Dress Code

At Archbishop Mitty High School (AMHS), we hold in high regard our academically rigorous learning environment while respecting cultural diversity.  To that end, AMHS students are expected to be clean and neat in their personal appearance, observing standards of moderation and professionalism as appropriate for a Catholic, college preparatory environment.  

Dress Code Rationale

Since the parent/guardian is the primary educator of the student, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the student is in correct dress code on a daily basis while on campus and at school functions. Parents and guardians who send their students to AMHS, and students who choose to attend AMHS, acknowledge that the Administration reserves the right to make final determinations regarding school policies and procedures, including dress code.

The dress code is created with input from the Administration, DEI representatives, parents, and students. Specifically, the dress code is reviewed with attention to modesty, functionality, and cultural sensitivities. The dress code is reviewed annually to address trends and general concerns. The Administration is the final and sole judge of what is, or is not, acceptable for the students in our community. 

Students are expected to remain in dress code after school while on campus and when attending all Archbishop Mitty events, unless explicitly stated otherwise (see below for special event information). Students who are out of dress code will be referred to the Deans' Office for a change of clothing and parental notification. If the student is unable to rectify the infraction, parents may be contacted to bring the student appropriate clothing before returning to classes. Multiple infractions will result in an increase of detention hours and the possibility of being placed on Disciplinary Monitoring. If the issue arises at a school function or event, the student may be denied entry until the dress code is met. 

If at any time a student is unsure about dress code compliance, the student should check with the Deans' Office before wearing the item. In addition, the student should relay any special circumstances to the Deans' Office that would necessitate the student being out of dress code.

Dress Code During the School Day

General:

  • Clothing must be free of rips/tears/holes and hemmed 
  • Clothing must fit properly, not overly tight or baggy
  • Clothing must not be see-through or sheer (e.g. mesh, white beach pants, plain white shirts, etc.)
  • Clothing, backpacks, water bottles and other personal belongings should be free of  inappropriate references (drugs, alcohol, suggestive innuendo), slogans or references to political campaigns, or representations of high schools other than AMHS
  • Any attire, including makeup and jewelry,  that can be considered extreme is prohibited (e.g. hunting/camouflage/tactical gear, etc.)
  • Smartwatches of any kind are not permitted on campus during school hours
  • Athletic wear is only allowed during Physical Development/dance classes and on game days when students have an early release for a Mitty team (students may change into their approved Mitty team attire at lunch)

Tops:

  • Shirts must cover the shoulders, back, waistband (no visible midriff), and be free of an extreme scoop-neck or v-neck (including extreme off-the-shoulder tops)
  • Athletic jerseys are not permitted

Bottoms:

  • Bottoms must be hemmed and fit with no sagging or visible undergarments
  • Shorts, skirts, and dresses should fall no shorter than 6 inches above the mid-knee
  • Athletic/leisure wear is not permitted during the school day (e.g. basketball shorts, sweatpants/shorts, track pants, yoga pants/leggings, pajama pants, etc.)

Shoes:

  • Shoes or sandals  must be worn at all times 
  • Slippers (fur-lined, closed heeled slipper, or other), slides, heavy boots (military/combat/cowboy/etc.) are prohibited

Hair:

  • Hair must be of a natural coloring, and highlighting must be subtle with no notable difference between light/dark hair 
  • A neatly trimmed mustache is allowed, otherwise faces must be cleanly shaven

Other:

  • Hats, hoods, headbands, durags, bandanas, beanies, etc. are not permitted during the school day.  Head scarves/wraps must be professional in appearance
  • Tattoos must not be visible while the student is wearing normal clothing or in sports uniforms 
  • A single nose piercing is acceptable with a small, discreet stud 
  • Other facial piercings and extreme ear piercings (e.g. gauges) are not permitted

 

 

Dances: Click here for Dance Attire and Policy

Special Events

Assisting with Freshman Orientation, Open House, and Freshman Welcome Night

  • Directives provided by program directors.

Athletic Events

The normal dress code considerations remain in effect for this day except for the exceptions listed below:

  • Athletic Attire:  This is acceptable, so long as modesty is maintained.
  • Body & Face Painting:  This is permitted, so long as it is consistent with spirit theme for the contest.  However, no student may remove their shirts.  Messages that denigrate anyone (e.g., the opponent) are not permitted; this also applies to clothing with a message.
  • Caps & Hats:  Caps and sweatshirt hoods are permitted.
  • Hair:  Hair may be temporarily artificially colored, so long as it is consistent with spirit theme for the contest (e.g., in school colors).
  • Sunglasses:  Permitted.

Field Trips & Sophomore Day of Service

The normal dress code considerations remain in effect for this day except for the exceptions listed below:

  • Hats: Permitted 

Halloween

The normal dress code considerations remain in effect for this day except for the exceptions listed below. Students wearing masks will be required to take these off during classes and inside of offices. Any student asked to remove a mask by an adult on campus for the sake of identity is expected to do so without hesitation.

    • Permitted: All must be part of the costume, not just an excuse to wear that item.
    1. Face-painting
    2. Temporarily colored hair
    3. Hats
    4. Boots
    5. Tattered clothing
    6. Camouflage
    • Not Permitted:  
    1. Costumes that are overtly sexualized or culturally insensitive (e.g. pregnant nun, pimp, French maid, etc.)
    2. Excessively bloody, gory or violent themes
    3. Real or simulated weapons used as props, including sword/saber, knife, axe, gun/rifle, etc.

Monarch Madness

  • Permitted:  sweats/warm-ups, hats, athletic sandals/slides, boots; artificially-colored hair in class or school colors; body and face-painting consistent with spirit generation; clothing messages that do not denigrate anyone or have inappropriate innuendo.  Remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Retreats

  • Permitted:  tank tops (no spaghetti straps), sweats/warm-ups, hats, athletic sandals or flip flops, boots.  Remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Senior End of the Year Events

Awards Night

Students should dress in semi-formal attire, such as dresses, blouses, long pants (no shorts), collared shirt with a tie, and dress shoes. Please note: Athletic shoes, thong-type sandals, or strapless tops are not acceptable dress for the awards ceremony.  The remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Baccalaureate Mass

Graduation gown (no cap) is required.  Kairos crosses are encouraged.
Graduates should dress in semi-formal attire, such as dresses, blouses, long pants (no shorts), collared shirt with a  tie, and dress shoes. Please note: Athletic shoes, thong-type sandals, or strapless tops are not acceptable dress for the Baccalaureate Mass. Sunglasses are permitted. The remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Graduation

Graduation cap and gown required.  Kairos crosses and NHS/CSF stoles are encouraged.  No other additions may be made to the graduation gown or graduation caps (flowers may be worn after the ceremony has ended). Graduates should dress in semi-formal attire, such as semi-formal dresses (spaghetti straps are permitted), long pants (no shorts) and a collared shirt and tie, and dress shoes.  Please note: Athletic shoes, thong-type sandals, or strapless tops are not acceptable dress for the Baccalaureate Mass. Sunglasses are permitted. The remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Graduation Practice

Sunglasses and hats are recommended.  Remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Senior Cruise

Dress casually and bring warm clothing (sweats/warm-ups, hats are recommended).  Remainder of the dress code is in effect.

Senior Dinner

Seniors attending the dinner should come in casual attire. This event will not be a dress-up event. Casual attire is defined as our normal school day dress code. Sweatpants, yoga pants, anything low-cut or less than 6" from mid-knee are not permitted. Seniors wearing something inappropriate will be asked to change into something appropriate before joining us for dinner.