Mount Carmel Academy - Dress Code
The MCA dress code exists to standardize the students’ appearance, to adhere to a sense of modesty, and to foster a sense of MCA pride and unity. The MCA uniform must be purchased from the source provided by MCA and will be worn every day, unless otherwise announced. Students will be expected to know when special events are scheduled and will dress appropriately.
Why a Dress Code?
There are three fundamental reasons for a school dress code:
1. To ensure the health and safety of everyone on campus
2. To avoid any unacceptable disruptions to the learning environment
3. To foster a sense of pride and unity
An additional, and not altogether unimportant, reason for a dress code is to encourage students to learn appropriate dress habits so they are prepared for the professional world beyond high school and college. To some extent, any dress code involves a degree of subjectivity concerning what is and is not acceptable, and what may or may not be disruptive. Again, the primary reason for Mount Carmel Academy’s dress code is to foster an atmosphere conductive to learning for all our students. Therefore, a standardized, school-approved uniform has been chosen as the means to foster self-pride, respect for others, and moral behavior.
Determination of the appropriateness of attire for school occasions and activities rests ultimately with the board, faculty and administration of MCA. The Mount Carmel Academy faculty and administration will enforce the dress code in a uniform manner. All students have the responsibility to wear the correct uniform every day. The student dress code applies to students on campus, whether during the school day or after hours, including those serving detention. While students are not required to wear the official uniform to after-hours events, students must still follow the guidelines printed below when dressing for such activities.
Note: The dress code can also found in the MCA Student Handbook.
Note: Violations of the MCA dress code will result in disciplinary action.
Students who disagree with particular requirements of the MCA dress code and uniform are encouraged to work within the system to request changes. Use your representatives on the student council to express your opinions, or speak with the principal. Of course, there are many interests for the school to consider in deciding policy, but please know that student concerns are given serious consideration whenever policy is developed. As a general rule, however, the MCA dress code will not be revised more frequently than once a year. Also, courts at both the state and federal levels have recognized the rights of school officials to regulate standards of student dress and grooming.
The MCA dress code requires students to remain clean and covered using modesty and by wearing the official uniform. Clothing should be clean and in generally good repair. Also, one’s clothing must fit; i.e., articles of clothing may neither be too tight or suggestive, nor excessively baggy or loosely fitting. A decent coverage of the body is required. Clothing that makes it difficult or awkward for one to move freely, sit, bend, or reach is not acceptable. Underwear must not be visible at any time.
Uniform skirts must extend at least below one’s fingertips plus one inch when one is standing completely erect; and they must be sufficient in length to maintain modesty when standing, sitting, or bending. Students should keep these requirements in mind as they shop for or select uniform clothes.
Outfits for PE and athletics classes may only be worn in the area(s) where those classes are taking place (i.e., the exercise room or practice field).
Clothing depicting or making reference to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vulgar or obscene language, sexual promiscuity, the occult, death, violence, or gang-related activities may not be worn to the school or on school events.
Jewelry - Expensive or irreplaceable jewelry should not be worn to school. Jewelry depicting or making reference to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vulgar or obscene language, sexual promiscuity, the occult, death, violence or gang-related activities may not be worn. Jewelry items such as spiked dog collar, spiked bracelets, linked chains (for wallets or necklaces) are prohibited.
Shoes - Students must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes with substantial soles. Flip-flops, slides, sandals, and house slippers are not acceptable footwear as they present a safety risk.
Personal Items - Skateboards, skates, and roller blades are prohibited. According to Texas state law and HISD board policy, audio and electronic equipment such as lasers, radios, tape or CD players, TVs, gameboys and similar videogames are prohibited on campus during school hours. Calculators and cell phones used for playing games will be considered game devices and fall under the same regulations. Such items, if found in a student’s possession, will be confiscated and turned in to the MCA Main Office. MCA/HISD policy requires a $25.00 fee for the return of these items. Cell phones and pagers are allowed on campus but may not be used during the school’s instructional hours.
Lastly, Mount Carmel Academy will not tolerate gang-related behavior and/or the wearing of gang-identified articles of clothing and/or other gang symbols. Any articles of clothing, symbols, or emblems thought to signify gang membership will be banned.
The following additional dress code rules must be followed:
YOUNG MEN
- Hair must be off the collar, and above the ears.
- Hair must be a natural color and appropriate style
- No facial hair.
- School-approved pants or shorts above the hip bone.
- Length of pants should be at appropriate height
- Shirts must be tucked in
- All undershirts must be solid white.
- Black or brown belts with modest buckles must be worn and visible at all times
- Socks must be worn. (white or black Knee-High, Crew or No Show socks are acceptable.)
- Only MCA official-logo sweatshirts may be worn over
YOUNG WOMEN
- Hair must be a natural color and appropriate style
- Hair should not cover the eyes
- School-approved shorts, skirts, or pants
- Skirts are to be no higher than 4 inches above the bend in the knee
- Shorts must fall below the tip of the middle finger when arms are placed at side
- All blouses must be tucked in
- All undershirts must be solid white.
- Appropriate/modest jewelry and makeup
- Socks or stockings must be worn. (white or black Knee-High, Crew or No Show socks are acceptable.)
- Only MCA official-logo sweatshirts may be worn over uniforms
NOT TO BE WORN:
Face piercing, including but not limited to nose, lip, cheeks, tongue, and/or eyebrow.
No visible multiple earrings.
Boxers longer than skirt length (thus visible)
Hair of unnatural color.
Hats, hair curlers, head or neck scarves.
High-heeled shoes
Sandals, open-toed shoes, any shoe or boot that rises above the ankle
Sweatshirts, other than those from MCA on approved days
Visible tattoos
Writing or doodling on hands or other body parts
Jewelry with metal studs or spikes
Necklaces (except a simple chain)
Outerwear sweatshirts and jackets
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