2007-08 STANDARDS OF DRESS AND GROOMING

PHILOSOPHY
            CA is primarily interested in the spiritual growth of each student.  We are also vitally interested in having each student acquire the intellectual, physical and social skills that make for effective participation in Christian living.  As a Christian community, CA encourages and expects proper speech, dress and manners, so that each student reflects the person he/she is and is becoming as a child of God.
           
CA does not have uniforms; however, we do require students to adhere to a standard dress code.  Just as employees represent the company or corporation for whom they work, so we represent the Christian church on earth.  Therefore, the dress code emphasizes cleanliness, modesty, good taste, and neatness.  Students will quickly learn that being well dressed boosts self-esteem and earns the respect of others.  Within the limits of these guidelines, students have the opportunity to express themselves as unique creations of God with various styles of dress and grooming.  We strive to project a distinctive, bold and positive image to the community.

APPLICATION
            The dress code applies every school day, including final exam days and specially designated “school spirit” days approved by the administration.  On special “school spirit” days, students who choose not to participate in the activity must follow the regular dress code.  The dress code is in effect during the academic hours of the school day, on every part of the campus.  This means that students arriving late or departing early are expected to observe the dress code the entire time they are on the campus.  Although certain aspects of the dress code (e.g., tucking in of shirts) will not be enforced before or after school, students will be expected to present a good appearance whenever they are on campus.  In addition, the dress code may apply on field trips and at other times determined by the administration, a faculty member, or coach.  Parental cooperation is essential if our school is to maintain a quality educational environment.

DRESS CODE
            Clothing must be clean, presentable and without holes, tears or frayed hems.  Any clothing or accessory that gives offense to our Christian community will not be allowed.  Clothing that endorses alcoholic beverages, drugs, gangs, musical performers, or tobacco products will not be allowed during school or at school sponsored activities.  No underwear styled garments may be worn as outer garments.  The faculty has the responsibility to evaluate the modesty of clothing. 

TOPS:  Students will wear polo style or button down oxford style shirts.  All shirts must have a fold-over collar.  Shirts may have long or short sleeves.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times, and therefore shirt tails must be long enough to allow for this.  Jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are not acceptable, unless they are CA apparel or have a distinctively Christian theme.  A T-shirt with a distinctively Christian theme is one that contains a scripture verse or Biblical truth, not just the name of a Christian church or school.  Girls may not wear tops that are low-cut or revealing.  No cleavage (Dictionary Term: The hollow between a woman’s breasts, especially as revealed by a low neckline) may be visible.  Outer garments that may be worn in classrooms are CA hooded sweatshirts, CA windbreakers, or CA letter jackets.  
Not allowed:  Tank tops, halters, tube tops and bare midriff tops

PANTS:  Students may wear pants (including jeans), shorts or skirts.  These should be worn at the waist. Shorts, skirts and dresses may not be more than four (4) inches from the floor when the student is in a kneeling position.  Mid-calf dresses and skirts are recommended.  Dresses need not be collared but should be modest in appearance. 
Not allowed:  Camouflage pants/shorts, oversized pants/shorts, sweat pants/shorts, stretch skin-tight item, and warm-ups (unless as designated by a coach for team wear for a given day)

SHOES:  Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times and be in good repair.  In the interest of safety, all shoes and sandals must fit securely with no open back. 
Not allowed:  Flip-flips, aqua socks, etc.

HAIR:  Hair should be well groomed and kept out of the eyes.  Boy’s hair should not touch or extend over the ears, nor reach the base of the neck.  Boys need to be clean-shaven. Sideburns are not to extend below the earlobe.  All hair colors must be natural.

ACCESSORIES: Jewelry must not be a distraction. Earrings on girls must be worn on the ears. 
Not allowed:  Hats or sunglasses (in the school building), visible tattoos, and earrings on boys

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