Dress Code Guidelines

In an effort to help create a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning, MATES has established a mandatory Dress Code Policy along with these Dress Code Guidelines. Student attire has a direct effect upon the educational environment and a student’s ability to function at the optimum level in the classroom. The learning environment is enhanced when social differences are minimized. These Dress Code Guidelines are designed to permit students to focus their attention on academics and on the aspects of their personality that are truly important rather than on their attire while at school. All MATES students must comply with the Dress Code and Dress Code Guidelines daily. 

General Dress Code – Students must wear the appropriate Dress Code attire, as described below, each school day and must be neat, clean, and well groomed at all times.

• Skirts, skorts, and shorts must be appropriate length (no shorter than fingertip length).
• Shirts must be no more than six (6) inches below the waist when not tucked in.
• Students are not to wear shoes with open toes or that have a heel, platform, or wheels.
• Jeans, cargo pants/shorts, joggers, track pants, and sweatpants are not permitted dress code pieces.
• Socks should be plain/solid white, black, or khaki. Tights, knee socks, or leggings may be plain/solid white or black only. Tights and legging may only be worn with an appropriate dress code bottom, as described in the General Clothing Pieces**. Leggings may not be worn on their own. 
• Hats are not permitted in the classroom (except for religious or medical reasons) and must be stored in a student’s backpack during instructional time. Students may wear hats on the playground for sun protection, forward facing.
• Excessive jewelry (including necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.) should be avoided. Students may be asked to remove such items if they interfere with the learning process or safety. MATES is not responsible for any items lost or damaged if worn to school.
• Plain/solid black, royal blue, or white sweatshirts or sweaters are acceptable daily outerwear. Heavy jackets or rain gear of any color are acceptable when necessary due to inclement weather. 

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For school outings and field trips, students must wear a royal blue shirt and black bottom, unless otherwise instructed by MATES staff. General Clothing Pieces** are acceptable for all other regular school days. 

Spirit wear (Art @ Lunch Shirts, Language @ Lunch Shirts, Fun Run Shirts, etc.) are optional dress code pieces that may be worn on specific days. Art @ Lunch shirts may be worn on Tuesdays or Fridays. Language @ Lunch shirts may be worn on Fridays. Fun Run shirts may be worn on Fridays. Free dress days are at the discretion of the school administration and are announced as they arise. Student participation in spirit wear and free dress days is optional; however, a student must dress in accordance with the Dress Code if not participating.

All clothing pieces must be plain/solid without any visible logos (i.e., Nike, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, etc.) or with the optional MATES logo (available for tops and outerwear). Clothing pieces must be either white, black, royal blue, khaki, or plaid as designated in the General Clothing Pieces** list in order to comply with the Dress Code.

For your convenience, parents/guardians may opt to purchase dress code appropriate tops and/or bottoms from any local retailer (i.e., J.C. Penney, Target, Old Navy, Land’s End, etc.) 

 
Optional MATES logo tops, bottoms, and outerwear are available for purchase from Skobel's School Uniforms. Parents/Guardians may order online at Skobel's School Uniforms: https://skobels.com/collections/meadows-arts-and-technology-elementary-school