Appearance Code
In accordance with God’s Word and to be consistent with our school philosophy, the students of Conestoga Christian School are expected to dress in a manner that will honor God and show respect for others. It is a challenge for Christian families to discern what is appropriate and what is not. Neatness and modesty are very important. The following guidelines have been established to give direction to the students. Parents are responsible to see that their children are in compliance. Rule of thumb: When in doubt, don’t wear it. The school dress code is in effect throughout the school day until leaving the premises.
For All Students
General Expectations
• Dress needs to be modest and neat.
• Hair needs to be well groomed.
• Clothing and accessories that may distract others or are unsafe are not acceptable. Under-clothing may not be visible.
• Logos and wording that go against the school’s philosophy, such as cartoons, pictures, slogans, and music groups, are not permitted. References to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, military activity, or camouflage of any color are unacceptable.
• For safety reasons, footwear is to be worn at all times during the school day.
• Shoes with wheels are not permitted.
• Hats may not be worn in the buildings.
• Visible body art is not permitted.
• Visible piercings (except ear piercing for girls) are not permitted.
• Tongue piercing is not permitted.
Pants
• Tight or form-fitting pants are not permitted.
• Pants must rest securely on the hips.
• Pants designed for athletic activity, sweatpants, wind pants, snap-down-the-side pants, form-fitting knit pants, etc. are not permitted.
• Pajama-like pants are not permitted.
• Torn pants, frayed pants, or pants with holes are not to be worn.
Shorts
• Modest shorts or capri pants may be worn for the months of August, September, October, April, May, and June.
• Shorts may not be more than 7 inches off the floor when kneeling (5 inches for elementary students, 6 inches for middle school students).
• Shorts must rest securely on the hips.
• All shorts must have a hem (no frays or cutoffs).
• Athletic shorts are not permitted.
• Tight shorts are not permitted.
Shirts
• Shirts need to have sleeves.
• Midriff/short-cut shirts or tops are not permitted.
• Shirts need to cover the entire stomach/midriff when raising a hand.
• Shirts need to cover the entire back when seated.
• Bottoms of shirts need to be tucked in or extend below the waistline of pants/shorts/skirts.
Expectations for Girls
• Skirts may not be more than 3 inches off the floor when kneeling.
• Skirts or dresses worn with tights or leggings must meet length requirement. If dress or skirt does not remain at the appropriate length due to movement, it should not be worn.
• Shirts and blouses need to be modest (not tight fitting or low cut).
• Tops may be cut no lower than the wearer's hand width when thumb is placed at the base of the neck.
• Cleavage may not show when standing, sitting down, or bending over.
• No excessive make-up is to be worn.
Expectations for Guys
•No earrings are to be worn.
Physical Education Classes and Athletic Practices (Girls and Guys)
•Middle school and high school students are required to wear solid color athletic shorts with an inseam of at least 6 inches.
• Denim shorts and cutoffs are not permitted.
• Loose-fitting athletic-style long pants may be worn.
• Shirts need to have sleeves (unless authorized by Athletic Director).
• Sneakers are to be worn and need to have non-marking soles.
• No school sports uniforms may be used for PE classes.
Special Events
•Teachers or Student Council may request "dress" clothes for certain special occasions or events. "Dress" clothes are collared shirts for guys and dresses, skirts, or dress pants for girls or as specified by the teacher. Ties may be required for guys. Special events include, but are not limited to, musical presentations, designated chapels, designated field trips, etc.
• On game days, athletes are expected to wear "dress" clothes prior to changing into uniforms. For guys, "dress" clothes are collared shirts and dress pants or shorts. Shirts must be buttoned and tucked in. Ties may be required. For girls, "dress" clothes are dress pants, skirts, or dresses. On certain occasions athletes may be directed to wear their team jerseys with dress pants/shorts.
• For the junior/senior banquet, no strapless or one-strap gowns are to be worn. No gowns with low-cut necklines are to be worn. Cleavage and undergarments are not to show. No gowns with open or low-cut backs are to be worn. The back of the gown may not be lower than the bra line, i.e., no skin may show below the bra line. Guys are to wear dress pants, jacket, and tie; suit; or formal wear
• For graduation, guys are to wear light colored shirts, long pants, and dress shoes. Girls are to wear light colored dresses or dressy pants and dressy sandals or shoes. No flip-flops are to be worn.
• For any school-sponsored event involving swimwear, girls must wear one-piece modest swimsuits. A two-piece may be worn as long as no midriff is showing, unless the facility being used has a more restrictive rule. Guys’ trunks must rest securely on the hips. No "Speedos" may be worn.