May 2, 2014

Dear Parents and Legal Guardians,

As mentioned in the MORE News on April 29, several weeks ago we met with a representative from Lands’ End to determine how we could give families more options in regards to uniforms. Now that all products at both Buckhead Uniforms and Lands’ End have been reviewed, we have selected a few additions to the 2014‐2015 St. Thomas More Uniform Policy. These items will be available to purchase June 1, 2014. Please take a moment to review the additions to the Uniform Policy.

Additions to the 2014‐2015 STM Uniform Policy:

 The ash color PE t‐shirt will be switched to a dark gray color PE shirt. The ash color shirt will still be acceptable for PE days. The switch to dark gray is to help prevent the look of wear and tear on the PE uniform. The PE shirt is located at Buckhead Uniforms only. The logo will be monogrammed instead of pressed, to also assist in the prevention of wear and tear on the PE uniform.  The ash color PE sweatshirt will be switched to a navy PE sweatshirt. The ash color sweatshirt will still be acceptable for PE days. The switch to navy is to help prevent the look of wear and tear on the PE uniform. The PE navy sweatshirt can be purchased from either Buckhead Uniform or from Lands’ End. The logo will be monogrammed instead of pressed, to also assist in the prevention of wear and tear on the PE uniform.  The navy PE shorts and navy PE sweat‐pants can be purchased at either Buckhead Uniform or from Lands’ End. The logo will be monogrammed instead of pressed, to also assist in the prevention of wear and tear on the PE uniform.  There will be an addition of a navy jumper to the Primary Girl’s Uniform Policy. The navy jumper can be purchased from Lands’ End. The logo will be the STM symbol monogrammed in white stitching. The light blue, Peter Pan collar shirt must be worn underneath the navy jumper.  The summer shoe and PE shoe can be any brand of ALL white leather shoe. NO other shoes will be accepted on PE days (i.e. students will not be able to change out of the white shoe into another athletic shoe). The all‐white leather shoe cannot have color on the shoe (e.g. outline of brand symbol).

Please, if you have any questions about the additions to the 2014‐2015 Uniform Policy, contact our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kellie DesOrmeaux. We hope that the few additions to the Uniform Policy will provide more options for your family.

Thank you,

Jerry Raymond Principal St. Thomas More Catholic School SCHOOL WIDE UNIFORM POLICY EFFECTIVE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR:

The STM emblem must be the round STM logo or monogram. The STM shield patch is no longer in compliance with the uniform policy. The STM emblem must be on all shirts, blouses, jumpers, sweaters, PE Uniforms, and jackets.

Uniforms must be purchased from Buckhead Uniform or Land’s End (the STM preferred number for Land’s End is 900027962). Buckhead Uniform will know the specific requirements for each item. All uniforms must be sized and worn appropriately regardless of current fashion trends.

Uniform items must be replaced if it is: too warn, faded, has holes, or has hemline marks.

The uniform must be worn on School Mass days or when students are representing our school. Scout uniforms and basketball shirts/khakis will not be permitted on School Mass days. Students must wear their school uniform on Mass days even if they are scheduled to have PE. Students may come out of uniform if their birthday falls on a Mass Day. Please check the school calendar for school Mass days.

The winter uniform may be worn all year; however it may not be interchanged with any part of the summer uniform (i.e. no long pants with white sport shoes).

All skort, jumper, and short lengths are to be no more than 2 inches above the knee. Skorts cannot be rolled over.

All pants and shorts must fit correctly. They are to be worn at the natural waistline. Students are not permitted to wear shorts that are below the knee.

Oxford and polo shirts need to be tucked in properly.

Please be sure ALL students’ belongings are labeled with their name.

If a student in grades K-5 needs a navy sweater, it must have the STM monogrammed emblem. If a student in grades 6-8 needs a burgundy sweater, it must have the STM monogrammed emblem. Please note: Only STM apparel is appropriate to wear in school or while attending a school function (on or off campus).

PE uniforms will be required for students in grades 3-8.

If a t-shirt is worn under the school shirt, it cannot be showing at the neck, sleeve, or bottom of the shirt.

Out of Uniform Days (including birthday out of uniform days)

T-shirts with slogans that do not promote Catholic values of St. Thomas More Catholic School or with sleeves cut out are not permitted.

During the months when the winter uniform is required, shorts may not be worn on out of uniform days.

No leggings, jeggings, or pajamas are allowed.

No low cut shirts, sweaters, or dresses are allowed.

Students may wear jeans, but torn or worn jeans are not permitted. No baggy or excessively tight jeans are permitted.

Tank tops, spaghetti straps, strapless tops, halter tops, mesh, or see-through tops are not permitted. Sleeveless shirts must be at least 3 inches wide on shoulders.

Backless shoes (clogs, Birkenstocks, crocs) beach shoes, flip flops, sports sandals, Heelys or other type of skate shoe are not permitted. All shoes must enclose the whole foot.

All students are expected to be neat, well groomed, and dressed appropriately.

No hats are to be worn inside any building on campus during the school day.

Shorts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee and not below the knee.

White crew socks are to be crew socks only. No quarter or ankle socks are allowed. Socks must be all white: no logos, designs, or lace permitted.

SCOUT UNIFORM AND BASKETBALL TEAM DAYS

On scout meeting days all scouts must be in full uniform (e.g. pants, skirts, shirts). Jeans are not a part of the scout uniform. If the troop uniform is only a vest, they may wear this over their school uniform.

If students are playing in an STM basketball game on an upcoming weekend, the students may wear the team warm-up shirt and khaki slacks. Jeans are not allowed. Students may wear a white long sleeve shirt underneath the shirt on colder days. Note: This is not allowed on Mass days.

DRESS UP OUT OF UNIFORM DAYS

Anytime there is a dress up day the 2 inch above the knee rule applies. Dresses must have 3 inch dress straps (no strapless, thin or spaghetti straps without a sweater to cover).

Shoes for girls on a dress up day should be flats but if heels are worn, they cannot be more than 2 inch heels.

Boys should wear "Sunday best" which would include a jacket and tie or a polo shirt with khaki or dress pants and dress shoes. (No sneakers.)

ACCESSORIES

JEWELRY Necklaces: Both boys and girls may wear a small thin gold or silver chain and cross or medal. Thick chains, beaded, leather, woven or stone necklaces are not permitted.

Bracelets: A wrist watch and one "cause bracelet" may be worn. Only one gold or silver bracelet may be worn. Thick chains, cuffs, beaded, leather, woven or stone bracelets are not permitted.

Earrings: Very small gold or silver earrings (smaller than the size of a dime) or small stone (silver, gold, or gemstone) studs may be worn. There is a limit of one earring per ear. No hoop, dangling, or chandelier earrings are allowed. Earrings should be a small and unobtrusive part of the student’s uniform. Rings: Students may wear one ring.

HAIR

Unusual or dyed hairstyles are not permitted.

Girls are not permitted to wear chopsticks/knitting needles or hair pins to put hair up.

All boys should have a haircut on a regular basis. Hair may not be pushed back behind the ears, exceed the eyebrows or the top of the collar, or the top of the ears. Boys are not permitted to have ponytails or side burns.

MAKEUP AND NAIL POLISH

Girls may only wear clear nail polish.

ONLY 8th gr. girls may wear pale lipstick and an appropriate amount of make-up.

***Please not that because of the unique and constantly changing nature of fashion, the school administration reserves the right to classify any style of dress, grooming, or appearance as inappropriate. If a teacher feels a student is dressed inappropriately, the school will contact the parents of the student and request that the child be picked up and taken home, or the appropriate item(s) be brought to school so the student will be in uniform compliance.***

Summer Uniform Grades K-2 Girls: Boys: Navy or Plaid jumper, navy wrap skort, or Navy walking short navy walking short Blue short-sleeve knit shirt Blue short-sleeve Peter Pan blouse Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather Navy privacy shorts for under jumpers or braided (colored shorts not allowed) White crew socks White crew socks Any ALL white leather shoes (no color Keds Saddle shoe or Black Mary Jane logos or sides of shoes allowed) (style Prodigy) Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) hair accessories Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for walking short

Grades 3-5 Girls: Boys: Plaid skort, navy wrap skort, or navy Navy walking short walking short Blue short-sleeve knit shirt Blue short-sleeve oxford shirt Blue short-sleeve oxford shirt White crew socks Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather Navy or white knee socks (not to be worn or braided with shorts) White crew socks Keds or regular Saddle shoe, or black Any ALL white leather shoes (no color Mary Jane (style Prodigy) logos or sides of shoes allowed) Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) hair accessories Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for walking short

Grades 6-8 Girls: Boys: Navy wrap skort or Navy walking short Navy walking short Blue short-sleeve oxford shirt Blue short-sleeve oxford shirt Light blue or white polo shirt White or blue short-sleeve knit shirt White crew socks Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather White or navy knee socks (cannot be or braided worn with shorts) White crew socks Regular Saddle shoes, Tan Bucs, or Any ALL white leather shoes (no color Sperry Topsider (must be style: Bluefish; logos or sides of shoes allowed) color: Linen/Oat) Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for walking short Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) hair accessories

WINTER UNIFORM Grades K-2 Girls: Boys: Navy or Plaid jumper or navy slacks Navy slacks Navy privacy shorts allowed under Blue short or long-sleeve knit shirt jumpers (colored shorts are not allowed) Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather Blue short or long-sleeve Peter Pan or braided blouse Navy sweater Navy sweater Navy socks White or navy knee socks (Navy socks to Fleece or Evolux jacket-optional (outside be worn with navy slacks) wear only) Navy tights Black or brown Merrills, black K-Swiss or Fleece or Evolux jacket-optional (outside New Balance tennis shoes wear only) Keds Saddle shoe or Black Mary Jane (style Prodigy) Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) hair accessories Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for slacks

Grades 3-5 Girls: Boys: Plaid wrap skort, navy wrap skort or navy Navy slacks slacks Blue short or long-sleeve oxford shirt Blue short or long-sleeve oxford shirt Blue Short or long-sleeve knit shirt Navy sweater Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather Fleece or Evolux jacket-optional (outside or braided wear only) Navy sweater White or navy knee socks (Navy socks to Navy socks be worn with navy slacks) Fleece or Evolux jacket-optional (outside Navy tights wear only) Keds or regular Saddle shoe or Black Black or brown Merrills, black K-Swiss or Mary Jane (style Prodigy) New Balance tennis shoes Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) hair accessories Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for slacks

Grades 6-8 Girls: Boys: Navy wrap skort, navy slacks, Navy slacks Blue short or long-sleeve oxford shirt Blue short or long-sleeve oxford shirt White or navy knee socks (Navy socks to Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather be worn with navy slacks) or braided Navy tights Tie Burgundy sweater Burgundy sweater Burgundy fleece jacket-optional (outside Navy socks wear only Burgundy fleece jacket-optional (outside Regular Saddle shoes, Tan Bucs, or wear only) Sperry Topsider (must be style: Bluefish; Tan bucs, black loafers, black K-Swiss or color: Linen/Oat) New Balance tennis shoes, or Sperry Plaid or school color (navy, white, or gold) Topsider (style A/O) hair accessories Belt: Navy stretch or black/brown leather or braided for slacks

PE Uniform Grades 3-8 On PE days students in grades 3-8 will be required to wear a PE uniform. All PE uniforms must have STM logo.

PE Uniform Summer PE Uniform Winter Gray short-sleeve t-shirt Gray short or long-sleeve t-shirt Navy mesh short Navy sweat pants (open or closed bottom) Any ALL white leather shoes (no color Navy or Ash crew neck sweat shirt logos or sides of shoes allowed) Any ALL white leather shoes (no color White crew socks logos or sides of shoes allowed) White crew socks

***If a student in grades K-5 needs a navy sweater, it must have the STM monogrammed emblem. If a student in grades 6-8 needs a burgundy sweater, it must have the STM monogrammed emblem. Please note: Only STM apparel is appropriate to wear in school or while attending a school function (on or off campus). *** weekly folder, the assignment book/planner, email, phone calls, progress reports etc. Expectations about communication with the home will be explained at Welcome Back Night(s) in the fall.