Home - Dress Code & Uniforms
DRESS CODE
Our dress code is based on the biblical principles of modesty, neatness, and appropriateness. Modesty is mentioned often as an important character quality (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 6). Modest people don’t go out of their way to bring undue attention to themselves. Likewise, neatness and appropriateness are important as we seek to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We need to be examples for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:2). We also desire to give a good report and not be offensive in anything we do. This suggests living differently than the world (1 John 2:15). In addition, dress is to be distinctively masculine and feminine, reflecting a wholesome appreciation for God’s creative plan (Deuteronomy 22:5). As we determine to glorify the Lord in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31), these qualities help us to do that in the area of dress.
It is also important to realize that parents, as the primary educators of their children (Deuteronomy 6; Ephesians 6), play a key role in this area of dress code. It is incumbent upon parents to guide and supervise their young people in the selection of appropriate clothing. Accordingly, this dress code is intended to make known in as clear a way as possible the position, guidelines, and restrictions of Harvest Christian Academy in the area of dress.
LOWER SCHOOL—K-GRADE 5
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- All HCA students should exhibit modest and developmentally appropriate dress.
- Excessively tight fitting or baggy clothing is not permitted.
- Slacks are to be navy or khaki, loose-fitting, flat front or pleated dress slacks of twill, gabardine, wool or corduroy. Low-rise and hip hugging pants are not permitted. Cargo-style pants are not permitted. Khaki toward white or green is not acceptable.
- Navy or khaki capris are permitted.
- Navy, khaki or white socks/tights/knee socks/leggings are required. Shoes may not be worn without socks, and socks should be worn to cover the ankle.
- Black, brown, navy or white shoes or sneakers are acceptable for daily wear. Sneakers may not have lights, wheels, characters, or platforms. Shoes should be properly tied at all times.
- Hats are not to be worn inside the building.
- Body piercings are not permitted (single ear piercing for girls are permitted).
- Body tattoos are not permitted.
- Shorts may be worn and must be at least mid-thigh in length. Though shorts may be worn throughout the year at the parent’s discretion, please wear weather-appropriate attire.
- No jeans, denim or cargo style clothing is permitted.
- Shirts/blouses must be collared, solid white, navy, light blue or forest green.
- Layering is permitted as long as all layers conform to color requirements while the outer layer conforms to shirt color and style requirements.
- Crew-neck, v-neck or cardigan style sweaters and vests in navy blue, white, or forest green are permitted. Collared shirts/blouses are required under the sweater or vest. Hooded sweaters, sweatshirts and vests are permitted.
- HCA-Crested spirit wear is permitted. Other church related or youth group shirts are NOT allowed.
- Students must stay in school uniform until dismissal is complete.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR LOWER SCHOOL GIRLS
- Khaki or navy solid jumpers must be of modest (to the knee) length. Girls may also wear Harvest plaid available through Lands End.
- Khaki or navy solid skirts (without slits) must be of modest (to the knee) length. The Harvest plaid is also permitted and is available through Lands End.
- Bike shorts must be worn under jumpers and skirts.
- Skorts (mid-thigh in length) are permitted.
- No bare midriff is permitted.
- Blouses must be collared, solid white, navy, light blue or forest green.
- Polo or turtlenecks in solid white, navy, light blue or forest green are permitted.
- Layering is permitted as long as all layers conform to color requirements while the outer layer conforms to shirt color and style requirements.
- Girls' shoes must be closed toe and closed heeled and no more than two inches high.
- Hair is expected to be clean, neat and not cover the eyes. Extreme design and unnaturally colored hair are not permitted. Hair ornaments must be modest and colors must coordinate with school clothing.
- Simple jewelry is permitted. Large hoop earrings, nose rings, and excessive rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings are not permitted.
- Single ear piercings are permitted.
- Excessive make-up is not permitted.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR LOWER SCHOOL BOYS
- Boys must be clean-shaven.
- Boys may not have piercings.
- Shirts must be collared, solid white, navy, light blue or forest green. Polo, turtlenecks, and oxford button-downs are permitted. Layering is also permitted.
- Hair is expected to be clean and of modest length. Extreme design, unnaturally colored, sculpting, shaving and spiking are not permitted.
CONSEQUENCES FOR DRESS CODE VIOLATION IN THE LOWER SCHOOL
The guidelines described herein are not meant to be prescriptive, but merely reflects HCA’s philosophy that students dress with modesty and are neatly groomed. We acknowledge the various styles of dress and the desire of students to dress “in style.” We have attempted to bring variety in color, style, and selection of dress code pieces in order to provide some choice. The dress code compliance offers students the opportunity to show love for God through their obedience. We expect parents to support and enforce these dress code guidelines with their children. As such, the following consequences will be upheld for violating the HCA dress code policy (per quarter):
1st Offense: Written warning by teacher.
2nd Offense: Principal calls the parents; student is to wait in office for parent to bring uniform adjustment or will be given clothing to wear for the day.
3rd Offense: Same as step two, and a parent conference is held.
4th Offense: Disciplinary action.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL—Grades 6-8
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- All HCA students should exhibit modest and developmentally appropriate dress. Apparel should not, in any way, cause distractions of any sort.
- All clothing must be tag/label and logo free.
- Tight/excessively baggy fitting clothing is not permitted.
- All apparel with belt loops requires a belt.
- Slacks are to be navy or khaki, loose-fitting, flat front or pleated dress slacks Low-rise and hip hugging pants are not permitted. Denim (jeans) of any color or cargo style clothing is not permitted. Dress Capris or Bermuda shorts with the bottom hem no higher than three inches from the top of the knee, may be worn.
- Shirts/blouses must be tucked in. (Banded bottom polos, sweaters and vests are exempt.)
- Socks/stockings must be worn at all times.
- Shoes must be worn at all times. Sneakers are acceptable for daily wear. Sneakers may not have lights, wheels, characters, or platforms. Shoes must be tied appropriately
- Hats are not to be worn inside the building.
- Body piercings are not permitted.
- Body tattoos are not permitted.
- Shirts/blouses must be collared, solid white, navy or forest green. Rugby style shirts purchased from Lands End are also permitted. No other rugby shirt is allowed. Layering is permitted as long as all layers conform to color and style requirements.
- Crew-neck, v-neck or cardigan style sweaters and vests in navy blue are permitted. Collared shirts/blouses are required under the sweater or vest. Harvest (HBC and HCA) sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts are permitted.
- All students, grades 6–8, are required to wear gym uniforms during gym class. These are available through the Spirit Store. Sneakers with non-marking soles are required without lights, wheels, characters, or platforms.
- Students must stay in school uniform until dismissal is complete.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
- Khaki or navy solid jumpers must be of modest (to the knee) length. Girls may also wear Harvest plaid available through Lands End.
- Khaki or navy solid skirts (without slits) must be of modest (to the knee) length. The Harvest plaid is also permitted and is available through Lands End.
- No bare midriff is permitted.
- Blouses must be collared, solid white, navy or forest green. Polo, turtlenecks, oxford button-downs and cotton blouses are permitted. Layering is also permitted as long as all layers conform to color and style requirements.
- Girls dress shoes must be closed toe and no more than two inches high.
- Hair is expected to be clean, neat and not cover the eyes. Extreme design and unnaturally colored hair are not permitted. Hair ornaments must be modest and colors must coordinate with school clothing.
- Jewelry must be simple. Nose rings and excessively large hoop earrings are not permitted.
- Single ear or multiple ear piercings are permitted for girls.
- Excessive make-up is not permitted.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
- Boys must be clean-shaven.
- Boys may not have piercings.
- Shirts must be collared, solid white, navy, or forest green. Polo, turtlenecks, oxford button-downs (white or light blue) and striped rugby style shirts (purchased from Lands End) are permitted. Layering is also permitted.
- Hair is expected to be clean and of modest length. Extreme design, unnaturally colored, sculpting, shaving and spiking are not permitted.
CONSEQUENCES FOR DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
The guidelines described herein are not meant to be prescriptive, but merely reflects HCA’s philosophy that students dress with modesty and are neatly groomed. We acknowledge the various styles of dress and the desire of students to dress “in style”. We have attempted to bring variety in color, style, and selection of dress code pieces in order to provide some choice. The dress code compliance offers students the opportunity to show love for God through their obedience. We expect parents to support and enforce these dress code guidelines with their children. As such, the following consequences will be upheld for violating the HCA dress code policy:
Where a dress code violation may be remedied on the spot (shirt untucked, etc.), the teacher will direct the student to do so. When this type of violation becomes habitual or the type of dress code violation cannot be remedied on the spot, then the student will be sent to the office. The consequences of coming to the office include (per quarter):
1st Offense: Warning.
2nd Offense: Parents are called; student is to wait in office for parent to bring uniform adjustment
3rd Offense: Parents are called; student is to wait in office for parent to bring uniform adjustment and detention.
4th Offense: Disciplinary action; could include suspension.
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HIGH SCHOOL—Grades 9-12
The dress code at Harvest Christian Academy is based on the biblical principles of modesty, neatness, and appropriateness. Modesty is mentioned often as an important character quality (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Thess. 4:5, 6). Modest people don’t go out of their way to bring undue attention to themselves. Likewise, neatness and appropriateness are important as we seek to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We need to be examples for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:2). We also desire to give a good report and not be offensive in anything we do. This suggests living differently than the world (1 John 2:15). As we determine to glorify the Lord in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31), these qualities help us to do that in the area of dress.
It is also important to realize that parents, as the primary educators of their children (Deuteronomy 6; Ephesians 6), play a key role in this area of dress code. It is incumbent upon parents to guide and supervise their young people in the selection of appropriate clothing. Accordingly, this dress code is intended to make known in as clear a way as possible the position and guidelines in the area of dress at Harvest Christian Academy.
Some general principles of the high school dress code include:
Clothing should be modest, neat, and appropriate for the school environment.
Modest
Clothing should not be tight, clingy or form fitting. Midriffs should not show when reaching or bending. Ladies’ necklines should not be revealing. The length of skirts or dresses should be knee length or below. Ladies should have their shoulders covered; no spaghetti straps, please.
Neat
Clothing should be in good repair, without holes or tears or frayed hems. Belt lines for pants should not sag (no sagging pants, please).
Appropriate
Students should be dressed for success at school, and ready to learn. Writing on clothing which is inappropriate or brings undue attention should not be worn. Capris or Bermuda shorts with the bottom hem no higher than three inches from the top of the knee, may be worn. No athletic shorts. Sweatshirts are permitted, but pajama wear and sweat pants are not permitted. T-shirt type shirts will be permitted, but t-shirts designed to be undergarments (undershirts) are not to be worn as outer garments. Footwear (shoes, sneakers, sandals, etc.) should be worn at all times. No flip flops please.
This abbreviated dress code is purposely shortened to eliminate the large lists of “do’s” and “don’ts” that often come with a dress code. The code falls under the categories of Modest, Neat, and Appropriate as stated above. Some changes that are intentional but not necessarily mentioned include students may wear jeans and untucked shirts. Specific requirements have been noted above. Beyond these qualifications, there is freedom. The administration may need, from time to time, to clarify the code with students. We hope this guide helps students to wear clothing which is appropriate. Please contact the school office if you have any questions.
DRESS CODE INFRACTION PROCEDURE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The purpose of a dress code is to motivate self-discipline in the areas of modesty, neatness and appropriateness. It is the responsibility of parents to help educate a student in appropriate dress. It is the responsibility of the student to make proper choices which glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the responsibility of teachers to enforce the dress code at HCA.
When a dress code issue can be corrected immediately (sagging pants, etc.), the teacher will speak with the student concerning the issue and have the student make necessary corrections immediately. No further action will be taken. However, if the student continues to persist with these “correctable” issues, the teacher should send the student to the principal where he/she will be subject to the disciplinary steps noted below.
If the dress code issue cannot be corrected immediately (i.e. short skirt, inappropriate pants, etc.), the teacher will discuss the matter with the student and send the student to the Upper School office where the student will be subject to the disciplinary steps noted below. The student shall remain in the office until the infraction has been remedied.
Continuous or blatant dress code infractions will result in (per quarter):
First offense: Warning.
Second offense: Parents contacted.
Third offense: Detention.
Fourth offense: Disciplinary action; could include suspension.
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DRESS FOR PHYS ED CLASSES (Grades 6-12)
Middle and High School students are required to change clothes for P.E. class. HCA requires a prescribed uniform for physical education. These uniform shorts and shirt may be ordered online
here and then paid for at pick-up at the Spirit Store. Tennis shoes or athletic shoes must be worn.
MISCELLANEOUS
We appreciate parents and other adults chaperoning field trips to wear appropriate and modest dress.
We are pleased to announce that the official HCA uniform supplier is Lands’ End. There are several reasons for this choice including, the brand recognition of a national company, and the high quality of clothing, honest value, competitive pricing, an excellent reputation for service and a return policy called Guarantee. Period.®.
Returns are accepted for any size issue or product defect even if the item has been embroidered, washed or worn.
Convenience and variety of shopping venues include:
- Catalog by mail or phone
- Website
- Lands’ End Inlet & Lands’ End @Sears stores
The Inlet and LE Shop @Sears stores may not carry our specific HCA uniform code, but you may try on and order clothes from the kiosk at those stores. When your order is placed in this manner – you will receive free shipping to your home.
The HCA dress code is not changing. The same clothing and colors are still in effect. Any plaid clothing must now be purchased from Lands’ End only. Of course, we will continue to honor previous Educational Outfitters plaid (the Land’s End “white plaid” is very similar to the Educational Outfitters plaid). You may purchase navy blue and khaki pants as well as shirts/blouses from other places. However, you will find the quality and the price of Lands’ End to be competitive.
When ordering by phone, catalog, or website, please refer to our Preferred School number specific to the HCA-Elgin campus: 900137142. By using this number, you will see what clothing styles and colors are available to our school families. And a contribution of up to 3% of all sales from the Uniform line of Lands’ End product is given back to HCA.
Go to the Lands’ End link below to access the Lands’ End website or download the flyer here. Catalogs will be arriving at both school campuses in the very near future.
As an added bonus, GIFT$ supplies Lands’ End gift cards with 16% going toward your tuition account. Now get great deals on great clothing and save on tuition at the same time.
Please call the school office if you have any questions.
Go to Lands’ End School Uniforms to outfit your boys and girls in clothing that meets dress codes and exceeds expectations. Shop online at www.landsend.com/school. The HCA preferred school # is 900137142.
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