Student Handbook

Student Dress Code at Bishop Kelly High School

 

Bishop Kelly’s dress code is intended to encourage modesty, cleanliness, neatness, and pride in one’s appearance and school community. It is our belief that students should respect each other for who they are, not for what they wear. The administration and faculty will monitor student compliance with the dress code. The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of a student’s general appearance and compliance with the code. The school has the duty of presenting and maintaining a serious educational environment, therefore the dress code will be enforced.

Clothing is to be in good condition, not ragged, and without holes or patches.  Nothing students wear may convey an inappropriate message or suggest violence, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, sex, racism, or gangs.

Students will not be permitted in class if they are inappropriately dressed. If students refuse to change or need to call home and wait for clothes to come to the school, then the time missed out of class is considered an In-School-Suspension.

Students who are not in dress code will need to:

• Correct the problem immediately (within 5 minutes) or remain in In-School Suspension until the problem is corrected or until the school day ends.
• If a student needs to borrow an item of clothing from the dress code closet, they must leave something with the front office as collateral (phone, driver’s license, keys, etc.).

SHIRTS

• Dress code shirts ARE:
  • Long or short-sleeved collared polo shirts, full-button front shirts (shirts must be buttoned unless wearing a dress code approved shirt underneath), turtlenecks.
  • Long or short sleeved professional or business casual shirts
  • 3- or 4-button (business casual) long or short sleeve shirts (example: Henley 3 or 4 button)
  • Official BK T-shirt, including House shirts
  • PLAIN knit sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, pullovers, (appropriate logo or insignia that can fit under a business card – this applies to front, back, and sleeves) 
  • Official BK sweatshirt (approved clubs and championship sweatshirts included)
  • Long enough to be tucked in
  • Shirts that cover the shoulders
  • Shirts with modest necklines (no lower than 3 finger-widths below any point of the collarbone
    

   

• Dress code shirts are NOT:
  • Athletic or graphic t-shirts
  • Shirts with words, numbers, inappropriate graphic designs, or any design larger than a business card.  
  • Low-cut
  • See-through
  • Shirts that show the midriff area and cannot be tucked in
  • Open back shirts
  • Off the shoulder

PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, DRESSES

Dress code pants/shorts/skirts/dresses ARE:

• Dress pants, slacks, khakis, chinos, corduroys, cargo pants, leather pants, colored denim (no blue denim)
• Dress or cargo shorts that come at least to mid-thigh
• Free from holes or graphics
• Worn at or above the waist
• For young women:  Skirts that are within 3 inches of the knee when standing (no blue denim) 
• For young women:  Dresses with a modest look with an appropriate neckline (i.e. no lower than bottom of clavicle/collarbone) and must be within 3” of the knee when standing

 

Dress code pants/shorts/skirts/dresses are NOT:

• Yoga pants, lounge pants, pajama pants, linen pants, sweatpants, leggings (as pants), flare leggings, skin tight/spandex, athletic pants (including athletic joggers), athletic shorts, or any iteration of these. 

 

Click here for a visual guide to appropriate Bishop Kelly dress.

HAIR AND GROOMING 

• Hair must be neat, clean, properly cut and styled (NO extremes).  Hair must be out of the face and eyes.  
• No unnatural hair coloring (ex. pink, blue, purple, fire engine red, etc..).  This goes for streaks and/or patches; however, natural highlights are acceptable
• For young men:  
  • Acceptable hair length is to the collar.  
  • Hair must hang naturally (no ponytails/buns). 
  • Sideburns may not extend past the ear. 
  •  Must be clean shaven at all times. The only exception is during our No Shave November charity drive.

FOOTWEAR

Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. All shoes (other than the exceptions noted) must either cover the toe and heel or have heel and toe straps properly used.
Clogs and Birkenstocks styles are permitted.
Flip-flops, soccer slides, and slippers (including Uggs) are not allowed.

 

JEWELRY, TATTOOS, HEAD COVERINGS. MAKEUP

• Young men may not wear earrings.
• Young ladies are allowed to wear earrings in moderation.
• Body piercings (ex: nose ring, belly, or eyebrow) are not allowed. 
• Tattoos cannot be visible. 
• Hats, visors, stocking caps/beanies, sunglasses, etc. are not allowed to be worn during the school day.
• Young ladies may wear makeup in moderation.

MASS DRESS 

All School Mass and other special occasions are designated “Mass Dress Days”. These are school days where a more formal and uniform appearance is expected of students out of respect for the special purpose of the day. Sweatshirts should not be worn. No denim pants are allowed on Mass Day, including black denim. All students must stay in Mass Dress the entire day. 

You can order Mass Dress items at Educational Outfitters by using the following link: http://boise.educationaloutfitters.com

Mass dress consists of the following:

• A White Oxford (button down), collared shirt (long or short sleeved) with the BK Logo Crest.
• Dress slacks, khakis, or chinos in neutral colors – black, tan, navy, or gray. 
• Young women may wear Maxi or Mid-length skirts (at or past the knee) – black, tan, navy, or gray
• Shirts must be tucked in.

Optional Mass Dress items: 

• Tie
• A sweater vest, cardigan, or blazer may be worn over the oxford – black or gray colored only

You can order Mass Dress items at Educational Outfitters by using the following link: http://boise.educationaloutfitters.com

Please order Mass Dress items in the Summer to insure they will arrive by the first All School Mass in early September.

COLLEGE SPIRIT DAYS

On designated College Spirit Days, all students are allowed to wear a college t-shirt or sweatshirt. This is always the first day of the school week unless otherwise communicated.  Every day during the month of May is a College Spirit Day for seniors only.  Seniors who are committing to a college on signing days may wear their college shirts on that day.  

 

FAITHFUL FRIDAYS

Faithful Fridays are an opportunity to celebrate our shared faith as a community. On Faithful Fridays, we encourage students to wear their faith proudly, spreading love, hope, and inspiration through their clothing.

The following guidelines must be followed to ensure that all clothing remains respectful, appropriate, and consistent with our school’s values:

• Students may wear shirts, sweaters, or jackets that feature Bible verses, faith-based quotes, religious camp logos, or other designs that promote Catholic/Christian values.  
• Messages must be positive, respectful, and aligned with the teachings of the church.
• Shirts and tops should have modest necklines, cover the midriff, cover the shoulders, and not be see-through.
• Tops should have sleeves and must fully cover the midsection, even when moving.
• Pants, skirts, or shorts worn with Faithful Friday tops must meet the general school dress code guidelines.
• Clothing with inappropriate or secular messages (e.g., slogans unrelated to faith, or imagery that contradicts Christian values) are not allowed.  

 

TEAM GAME DAYS

On Team Game Days, team dress must include appropriate clothing outlined in the Bishop Kelly Dress Code. On game/competition or designated club/organization days, members may dress alike in the spirit of unity and school pride. Student athletes wanting to wear a team jersey, as a symbol of team unity, may do so.  Pants MUST meet dress code.

 

SPECIAL SPIRIT WEEKS

Student leaders will determine daily themes during Spirit Weeks. (Homecoming Week, Catholic Schools Week, Academic Excellence Week, etc.)  On those days, students may dress according to that day’s theme.  Students choosing not to wear clothing according to the theme must follow the regular dress code.  

 

Spirit Week is a chance to showcase your creativity and school spirit while honoring the values we cherish as a Catholic school. Let’s ensure our outfits uplift, inspire, and create a positive atmosphere for everyone.

If in doubt about a specific outfit, please consult a teacher or administrator before wearing it.

Spirit Week is a time for creativity, fun, and school pride! To ensure all outfits reflect the values of our Catholic school, please follow these guidelines:

• All clothing must be modest and appropriate for a school environment.
• Shirts and tops should have modest necklines, cover the midriff, cover the shoulders, and not be see-through.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must meet the regular dress code length
• All costumes and outfits should align with the daily theme and maintain a respectful tone.
• Avoid any clothing or costumes that promote violence, inappropriate language, or imagery that conflicts with Catholic values.
• Accessories must be safe and free of offensive or inappropriate symbols.
• Wigs, or props may be worn if they align with the theme but should not cause disruption in class. 

• Avoid the following:
  • Ripped, torn, or overly tight clothing.
  • Inappropriate slogans, images, or secular messages contrary to Catholic values.
  • Masks that fully cover the face.
  • Hats
  • Weapons, real or fake, as part of a costume.

 

DRESS CODE PASS DAYS

Students may earn Dress Code Passes throughout the year and may use them on the one designated day of the month (usually corresponds with Senior Out to Lunch days).  Students are allowed “free dress” on these days but must still meet the following requirements:

• No leggings as pants
• Jewelry/Tattoos/Head Covering/Makeup regulations remain in effect
• Clothing is to be in good condition, not ragged, and without holes or patches. 
• Nothing students wear may convey an inappropriate message or suggest violence, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, sex, racism, or gangs. 
• All clothing must be modest and appropriate for a school environment.
• Shirts and tops should have modest necklines, be long enough to be tucked in, cover the shoulders and back, and not be see-through.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must meet the regular dress code length

 

INJURIES AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

The dress code remains in effect for all students, including those with injuries. However, we understand that certain medical conditions or injuries may necessitate temporary adjustments to the dress code (e.g., footwear, clothing for braces or casts).

Students needing accommodations must obtain special permission from the administration. Requests should include documentation from a parent/guardian or healthcare provider explaining the need for the exception.

Our goal is to support student well-being while maintaining a respectful and consistent dress code.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF THE BK DRESS CODE

Parents, students and staff must work together to ensure that the dress code is enforced and supported. The administration will be the final judge of student appearance concerns not explicitly covered in the dress code guidelines.  All staff members will refer students to the Assistant Principals for dress code violations. Dress code violations will be documented. 

Students will not be permitted in class if they are inappropriately dressed. If students refuse to change or need to call home and wait for clothes to come to the school, then the time missed out of class is considered an In-School-Suspension.

Students who are not in dress code will need to:

• Correct the problem immediately (within 5 minutes) or remain in In-School Suspension until the problem is corrected or until the school day ends. 
• If a student needs to borrow an item of clothing from the dress code closet, they must leave something with the front office as collateral (phone, driver’s license, keys, etc.). 

First violation: Students will report to the Assistant Principal to correct the dress code violation. Student will receive a warning and discuss further consequences if behavior continues.

Second violation: Students will receive two days lunch detention; students will spend it in service of the school.

Third violation:  Students will serve a two-hour detention and wear restricted dress for one week.  Students will be required to check into the Front Office daily during the period of restricted dress. Restricted dress will be determined by the Vice Principal.

Fourth violation: Students will serve a Saturday school and wear restricted dress for two weeks; students will be required to check into the Front Office daily during the period of restricted dress. Restricted dress will be determined by the Vice-Principal.

Fifth violation: Students will serve a Saturday school and wear restricted dress for one quarter (9 weeks); students will be required to check into the Front Office daily during the period of restricted dress. Restricted dress will be determined by the Vice Principal.

In any circumstance, the Administration reserves the right for appropriate action for dress code violations. The Bishop Kelly dress code will be enforced during the school year; up to and including graduation day.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their parents/guardians and Bishop Kelly High School. It is expected that respect and cooperation will be the basis of interactions with faculty and fellow students. Bishop Kelly High School will use the following disciplinary actions:

1. Lunch time detention – This may include cleanup work in the cafeteria, halls, or other areas of the building.
2. After school detentions – After school detention will consist of service to the school.
3. Saturday School– Saturday detention will consist of three hours of clean-up work around the school, or classroom work.
4. In school/out-of-school suspension – Student will spend the school day in the Attendance Office working on homework. Either one of two situations will occur with suspension, depending on severity of offense: 1) Credit will be allowed for major tests and assignments (i.e., assignments that were assigned prior to the day of suspension). Daily credit will not be granted, i.e., in class work, quizzes, participation points; or 2) No credit should be granted for work, tests, or quizzes missed during the time of suspension.
5. Extracurricular activities suspension – student may be suspended from attendance or participation in extracurricular activities. These activities are seen as a privilege for students.
6. Probation – Student will be put on a Behavioral Probationary Plan. If parent and student refuse to sign within 5 school days, they agree to dismissal.
7. Dismissal

The Principal or Discipline Board has the power and authority to treat each student individually in determining the appropriate disciplinary action in the most effective manner. The Principal or designee has a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of all students, employees, or visitors. The Principal or designee must take into consideration all factors present at a particular situation, including, but not limited to, the intent, degree of actual or potential endangerment or damage, degree of intimidation or fear, and the age of the student. Whenever possible, the Principal or Discipline Board will:

1. Involve the parent/guardian; and
2. Choose a discipline option which is aimed at improving behavior and enhancing academic achievement while maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.

Campus misbehavior at Bishop Kelly High School is divided into three categories according to severity. The following offenses will be handled by administrative personnel and may result in a combination of possible consequences. If the student has multiple offenses, the more serious offense will take precedence.

Category 1 Offenses

• Littering
• Loitering
• Inappropriate Display of Affection
• Dress Code Violation
• Classroom Disturbance
• Dance Policy Violation (see specific Dance Policy)

Consequences for Category 1 offenses may include lunchtime detention, after school detention or Saturday School.

Category 2 Offenses

• Use or Possession of Tobacco
• Profanity/Vulgarity
• Repetitive Misbehavior
• Cheating/Plagiarism (see specific cheating policy)
• Off Campus without Permission
• Graffiti
• Fighting
• Truancy
• Harassment

Consequences for Category 2 offenses may include after school detention, Saturday school, in-school/out-of school suspension, extra-curricular activities suspension, or probation.

Category 3 Offenses

• Violation of Substance Abuse Policy (see specific substance abuse policy)
• Progressive disregard for conduct at school
• Theft-Vandalism
• Extreme defiance of authority/ Insubordination
• Causing physical injury to another student or staff member
• Repetitious and/or malicious school disruption
• Refusal to identify self to school personnel upon request
• Malicious Harassment
• Violation of Weapons Policy

Consequences for Category 3 offenses may include in-school/out-of school suspension, extracurricular activities suspension, probation or dismissal.

For a complete list of BK Policies regarding admission & attendance, student behavior and discipline, and student safety click here.

BK Dances are an important part of building our school community and providing students a social opportunity to come together. BK students may bring a guest to the Homecoming Dance, Winter Dance, and Junior / Senior Prom.

• All guests must have parental approval, the approval of the guest’s assistant principal, and the approval of the BK student’s assistant principal. Pick up the form in the Front Office.
• Only 9th grade students or older may be invited as a guest, and no guest over the age of 20 may attend dances.
• All guests must have a current picture I.D.
• Dance Guest Passes must be completed and returned to Bishop Kelly no later than two school days prior to the dance.
• Late Guest Passes will be assessed a $20.00 fee.

Guest Dance Pass Form