Uniform Policy

General Guidelines

• The school uniform is worn at all times beginning with the first day of school.
• Mass Dress: White polo, vest, and appropriate bottoms (based on grade level and gender).
• Daily Dress: Standard uniform worn on school days except on Fridays, when Mass Dress is required.
• Spirit Days: Spirit top with appropriate uniform bottoms unless otherwise announced.
• Only STMS-approved jackets, crewnecks, or fleece may be worn inside the classroom.
• All uniform items should be labeled with the student’s name, kept clean, neat, and in good condition.
• Campfire and Scout uniforms may be worn on meeting days.
• Non-uniform days are permitted as announced by the principal or office.

Specific Uniform Items

Polos & Shirts

• White short- or long-sleeved polo preferred.
• Grey polos allowed through the 2025–26 school year only; removed starting 2026–27.
• STMS-branded polos or plain polos with no logo permitted. No other logos allowed.
• Undershirts must be plain white and not extend beyond polo sleeves.
• Turtlenecks are no longer part of the uniform.

Vests

• Vest required for all Mass Dress days (Fridays and other designated days) and worn all day.
• New crest vest not immediately required; old logo vests may be worn until no longer serviceable.
• If a student forgets a vest on Mass day, a new one will be provided and the family billed.
• Vests will not be loaned from here on out.

Outerwear

Phoenix logo hoodies or tops are no longer worn during the school day.

• These hoodies may be worn to/from school, at recess, and on Spirit Days.
• Preferred daily outerwear: STMS crewneck or fleece with the old cross logo or new crest.
• Only STMS-approved jackets, crewnecks, or fleece may be worn in the classroom.

Bottoms

• Walking shorts (navy or khaki) allowed during Daylight Saving Time (spring–fall). Year-round use under review for 2026–27.
• Boys’ pants: trousers only—no cargo, jogger, drawstring, or baggy styles.
• Medical exceptions require parent communication.
• Skirts/shorts: no more than 2" above the knee. Adjustable waists encouraged for better fit.
• Girls may wear pants on Mass Dress days.

Footwear & Socks

• Sturdy, flat, closed-toe shoes.
• No boots, Uggs, flip-flops, slides, Crocs, Heelys, or light-up shoes.
• Socks: black, white, navy, gray, or off-white in solid colors; minimal logos; no neon or bright designs. Black, navy, or white tights are allowed. Socks must be visible.

Jewelry, Makeup, and Hair

• Jewelry should remain modest, simple, and appropriate for a Catholic school environment. Jewelry or accessories that are distracting, unsafe, disruptive to learning, or inconsistent with the values of the school are not permitted. Male students may not wear jewelry unless it has been preapproved by the principal for cultural or religious reasons.
  • Religious medals/crosses, honor/sports/scout pins, wristwatches, small (≤½") stud earrings — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged.
• Makeup (8th-grade pilot): a minimal, natural-toned foundation may be worn only by 8th-grade girls to address visible skin conditions such as acne or uneven tone — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged. This allowance is for health and dignity purposes, not for fashion or self-expression.
• Nail polish: earth tones allowed; no acrylic nails or nail jewelry — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged.
• Hair must be neat, clean, natural in color (brown, black, blonde, auburn), and without distracting designs — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged. Simple headbands in uniform colors are allowed; no scarves or bandanas.
• Permanent or temporary tattoos are not permitted on campus or at school-sponsored events unless they are connected to sincerely held cultural or religious traditions and have been reviewed and approved in advance by the principal.

PE Uniform

• Grades 6–8: plain, solid navy shorts or sweats from Educational Outfitters; STMS grey or white shirt, or plain white shirt.
• Students may change shirts after PE during break time.
• Grades K–5: tennis shoes required on PE days; no uniform change.

Free Dress Day Policy

Free dress is permitted on a day to be determined unless it is a day requiring school uniforms or Mass Dress. Any changes or exceptions will be communicated in advance.

Inappropriate Attire 

Torn jeans, cut-offs, tank tops, halter tops, crop tops, spaghetti straps, low necklines, or any message inconsistent with Catholic Church teachings that is offensive, vulgar, mean-spirited, or designed to make a political statement are not allowed.

Appropriate Attire 

Students may wear basketball shorts, sweatpants, yoga pants, joggers, jeans, and cargo pants, provided they are in good condition. Shorts may be worn according to the daylight saving time dress code for uniforms. Skirts and dresses must follow the same length guidelines as the school uniform.

Costumes & Pajamas 

Costumes are only allowed on special theme days (e.g., Disney Day). Pajamas are not permitted.

Footwear & Socks

• Safe, sturdy shoes with closed toes are required. Boots, sandals, or slides (including Crocs, UGGs, and Birkenstocks) are not allowed during the school day.
• All students are required to wear socks.

Jewelry, Makeup, and Hair

• Jewelry: Simple religious medals, pins, wristwatches, and small earrings (no larger than ½ inch) are allowed — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged.
• Makeup (8th-grade pilot): a minimal, natural-toned foundation may be worn only by 8th-grade girls to address visible skin conditions such as acne or uneven tone — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged. This allowance is for health and dignity purposes, not for fashion or self-expression.
• Hair: Hair must be neat, clean, and free of distractions. Hair color or designs, scarves, and bandanas are not allowed — at parents’ discretion. Not recommended or encouraged.

Non-Compliance 

If a student does not follow the dress guidelines, parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing or the student will be required to change. Repeated violations may result in the loss of Free Dress Day privileges.

Policy Modifications 

The principal reserves the right to change or modify the Free Dress Day policy at any time in the best interest of the school, school safety, and the well-being of the entire school community.

Spirit Days Policy

Certain Spirit Days may be designated during Catholic Schools Week, holidays, or other special occasions throughout the year.

• Spirit Day attire generally includes a theme top with uniform bottoms unless otherwise announced.
• In some cases, themed bottoms may be permitted and will be clearly announced.
• Students who choose not to participate in the theme of the Spirit Day must wear their regular school uniform.
• CYO athletes may wear their STMS jersey with navy or khaki bottoms on Mondays after weekend games.

2025–26 School Year

• White polos are preferred, but grey polos are still allowed.
• Walking shorts (navy or khaki) may be worn during Daylight Saving Time (spring–fall).
• Pre-K 3 students are highly encouraged to wear the STMS uniform but it is not required.
•  Old logo vests may still be worn until no longer serviceable.

2026–27 School Year

• White polos only; grey polos will be removed from the uniform options.
• Walking shorts may become a year-round option (decision TBD).
• STMS uniform will be required for Pre-K 4 students.

Our uniform and spirit wear vendor is Skobels School Unforms. 

Visit their website to purchase approved uniform items: https://skobels.com/collections/st-thomas-more-school