Dress Code Philosophy

The purpose of a dress standard in a Christian school setting is to exemplify standards of appearance that reflect human dignity as God’s image-bearers on earth. The RCS standards of dress and grooming are in keeping with Christian ideals we seek to establish in those who attend our school. We have set a moderate age-appropriate tone, avoiding the extremes of both legalism and liberalism. There are four components the school board considers when setting guidelines for grooming standards:

The issue of neatness and modesty

The issue of safety in classes and on the campus

The way RCS staff and students represent godly character within our community in alignment with the RCS Statement of Faith

The way student attire encourages an attitude of instruction

The dress standard should assist the students in displaying Christian character traits such as modesty, humility, esteeming others, and not attempting to draw attention to themselves.
It is a generally recognized principle in the world of work that dress is important. Most places of employment have standards of dress. Businesses and educational institutions alike have discovered that appropriate dress symbolizes professionalism, pride, unity, and a person’s attitude about oneself.

A differentiation should be made between a student’s play clothes and school clothes. Getting an education is the “profession” of the student while he/she is in school. A dress standard contributes to the sense of the school being important business.
Appropriate grooming standards also serve to attract those who visit our school and gives them confidence in the dedication and professionalism of those who work here, students and staff alike.

We recognize that with age comes increased responsibility and choices; therefore, as a student moves through the various levels of the school, more freedom is given.

We understand that few issues generate more debate and emotion than the dress standard. This is due in part to the fact that while the Bible does give us general principles to follow concerning attire, it does not dictate specifics. There is no such thing as a “Christian dress standard.” Therefore, there will be certain aspects of the dress standard that seem to be the arbitrary decision of the school board and administration as they seek to apply the four principles listed above. We acknowledge that much of the dress standard is institutional preference; therefore, the Redding Christian School Board has set the dress standard that all who attend RCS agree to follow. Fads and fashions change rapidly and we are left making judgment calls on the appropriateness of certain attire. We need parents to support us in these decisions. Parental attitudes will be directly reflected in the students’ attitudes.
It is the responsibility of parents and their children to also be familiar with the dress standard and monitor what a child is wearing before they leave the house. It is embarrassing for children to have to deal with this at school, and it is most unfair to put the burden on the teachers to have to “police” children in this area. It takes up valuable time that should be used for educational purposes when a teacher and then the office staff, have to stop and deal with dress standard violations. When a student has repeat offenses, parents will be required to bring a pair of clothes and further consequences may be considered.

General Information:

* All clothing will be free from content, slogans, pictures, references, and advertisements that contradict Christian values or distract from the learning environment. This includes but is not limited to racism, discrimination, alcohol, tobacco, drug products, or sexually suggestive material with words, pictures and images.

* Clothing must not present a health or safety hazard.

* Students are expected to be within the dress standard during school hours, when on school campus, and while attending school events at other locations.

* Sheer and see through fabric is not appropriate unless worn over the top of other clothing that meets the dress standards.

* Styles should not attract undue attention or are disruptive to the professional learning environment.

* We expect students will dress for success. Studies have also shown that the clothing a person wears has a profound impact on their cognitive performance.

Hair:

* Students hair should be a natural human hair color except when permitted for school sanctioned special events.

* Highlights are permissible, if the highlight color is a natural human hair color.

* Hair will be styled so that eye contact is not obstructed between the student and teachers, nor interfering with other students.

Shorts:

* Shorts can be dress, cargo, and denim.

* Shorts must have at least a 5 (five) inch inseam.

* Swim trunks and board shorts are not appropriate school attire.

* Bottom hems may have small fringe but must be sewn/stitched to prevent further fraying.<

* Any holes, tears, frays, cuts or slits of any kind must be permanently patched in shorts so that no skin is showing.

* Athletic shorts can be worn for PE or athletic practices only and must also have at least a 5 (five) inch inseam. Yoga shorts, spandex, and skin tight shorts are not appropriate for PE unless worn under shorts with at least a 5 (five) inch inseam.

* Elementary students ARE allowed to wear nice athletic shorts at the appropriate length of 5 (five) inch inseam. The combo of spandex/running shorts are NOT allowed.

Pants:

* Dress slacks, pants, jeans, and cargo pants are permitted and defined as having pockets and a zipper.

* Any holes, tears, frays, cuts or slits of any kind more than 4 inches above the knee cap must be permanently patched (cannot wear leggings or other clothes underneath to compensate for higher rips/holes).

* Athletic and sweat pants can be worn for PE or athletic practices only.

* Stretch and yoga type bottoms can be worn ONLY if they are under shorts, skirts, or dresses that meet the school dress standard length.

* Pajama style, sweatpants, and leisure pants are not appropriate attire unless for special school activities such as “pajama day.”

* Elementary: elastic waistband pants are permitted.

Skirts:

* Only females may wear skirts and dresses.

* Skirts and dresses must measure no more than 4 inches from the top of the knee cap, including slits.

* For recess or PE, leggings or shorts are strongly encouraged to be worn under skirts for elementary aged females.

Shirts/Tops/ Blouses:

* Shirts must be worn at all times.

* Shirts and blouses must cover the midriff, back, and underarm area at all times.<

* Shirts/blouses cannot be low cut in the front or back.

* Sleeveless shirts/blouses and tank tops are permitted for females and must have a width of at least 1 inches across the top of the shoulder.

* Males may not wear sleeveless shirts.

Undergarments:

* Undergarments shall not be visible. This includes but is not limited to bralettes, bra straps, boxer briefs, long spandex-type underwear, etc.

Piercings (High School Only):

* A single clear nose stud for a female is permitted and no more than 3 earrings/piercings per ear. Males may have a single ear piercing per ear with a clear stud only. Clear studs should not be overtly noticeable.

Footwear:

* Footwear must be worn on campus and at all school events.

* No heels over 2 inches.

* Footwear that is secured/strapped to the feet is permissible. This includes footwear such as sandals with heel straps, tennis shoes, cowboy boots, etc.

* Flip flop/slide type footwear is permissible for middle and high school students only.

Headwear:

* Hats, hoods, or head coverings are not permitted indoors.

Tattoos:

* No visible tattoos are permitted at any time.

Grooming:

* Middle and High school males will be clean shaven.

* Beginning in 6th grade, females may wear makeup, and only with parent permission.

Blankets:

* Blankets may be used to sit upon during lunch or other outdoor activities for class, but will otherwise be left at home or in lockers.

Special Event and Game Day:

* Males will wear a collared dress shirt and tie (tie must be tied and worn properly with shirts tucked in, HS only), Collared polo shirt (MS only).

* Males will wear nice Docker-style or dress slacks; no jeans or shorts.

* Females will wear dress slacks with a blouse, dress skirt with a blouse, or a dress; no jeans or shorts.

* Females can wear a game jersey with dress slacks, skirt or dress for home games with Athletic Director approval.

* Males can wear a game jersey with dress pants for home games with Athletic Director approval.

* All other dress standards and expectations will be adhered to for special events and on game days for athletes.

The full Redding Christian School handbook can be found here.