Uniform Program

Catholic Schools

The local School Advisory Commission/Committee or the school’s governing board of limited jurisdiction will be responsible for developing acceptable standards of dress for students. The community in which the school is located, custom, and the economic conditions of the people should be considered in the matter of dress. All parents and students shall be informed of the school’s acceptable standard of dress through the students’ or parents’ handbook or other written communication. In the elementary schools, parents, as well as the pastor, principal, and teachers should be involved in a decision regarding the adoption of school uniforms. In the secondary schools, the administration should determine the dress code.

General Statement

The dress code policy for St. John XXIII Catholic School has been established to provide firm guidelines for acceptable clothing. Parents are to enforce the guidelines on a daily basis. We believe that proper attire reflects and promotes good behavior and attitudes. Children are expected to dress in good taste and follow the uniform policy stated below and in our Parent-Student Handbook.

All St. John XXIII Catholic families with students in K5-8th grade are required to purchase uniforms for each of their students. The below items listed are acceptable for any school day, including Mass days and field trips (unless otherwise notified by the Teacher, Staff or Principal).

*SJ23 Spirit Wear is now considered acceptable clothing (TOPS ONLY) for students in K5-8th grade on a daily basis. Please Note: hooded sweatshirts are not allowed on Tuesdays (Mass). 

GUIDELINES FOR PRE-3 & K4:

Students in Pre-3 and K4 do not have to wear school uniforms, however, we would like each family to follow the below guidelines to ensure their safety, while still being mindful of our school policies:

• PROPER FOOTWEAR: Students should come in sneakers/tennis shoes every day. Whether they have gym class, are enjoying class in our Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom, learning in our Greenhouse, or spending some time on our playground, we want to ensure their safety and make sure they are prepared for adventure at all times!
• SNAP DAYS: Please have your child(ren) come dressed in comfortable clothes that can get dirty and/or possibly stained. Teachers will be utilizing Thursday & Friday each week as dedicated SNAP (Science. Nature. Adventure. Play.) Days!
• TUESDAY MASS: In preparation for Elementary School, our K4 class will be attending Mass throughout each month. Students should come looking presentable (please no holes in pants and/or sweatshirts/hoodies).

RULES FOR KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE:

*Mandatory Uniforms
*Unacceptable Out of Uniform Wear: short shorts, ripped jeans, spandex, spaghetti straps, cropped tops (no belly exposed), no cleavage, and if leggings are worn – shirts must cover bottoms. 

• Students must wear a uniform all day—including arrival and dismissal
• No visible logos or labels (unless it’s official school Spirit Wear)
• Uniforms should be clean, well-fitting, and in good condition
• Shorts are only allowed from May 1 to October 31 (unless otherwise noted by staff)
• All skirts, jumpers, and shorts must be at least one inch past fingertips

Out of Uniform & Sport Days 

• Out of Uniform Day: The first Friday of each month is designated as an Out of Uniform Day. Additional Out of Uniform Days may be announced throughout the year based on things going on in the community
• Sport Days: All other Fridays are considered Sport Days, during which students must wear uniform bottoms
  • Students may wear team jerseys, sport uniforms, or Wisconsin sports gear (Packers, Bucks, Brewers, etc.)
  • Generic athletic brands (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, etc.) do not qualify as sport apparel. These days are intended to celebrate students’ interests, hobbies, and team spirit—not simply athletic wear

Uniform Shirts

• Styles: Polo (long/short sleeve), turtleneck, or Peter Pan collar
• Colors: Solid navy blue, white, or true red (no patterns or designs)
• Layering: Shirts worn under sweaters or jumpers must be solid white, red, navy blue, or black

Uniform Pants/Shorts

• Colors: Navy, black, or khaki (no light blue, gray, or denim)
• Style: No cargo pants
• Shorts: Must reach at least one inch past fingertips 
• Restrictions: No yoga pants or leggings as pants; skirts must be worn over leggings and/or shirts must cover bottoms

Jumpers/Skirts/Skorts

• Styles: Hamilton Plaid (red/navy/white), or solid navy, black, or khaki
• Must reach at least one inch past fingertips 
• Under Layers: Bike shorts (not to be visible under hemline), and/or leggings are required to be worn underneath

Leggings, Tights, and Socks

• Seasonal Rule: Leggings or tights must be worn under skirts/jumpers from Nov 1 to Apr 30
• Colors: Solid white, red, navy blue, or black

Sweaters/Sweatshirts

• Styles: Cardigan, pullover, or vest (no hooded sweatshirts on Tuesdays)
• Colors: Navy blue, true red, gray, or white
• A uniform shirt must be worn underneath (if sweater or sweatshirt is taken off)

Footwear

• No flip-flops
• Socks or tights must be worn

Hair, Jewelry & Accessories

• Hair must be natural colors—no visible unnatural colored highlights
• Only ear piercings are allowed
• Makeup, headwear, and jewelry must be minimal, age-appropriate, and non-distracting (no temporary tattoos and/or face paint)
• Hats are not allowed inside unless it’s part of a special event or theme day

Outdoor Recess

• Students must be prepared with weather-appropriate gear year-round

VIOLATION TO THE DRESS CODE:

1. Parents will be notified
2. A school-approved item will be provided for the day
3. After two violations in one trimester, a third violation will result in a written warning

Note: Final decisions about uniforms, appearance, and appropriateness are made by school staff and administration.