Aug. 14, 2008 – "The dress code for students in the St. Croix District should be appropriate for the school environment," said Insular Superintendent for the District Gary Molloy. Molloy tells parents and students, "As a general rule, what a student wears should not to distract the teacher or other students from the learning process. All students entering a public school in this district are to be appropriately dressed and groomed at all times.
Any style of dress which threatens the health and safety of the individual student, or the student body as a whole, or which disrupts the learning situation, or tends to cause a break down in the morale or general discipline of the school is strictly prohibited. Students are forewarned that if their attire or style of grooming so violates the dress code, that it is unsafe, unsanitary, indecent or so ridiculous as to cause comment and commotion in the classroom, they will not be permitted to class." Molloy said that failure to follow the established guidelines would result in disciplinary action in that of students being sent home until corrective measures have been made to their attire.
Female students are to wear knife or box pleated skirts with a waistband of not more than two inches wide. The length of the skirt must reach the top of the knee or longer. The back of the skirt must reach the bend at the back of the knee. No lace, frills, or ornamentations, to include contrasting colored thread, will be allowed on the school uniform skirt. Additionally, no wrap skirts, skorts, or bibs will be permitted as a part of the school uniform.
The skirts are to be accompanied by a short-sleeved blouse buttoned down at the front with a collar or short sleeve pullover void of ornamentations or logos; ankle to knee high socks with no ornamentations; shoes or sneakers–no slippers, slides, mules, high heels, or boots. The male student's uniform consists of plain trousers worn on the waist with a belt. Pants should have front and rear pockets, however no cargo pants or oversized baggy pants are allowed. Absolutely no jeans or pants made with denim will be allowed. No oversized, large buckles, or name designs on belts will be allowed. Short-sleeved shirts buttoned down at the front with collar or pullovers are to be worn; shoes or sneakers–no boots or slippers; calf high or knee-high socks are permissible. No ankle socks or peds.
Female students are permitted to wear one watch, one pair of earrings (no large hoops, balls, or designs), a small chain with one small pendant, and a bracelet. Male students are permitted to wear one watch, one small chain with one small pendant, and one bracelet. Absolutely no earrings are permitted for male students. No rings are permitted with the exception of class rings to be worn by 12th grade students only.
"Athletic shoes will not be accepted under any circumstances in any vocational educational classes.
No caps, hats, bandanas, stocking caps or Do-rags will be permitted on any campus. If headwear is mandated by religious beliefs, each case will be dealt with individually. Additionally, no sunglasses will be permitted unless prescribed by a physician," Molloy said.
Molloy encouraged parents to participate in the orientation sessions scheduled for their children to obtain further details on the individual school's requirements and policies. "We anticipate the cooperation and support of parents and guardians with the outlined regulations toward re-establishing a sense of pride of self and school within our students," the superintendent said.
