Uniforms
St. Andrew Catholic Academy of Bridgeport Uniform Policy
It is our strong belief that a student’s appearance for school has an impact on his/her attitude, behavior and readiness to learn. A formal dress code is not meant to stifle the individuality of our students since every child still remains unique and special while wearing a uniform that shows membership in our community of faith and learning. It is important that we establish a standard of modesty and decorum that contributes to an environment of respect and mutual understanding. Parents have the primary responsibility for ensuring that their children follow these guidelines. Teachers also have a responsibility for taking appropriate action when guidelines are not followed.
The Catholic Academy of Bridgeport utilizes Blake’s Uniform Company in Stratford. No portion of the uniform may be purchased from another vendor or retail store. Uniforms must be clean and neat. Should a student come to school without a proper uniform, the student will receive an “out of uniform” disciplinary notice warning slip to be signed by the parent. Three (3) warning disciplinary notices during a marking period will result in a detention for students in grades 3 – 8. Three out of uniform for Kindergarten to grade 2 will result in an age appropriate consequence determined by the teacher.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN and Kindergarten
The students in the Pre-Kindergarten Program have a uniform consisting of the following components:
- GYM SHORTS Blake’s Uniform navy blue uniform shorts
(Please note that shorts may be worn until -mid-October and May 1st through June.)
- GYM PANTS Blake’s Uniform navy blue sweatpants with school logo
- SWEATSHIRT Blake’s Uniform navy blue crew neck sweatshirt with school logo
- T-SHIRTS Blake’s Uniform navy with school logo
- SNEAKERS basic sneakers without wheels, lights or other “accessories”
- SOCKS white or navy blue ankle/crew socks (socks must be above the ankle bone)
GENERAL UNIFORM INFORMATION for Grade 1 – 8
All students are expected to be in full uniform every day. Failure to do so may result in loss of dress down day privileges. Uniforms should be clean and pressed with all buttons attached and hems intact.
Girl Scouts may wear their uniforms on meeting days.
Students in Grades 1 -3 wear PE uniforms on Mondays.
Students in grades 4-8 wear PE uniforms on Fridays
Students are not permitted to deface their uniforms.
UNIFORM SUPPLIER
In order to keep continuity within the school, there is only one supplier of the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport Uniform: Blake Uniform Company. They have a conveniently located store located in Stratford and online ordering is available. Blake’s is aware of all of the uniform items necessary for each grade level.
JEWELRY
Jewelry is limited to post earrings only (nothing that dangles or has hoops for safety reasons). Only one watch (non-beeping) and a simple cross or holy medal on a chain may be worn. No body piercings, nose rings, no tattoos or halogen contacts are permitted. Students should be discouraged from bringing or wearing valuables to school. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.
MAKE-UP/NAIL POLISH
Girls may not wear make-up of any type to school. Nails must be natural (no fake, acrylics, etc.) and only clear or light pink polish may be worn. There may be special times when the principal allows this guideline to change.
HAIR
The main focus for hair at the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport for both boys and girls, is that however it is worn, children must come to school with their hair clean and groomed. Additionally, no non-natural colors are permitted (i.e: pink, purple, green, etc.). No designs, logos, or words should be cut into hairstyles. Parents and students should take into consideration and avoid any styles that might distract or impede the ability of the child, or the child’s classmates, to focus on learning. Hair must always be worn in a way that does not impair the child’s vision, or impede the ability of those around them to see easily during class.
HAIR ACCESSORIES
Excessive or distracting hair ornaments are not allowed. Hair ornaments must be worn in the hair, not on the wrists. Headbands must be plain navy blue, white or red to match the uniform colors. Girls may also wear the uniform plaid headband, scrunchies or bows sold at Blake’s. NO bandanas are allowed.
SHOES FOR DRESS UNIFORM
Students are expected to wear solid color black or brown shoes with the dress uniform. Parents are asked to make sure that the shoes are sturdy and appropriate for climbing stairs. Tie or slip on shoes may be worn in styles similar to Merrell, Oxford, or Loafers.
The following are not permitted: moccasins, slippers, sandals, open-backed shoes, any type of shoes that resemble sneakers, boots, hi-top shoes, clogs, crocs, Birkenstock or any shoes with a heel over two inches (measured from the back exterior of the shoe).
SHOES FOR Physical Education
ALL students must wear sneakers to participate in the physical education program. Sneakers must be free of wheels, lights and distracting ornaments. Consistent participation in gym is expected. A student who consistently is out of gym uniform/sneakers will receive a disciplinary notice that must be signed by the parent. This will effect the student’s overall grade.
If a special event (e.g. Mass, Assembly, etc.) falls on a student’s gym day, he/she should wear the formal uniform and bring sneakers in their backpack.
FLEECE JACKET/OUTERWEAR/SWEATSHIRTS
The St. Andrew Academy fleece outerwear may not be worn by students during the school day in lieu of sweaters and cardigans. Cardigan and v-neck school sweaters may be worn as well as St. Andrew Sweatshirts. Sweatshirts must be worn with the collared uniform shirt underneath. No other sweatshirts, fleece or sweaters can be worn.
On Dress Uniform Days – All students are to have the St. Andrew Sweater, or Cardigan.
Specific Uniform Information
*Logo required.
Grade | Mandatory | Optional |
PreK and Kindergarten | Classic navy Long or Short sleeve Tshirt*
Classic Navy Athletic shorts * Classic navy Sweatpants* Classic Navy Crewneck sweatshirt* |
Classic navy zip Front Sweatshirt*
Classic Navy Half zip Pullover* Classic navy fleece jacket* |
1-3 Girls | White Plaid Jumper*
Long or Short Sleeve maize Polo* Classic navy cable Knee socks Solid White Ankle Socks Solid black or brown shoes (No Sneakers) |
Classic navy Zip front sweatshirt*
Classic Navy half Zip pullover* Navy tights White Plaid head Band Classic navy Chino Shorts (Summer Only) Solid Navy Bike Shorts |
1-3 Boys | Navy Chino Pants (No cargo pants)
Long or Short sleeve maize polo* Solid Black or Brown Shoes (no Sneakers) |
Classic navy Zip front Sweatshirt*
Classic navy half Zip Pullover* Classic navy Chino Shorts (Summer only) |
Gym uniform | Classic Navy Long or Short sleeve tshirt*
Classic navy Athletic Shorts* Classic navy sweatpants* Classic navy Crewneck Sweatshirt* Sneakers |
|
Grade 4-8 girls | A-Line or Pleated classic navy or plaid skirt
Long or short sleeve blue or white oxford shirt* Navy knee socks (grade 8 can wear any kind of matching knee sock) |
Classic navy zip front sweatshirt*
Classic navy half zip pullover* Solid White ankle socks Light blue short sleeve polo shirt * (summer Only) Classic Navy Bike Shorts Classic Navy Slacks |
Grade 4-8 boys | Navy chino Pants ( No cargo pants)
Long or short sleeve blue or white oxford shirt* White plaid tie (grade 8 boys may wear any tasteful tie) Black belt Solid Black or brown shoes (No sneakers) |
Classic navy zip front sweatshirt*
Classic navy half zip pullover* Light blue short sleeve polo shirt* (Summer Only) |
Scheduled Out of Uniform Days
During the year there will be certain days when the uniform is not required. Dress on those days will be in compliance with the rules of modesty and decorum.
Guidelines:
Students May NOT Wear:
*skirts/dresses shorter than three inches above the knee
*pants with rips, tears etc..
*shorts shorter than three inches above the knee
*flip-flop sandals
*open back shoes
*tank tops
*T-shirts with inappropriate writing or design
*form fitting shirts/short/pants/skirts/dresses/leggings
*sneakers that convert to roller skates
*biker shorts/shirts
*pajama pants
*make-up
Good Rule: If you think you shouldn’t wear it, you shouldn’t.
ALL UNIFORM REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPAL