August 3, 2022

Dear K-8 Parents, 

As we begin to prepare for back to school, I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of following the dress code. Once again, there will be a no tolerance policy and our faculty will be instructed to hand out dress code violation forms that will result in after school detentions. Excessive violations could result in in-school suspension. 

As a reminder, please note and adhere to the following: 

Haircuts for Boys

Boys should not have faddish haircuts. This includes the following: 

• Hair should not touch ears or go below
• Hair should not touch eyebrows or go below
• Hair should not touch the collar or go below. 
• No shaved in designs of any kind
• No Mohawks or faux-hawks
• No Man Buns or headwear

Hair for Girls 

• no excessive hair pieces.
• Only uniform headbands; navy blue, black watch plaid, black or white 
• Scrunchies/hair ties; navy blue, black watch plaid, black or white 
• Hair should be clean and styled neatly 

Colored hair, colored highlights, ombre coloring is not permitted. 

Shoes for Daily Wear

Students are required to wear low-heeled, low-cut, tied or closed dress shoes or casual dress shoes. Shoes should be constructed of leather and not canvas or any other material. Boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, or shoes without backs are not permitted. Sneakers are only permitted on the student’s gym day. School shoes must be worn from the beginning of school until the last day of school. Previously exceptions were made at the end of the school year and I can no longer make any expectations. If your child grows out of their shoes, a new pair of shoes will need to be purchased.

Accessories

• Earrings: Girls may wear one pair of small stud earrings. Boys may not wear earrings. 
• Jewelry: No more than two bracelets may be worn. Only a watch may be worn on the wrist. Smart watches are not permitted. All neck chains are to be worn under the student's shirt or blouse. 
• Nail polish may be worn for girls. Boys may not wear nail polish-exceptions for boys will be made for special events such as Cut-A-Thon and Color Wars.
• Make-up and fake nails are prohibited. 

Pants 

• Pants for girls and boys must touch the ankle 
• Capri pants are not permitted
• Leggings or “stretchy” pants are not uniform pants and are not permitted

Cold Weather Wear

The winter uniform which begins November 1, 2022 includes weather appropriate garments for both upper and lower school. We have tolerated jackets, non-school sweatshirts and other outer layer items in the colder months because a student came to school unprepared. There will be a no-tolerance policy this year. Students must be in dress code even in the colder months. 

Grade 8 

Grade 8 students may not wear their Class sweatshirts until November. High School sweatshirts can be worn beginning in January once they declare the high school they will be attending.   

Dress Down Days 

While dress down days are structured to allow the students to be comfortable and show their personalities, as a Catholic school we still need to adhere to a certain decorum as well as follow safety guidelines.  

Please note the following regarding Dress Down Day guidelines: 

• Hats and visors are not permitted unless it is a themed dress down day
• ripped jeans/short shorts/ cropped tops or tops that expose the stomach are not permitted
• Uggs, Crocs, slip on sandals, flip flops, or opened back shoes are not permitted 

For a complete review of the St. Mark Uniform policy, please visit our website www.stmarkschool.org where the complete dress code can be found in the Student Parent Handbook which can be found in the parent section. 

The St. Mark School Uniform is not optional, it is mandatory for all students in Grades K-8. School uniforms are a key way of enhancing school pride, unity and community spirit. School uniforms prepare children for formal scenarios that we all encounter in our lives. Depending on the situation, we’re expected to dress and present ourselves in a professional way. Job interviews, Mass, weddings, funerals, and other formal events or occasions are just a few examples. Dressing professionally in working environments is expected in adulthood, and this is something your child will understand thanks to a school uniform. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 

Yours in Christ, 

Mrs. Warner