Westham Academy Dress Code

Boys and Girls Westham Academy Dress Code

Westham Academy requires a dress code for students.

At Westham Academy, we feel strongly that there is a direct association between how people look and how they feel about themselves. Neat and attractive usually means proud and confident. In addition, the school has had a long and honored custom of wearing uniforms. Our standard of dress prescribes a specific dress code during the school day. Students will arrive at and leave from school in the full school uniform, unless special permission is given to the contrary.

While the school encourages and accepts the principle that all students are individuals, by our traditional nature, we expect our students to demonstrate that individuality in their scholarship, character and performance, rather than through extreme dress or grooming. At Westham Academy, we have a uniform and maintain extremely high standards of personal behavior. These high standards are a significant part of our community personality, and we take great pride in that.

Accordingly, extreme hair styles, such as long and/or messy, or too short or shaved, are inappropriate and unacceptable. Likewise, jewelry must be conservative by traditionally accepted standards, such as no body rings, conservative earrings for girls, and no earrings for boys. Loose or baggy clothing and elaborately styled shoes, while presently fashionable, are similarly inconsistent with the spirit of our dress standards and are, therefore, unacceptable.

If a student is out of uniform without permission:

The student will not be allowed to enter the classroom.
Parents will be called.
A uniform will be provided and charged to parents or parents will pick up the student.

We suggest that an extra set of uniform clothing be kept on campus in case of a spill or if any other incident occurs, your child will have a proper change of clothing.

OUT OF UNIFORM DAYS (DRESS-DOWN)

Out of uniform days are permitted only when announced. Neat and appropriate dress is required. In recent years, fashion changes have produced standards of casual dress that are simply inappropriate for our school. Clothing that is either sloppy or loose fitting or, in contrast, tight, too form-fitting or revealing is inappropriate. The faculty will direct and supervise accordingly. We will not hesitate to insist that students change their dress or go home if we deem it necessary. Hopefully, the matter will not become an issue because students will apply sound and conservative judgment and parents will offer good advice and control so that students do not come to school inappropriately dressed.

Appropriate T-Shirts and shirts with full collars are permitted, but no athletic t-shirts or unbuttoned shirts of any kind are permitted. No tank tops are permitted.
If shorts are worn, they must be either Bermuda or dress shorts with an inseam of at least 5 inches. Athletic shorts are not permitted.
Sneakers are permitted.
Hats may not be worn in the building on these days, or any other.

Evening, Weekend Functions and Clubs

Unless otherwise stated by the Principal, the dress for students at evening functions at school, such as plays, etc., will be coats, ties and appropriate slacks and footwear for the boys; dresses and appropriate footwear for the girls, or the school dress uniform, as directed by the Principal.
Appropriate dress for clubs is school uniform.