Dress Code
The West New York Board of Education recognizes that the Legislature has authorized school districts to require the wearing of school uniforms in certain circumstances. The Board further recognizes that uniform clothing requirements can assist in providing a safe and effective learning environment by discouraging peer rivalry, instilling students with a sense of discipline, and helping students concentrate on their school work. The West New York Board of Education has allowed Memorial High School to adopt a school uniform policy.
It is our philosophy that certain standards of dress should be maintained. We believe that neatly attired students, who take pride in their appearance, generally display good self-discipline, good attitude and demeanor. Besides being neat and clean, clothing should not be hazardous to the health and safety of oneself and others nor detract from or interfere with the educational environment. Memorial has developed a fine reputation for the appearance and conduct of its students.
The purpose of these regulations is to provide pupils, parents and staff members with a clear description of the district’s expectations with regard to student uniforms.
The following guidelines govern appropriate dress at MHS:
- Shirts/tops (short and long sleeve polo styles) will be SOLID BLACK in color and must have the official Memorial High School insignia.
- Pants/bottoms (shorts, skirts, slacks or chinos) must be khaki, blue or black only and conform to current policy on length and proper fit. Jeans (denim), sweat pants, and leggings are not to be considered part of the uniform at any time.
- Skirts, Shorts, and Dresses must be no more than two inches off the knee. Extremely short shorts, skirts or skirts with high side or front slits do not meet Memorial High School’s dress code.
- School Uniforms—Must be worn at all times when the student is in the building or on school grounds. If not, students should be sent to the appropriate administrative office.
RULES for uniform
1. No Student is to wear anything over his/her uniform shirt, i.e., jackets, sweaters, pullovers, etc…THIS INCLUDES athletic team gear in lieu of the uniform (unless announced by the Building Principal for a special event).
2. Students may wear a long sleeve T-shirt underneath the official uniform shirt.
3. They may wear any of the solid black shirts/sweaters with our official logo sold at the stores, i.e., long-sleeve "polos", fleeces or sweaters.
4. If the student wears an approved sweater or fleece, the uniform shirt must always be worn with it. NO EXCEPTIONS!
5. UNIFORM SHIRTS MUST NOT BE ALTERED, i.e. removing sleeves, collars, buttons, seams, etc…
6. Uniform shirts, when not tucked in pants, must not exceed the length of his/her fingertips.
7. Solid Black shirts without our official logo are a violation of our policy.
8. Any student in violation of our policy should be sent to the appropriate administrative office immediately.
- Proper and safe footwear is required, with shoe laces tied.
- Head coverings, including hats, are not permitted in school except for religious observance or medical reasons.
- Clothing which might injure a student or damage school property may not be worn or brought into school. (Chains, studs, etc.)
- Obscene patches, emblems, or slogans are not permitted.
- Undergarments are not to be displayed.
- Sleep and loungewear are not to be worn.
As with all school policies, there are consequences for non-compliance. A student’s failure to comply with the policy would result in progressive discipline, which could include warnings, conferences, detentions, and Saturday Detentions. Continued non-compliance could result in the students being denied the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, athletic events and school functions such as graduation, sporting games, field trips, proms, dances, clubs, pep rallies, etc…
Students dressed inappropriately may face disciplinary action and parent(s)/guardian(s) may be called to bring in appropriate attire.
Program of sequential consequences with regard to non-compliance of school uniform policy:
1. First Offense: Telephone call to the parent indicating that the pupil is not wearing the required uniform and student will be assigned detention. The parent may also be asked to bring in appropriate attire.
2. Second Offense: Telephone call to the parent indicating that a second violation has occurred and the parent may be asked to bring in appropriate attire. Student will be assigned detention.
3. Third Offense: The pupil and parent will be required to attend a meeting with the appropriate administrator to discuss the cause of the pupil’s repeated non-compliance to the uniform requirement and the consequences of continued non-compliance. Student will receive Saturday detention.