon parents both (1) understanding the philosophy and objectives of the appearance policy, and (2) making choices that meet those objectives.  It is wise for parents to ask about suitability for school BEFORE investing in some of the more casual, “fad-type” clothing.  Your guide should be, “Is this garment consistent with a good Christian testimony?”, and “Is this garment consistent with the objective of neat, modest appearance without being too casual?”

Dress that is not proper or not suitable for school will be brought to the attention of the student and the parents/guardians for the purpose of instruction and correction. Under certain circumstances, if the student's dress is deemed inappropriate, he/she will not be permitted to attend class. To reinstate the student’s attendance to class, the student will be required to wear appropriate clothing as provided by the school.  In some cases, students may be required to return home to change the inappropriate apparel or have appropriate clothing brought from home.

While the following guidelines should prove helpful, the administration reserves the right to determine whether student dress and appearance are proper.  Our #1 partner in the enforcement of MVCS dress code policies is the home. Parents/guardians, please assure that your children are in accordance with the dress code policy before they leave the house to come to school. In the event of questionable suitability of appearance for school, the final decision rests with the school.

Dress Code for all P.E. Students

Elementary students will wear their regular school clothing for P.E. Appropriate clothing for high school Physical Education will be modest length shorts no shorter than the width of a dollar bill above the knee and T-shirts that are comfortable and suitable for sports activities. This clothing is not permitted in areas other than the gym, playground or athletic fields

Game Day Attire for Student Athletes

Athletic team members are required to dress up for game days. Both boys' and girls' teams must dress in chapel attire on game days or wear the team polo shirts as directed by the Headmaster and Athletic Director.  Articles of game attire CANNOT be worn in school during the school day.

Specific Dress Code for Special Occasions

Banquets, proms, etc., are special occasions. There are varieties of dresses for young ladies that can be found that still reflect Christian morals. All formal attire must be pre-approved by MVCS personnel according to the following guidelines:

·         Modest sleeveless dresses or tops are acceptable as long as the armholes are modest enough so that undergarments are not visible. Any jacket (sheer or otherwise), shawl, or wrap may not be worn in an attempt to cover a dress code violation.  Appropriate undergarments are to be worn.

·         Hems of dresses or slits in dresses must not come higher than the top of the knee.

·         Dresses cannot be low-cut in front. Use the "two fingers below the collarbone" rule as a guideline.

·         Necklines should not be "blousy" or revealing when leaning over.

·         The backs of the dresses must not be lower than the bottom of the shoulder blades.

·         Gentlemen may not wear jeans to a banquet and must wear a dress shirt and a tie

·         Non-MVCS students are expected to comply with the dress code for special occasions.  Any student who escorts a non-MVCS student dressed inappropriately will receive the same consequences. The Administration reserves the right to disallow any Mt. Vernon Christian School or non-MVCS students dressed inappropriately from entering or remaining at the occasion.

Regarding our home/school partnership, parent/guardian cooperation and understanding are essential in making these special events just that—"special."  By following the above guidelines, the evening can be enjoyed by all those involved.

General Information

·         This Dress Code applies to students in Grades K3-12 and to all MVCS-sponsored or attended events [athletic events excepted, unless attire worn by MVCS students at games drastically challenge the MVCS dress code (as determined by the administration)].

·         All clothing should be labeled with the student’s name to facilitate the return of lost items.

·         Modesty and good taste should guide the student’s choice of apparel at after-school events and games. The school reserves the right to monitor appropriate dress at these events.

·         Specific clothing and personal articles displaying the Confederate flag will not be worn at school or at school functions.  In keeping with our Christian principles, it is necessary for every student, parent, faculty and staff member to respect the American Flag and the laws governing the use of the flag.

·         The following clothing must not be worn to school or school functions on or off campus:

o        Jewelry with cult/gang emblems             

o        Clothing with images of music personalities/emblems/images

o        Peace signs/emblems                             

o        Clothing with sexually-suggestive wording or symbols   

o        Overalls

o        Camouflage/military attire                       

o        Black fingernail polish or lipstick

o        Clothing that exposes the mid-section

·         Tattoos or facial/body piercing of any kind (except ear-piercing for girls only) is not permitted.  Girls are permitted to have two earrings in each lobe.  Ear cuffs are not permitted.