North Kern Christian School

DRESS CODE

NKCS grooming standards for both boys and girls are designed to minimize the unattractive spirit of clothes competition which seeks to draw attention to self or gender. Therefore, students are required to wear top quality professionally made uniforms. Uniforms standardize and neutralize external appearance while enhancing individualization of internal values.

It is incumbent upon all Christians to look their best at all times, to avoid compromising faddish or counter-culture attire, and display an element of quality Christian modesty. As Christians, we are to “show ourselves as an example of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:12). We would encourage parents and all other adults who routinely come on campus to adhere to this general principle.

The administration reserves the right to determine appropriateness of all dress and grooming choices. Parents are asked to cooperate and ensure their student stays within the following guidelines. If a parent has a question as to whether a particular item of clothing is acceptable, he is encouraged to check with the school office and discuss the matter before sending the student to school wearing the item. Parents and students are asked not to request exceptions or appeal administrative decisions regarding the dress and grooming standards.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS:

If the staff observes a student in violation of the code, usually, it will not be brought to the attention of the student. Rather, a note (or phone call) will go home to the parents explaining the problem, so it can be corrected in the future*. If a student receives three violations in a quarter, he will be unable to participate in that quarter’s “Free Dress Day.” If a student receives more than three violations in a given quarter, he will be dealt with in an appropriate manner, up to and possibly including expulsion.
    *In cases where the violation can be easily remedied (ex. Tucking in shirt) the student will simply be instructed to make the change to adhere to the code. However, if a student repeatedly has to be told, he may receive a dress code violation.

GENERAL DRESS CODE AND GROOMING GUIDELINES

All clothing must be clean, in good repair, and well pressed. Hair should be clean and well groomed. Hair may not be dyed an unnatural color, nor be in a faddish, extreme or excessive style. No visible tattoos or body piercing (including tongue piercing) are acceptable (other than earrings for girls). *School uniform colors are red, white, and dark (navy) blue; hence, when ‘blue’ is referred to in this dress code, it is to be interpreted as navy blue or dark royal blue.

SHOES: Conservative shoes or tennis shoes are acceptable; no sandals, moccasins, thongs, or high heels.

LOGOS: Manufacturer’s logos (pictures or words) are allowed if they are small in relationship to the garment, and are not objectionable. Any other slogans or advertisements are not acceptable.

SWEATERS, VESTS**: Solid colors, white, or blue*; or combination of these colors.

JACKETS**: Any style and color in good taste is acceptable.

JEWELRY: No accessory-style pins should be worn on uniforms or sweaters.
**Jackets and sweaters that are not school colors may be worn outside only, but not in the classroom or in chapel.

GIRLS

UNIFORMS – #138 Hamilton Plaid (red, white, and blue); jumper style uniform will be worn by the kindergartners through 3rd graders, 4th through 8th graders may wear either the jumper or skirt. Beginning in Aug., 2008, it is strongly recommended that girls in K – 3rd wear Skorts (a skirt with shorts built in). Also beginning in Aug., 2008, the jumpers, skirts and skorts may be in navy. For all girls, the minimum length for jumpers, skirts and skorts is one inch above the knee (measured with a ruler while kneeling). Order blanks for these jumpers and skirts are available in the school office.

BLOUSES OR SHIRTS – Solid red, white, or *blue blouses or golf/polo styled shirts are acceptable. Blouses must have a collar and sleeves; they may not be sheer, excessively lacy, low cut, or of the tank top or T-shirt variety. Blouses and shirts are to be tucked in at all times. A polo style logo shirt is highly recommended which will be expected to be worn on any field trip, and will be encouraged to be worn on “logo shirt days” (Wed. and Fri.).

UNIFORM SHORTS – Beginning in Aug. 2008, shorts may be worn the entire year if the student desires. Shorts must be navy twill walking shorts and can be worn in place of the regular uniform skirt, skort or jumper. Acceptable manufacturers of this short are Dennis Uniform Co., Elder Mfg. (Becky Thatcher), Bruxtun Mfg., and French Toast (the latter may be purchased at Sears, Wal Mart, Target, K-Mart and Penny’s, BUT are available only at the beginning of the school year). The exchange closet is also a good source for these. All shorts must comply with the following:

-must be a dressy type, walking short
-no cargo style shorts are allowed
-must fit student appropriately (not too tight)

Short length, measured from the floor with a ruler while student is kneeling, must be within 0 to 4 inches above the knee. Shorts must remain dark navy (not faded) in order to be acceptable school attire.

DRESS PANTS – Also beginning in Aug. 2008, girls may wear long navy dress pants at anytime of the school year. These may be cord or twill type “dress” pants with no decorative stitching. Denim jeans are not acceptable.

UNDERGARMENTS: Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times. For modesty, all girls shall wear shorts, which are long enough to cover their underwear, under their skirts or jumpers. Sweat pants or slacks worn under the uniform are not acceptable.

SOCKS: Socks are to be worn at all times and must cover the ankle. Red, white, or blue*, or any combination thereof, of crew socks, knee socks, or tights, are appropriate. Flesh-tone nylons (no designs, glitter or seams) may be worn with socks by seventh and eighth grade girls only.

MAKEUP/NAILS: Modestly applied, natural-looking makeup may be worn by seventh and eighth grade girls only. Nail polish may be worn; however, it must be one color only (not black). Artificial nails and nail art are not acceptable. The administration reserves the right to have students remove excessive and extreme makeup.

JEWELRY: Conservative necklaces and bracelets may be worn, provided they complement the uniform and are not noisy or distracting. Pierced or clip-on earrings, located in the earlobe only, which do not extend below the earlobe are acceptable for girls. Only one earring per ear allowed.

HAIR RIBBONS AND ADORNMENTS: These should coordinate with the uniform.

BOYS GUIDELINES

TROUSERS – Navy blue cords or twill trousers, with no decorative stitching, are acceptable. Denim jeans do not meet these guidelines.

SHIRTS – Solid red, white, or *blue golf/polo, turtleneck, or dress-style shirts (either short or long sleeved) are acceptable. Undershirts in solid red, white, or blue* may be worn underneath these shirts. A polo style logo shirt is highly recommended which will be expected to be worn on any field trip, and will be encouraged to be worn on “logo shirt days” (Wed. and Fri.). All shirts must be tucked in.

UNIFORM SHORTS – Beginning in Aug. 2008, shorts may be worn the entire year if the student desires. Shorts must be navy twill walking shorts, and may be worn in place of the regular uniform trousers. Acceptable manufactures of this type of short are Dennis Uniform Co., Elder Mfg. (Tom Sawyer), Bruxtun Mfg., and French Toast (the latter may be purchased at Sears, Wal-Mart, Target, KMart and Penny’s, BUT are available only at the beginning of the school year). Again, check the uniform exchange closet for your student. All shorts must comply with the following:
– must be a dressy type, walking short
– NO cargo style shorts are allowed
– must fit student appropriately (not too tight)
Short length, measured from the floor with a ruler while student is kneeling, must be within 0 to 4 inches above the knee. Shorts must remain dark navy (not faded) in order to be acceptable school attire.

BELTS – If worn, belts must be black, brown, or blue*. Buckles must be in good taste.

SOCKS – Socks must be worn at all times and cover the ankle.

GROOMING – Hair may not extend over the eyebrows, bottom of shirt collar, or below the top of the earlobe. No tails, Ponytails, or design/patterns cut into the hair are acceptable; hair must be cut in traditional, conservative styles only. Hair may not be pulled up or slicked down to fit these guidelines. Sideburns must be kept trimmed above earlobe. No other facial hair is acceptable. No makeup, jewelry (other than watch, one ring, a conservative necklace, provided it complements the uniform and is not noisy or distracting, or ID bracelet) or nail polish may be worn by boys.

P.E. UNIFORMS

Girls and boys in fifth through eighth grades are required to wear standardized P.E. uniforms during P.E. period. These uniforms, consisting of T-shirts and shorts, are available for purchase from the school office. During the winter, red, white, ash, or blue sweat pants may be worn over the uniform shorts. The sweats must be a solid color, no logos (other than school logo), holes, or tears.

FREE DRESS CODE

All attire should be in keeping with the high Christian standards set forth here at North Kern Christian School. Grooming, shoe and sock guidelines remain the same as in the regular dress code. Since styles change from year to year, it is impossible to list every type of clothing that may or may not be acceptable; therefore, final determination as to the appropriateness of dress is up to the faculty and administration.

NOTE: This free dress code applies to ISP students and is recommended for adults who are interacting with students or providing services (e.g., field trips, computer and reading volunteers, etc.), while on campus.

GIRLS FREE DRESS GUIDELINES

DRESSES – Dresses, jumpers and skirts must be of same length and modesty as uniform dresses and skirts.

PANTS – Girl’s pants, slacks, shorts* and jeans are acceptable. However, no torn or faded jeans are allowed.

TOPS – These must be long enough to cover the waistband, with modest necklines. Shirttail blouses must be worn tucked in.

UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE – Coveralls, overalls, cutoffs, plain white undergarment-style T-shirts (worn in place of a regular shirt), tank tops, sleeveless/cap sleeve shirts and dresses, including cap sleeves, spaghetti-strap tops, low cut tops, sheer clothing. No advertisements, slogans or pictures inconsistent with a Christian testimony are acceptable.

BOYS FREE DRESS GUIDELINES

PANTS – Slacks, cords, shorts* or jeans are acceptable. However, no torn or faded jeans are allowed.

SHIRTS – Collared shirts or knit-type pullover shirts with sleeves are required. Shirts with tails must be tucked in.

UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE – Coveralls, overalls, cutoffs, plain white undergarment T-shirts (worn in place of a regular shirt), tank tops. No advertisements, slogans or pictures inconsistent with a Christian testimony are acceptable.

*Free Dress Shorts: Uniform shorts are always acceptable for free dress days. The shorts do not need to
be dress code colors; however, they must be loose fitting, though not excessively baggy.

FREE DRESS DAYS

In addition to the earned free dress days at the end of the quarter, 5th – 8th students can earn free dress days for their participation in volunteer work or honors at school. The 7th and 8th grade students can earn up to two free dress days per month. The 5th and 6th grade students can earn one free dress day per month. These free dress days will be set in advance. The student must complete at least two hours of service or the equivalent earned time to be eligible for the free dress day. The student is responsible to turn in his time before the free dress day to be eligible.