Dress and Grooming

Styles change over the years. Any style or particular item of clothing becomes "improper" for a student at OSLS for one of two reasons: 

1. It expresses a set of values or a lifestyle which conflicts with scriptural Christianity. (Obvious examples are printed or graphic messages that glorify alcoholism, drugs, or satanic groups, and clothing that is sexually suggestive because of its cut, tightness, or message.) 

2. It tends to create an atmosphere or attitude not conducive to quality academic work. (In this category are sloppy, torn, or very dirty clothing; undershirts, inappropriate party clothing, etc.) What a person wears helps greatly to determine attitudes toward work, toward others, and toward oneself. 

From time to time the staff may need to interpret these two general principles and issue specific directives to students. Final discretion on all matters of dress and grooming is left to the staff. Some specific guidelines are: 

+ Shorts may be worn only during the months of April, May, June, August, September, and October. Shorts must rest at a student's natural waist and be at least mid-thigh length. 

+ Shirts or blouses must be tucked in.  Sweaters and sweatshirts are OK not to be tucked in as long as they meet all of hter shirt criteria.  NO skin should show at the waist.

+ Shirts must have sleeves.

+ No writing or graphics on seat of pants.

+ Pants must rest at student's natural waist and hems must not rest on the floor.

+ Heel heights should be no greater than 1" except on specified, pre-approved occasions.  This means no clogs, backless tennis shoes or sandals, no "platform" shoes higher than 1".  Shoes must have closed toes and backs.

+ Clothing and accessories must not display musical groups, wrestlers or anything that does not express a set of values consistent with number 1 above.

NOTE:  As of the 2004-2005 school year, there will be NO writing or graphics on clothing.  Small brand logo tags are acceptable.

Failure to abide by good standards of dress and grooming may result in (1) a call to the parent to bring appropriate clothing, or (2) wearing clothing supplied by the school for the rest of the day. If a parent or student is in doubt as to whether something would be appropriate, it's best to check first with the teacher or school office.