DRESS CODE POLICY

A mandatory uniform policy for all students in St. Mary Parish has been implemented since the 1999-2000 school year. The policy of the St. Mary Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire shall be considered proper for school wear that distracts from or disrupts classroom and school decorum. In questions regarding student dress and grooming, the principals of each school will make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress.

The School Board feels it is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment in one's total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the purpose of school. Cleanliness shall be a basic consideration.

Any substantial complaint concerning the dress code will be dealt with by the school administration.

NOTIFICATION

The School Board shall notify the parent or guardian of each student of the dress code specifications and their effective date. The dress code shall be distributed in written form or posted on the school’s website annually.

If the School Board modifies the existing uniform policy, it shall notify, in writing, the parent or guardian of each student of the policy adoption or uniform policy modification at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the new or revised policy. Each school shall display any uniform selected for a reasonable period prior to the proposed effective date for wearing the uniform.

However, nothing shall prohibit the School Board from requiring a new or revised dress code or uniform policy without the required notice in the event of an emergency. For the purposes of this policy, emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

When purchasing school uniforms, parents should refer to the graphic below and the details that follow. Principals may schedule special dress days that veer from the dress code policy.

uniform Shirts

• PreK to Grade 8. White or navy blue short or long-sleeved polo "golf" or oxford style shirts are to be worn by all elementary and junior high school students. "Polo" shirts must have at least two (2) buttons and a collar. Pockets are permissible. Oxford shirts must button all the way down. Shirts must be always tucked in. Name brand emblems are not allowed on shirts.

• Grades 9 to 12. White or school-colored short or long-sleeved polo "golf" or oxford style shirts are to be worn by all high school students with one exception. West St. Mary High School students will wear light blue shirts only to differentiate between B.E.B. students who are on the same campus. "Polo" shirts must have at least two (2) buttons and a collar. Pockets are permissible. Oxford shirts must button all the way down. Shirts must always be tucked in. Name brand emblems are not allowed on shirts.

Designated School Colors

Berwick High School à Black

Centerville High School à Purple

Franklin Senior High School à Garnet

Morgan City High School à Forest Green

Patterson Senior High School à Red

West St. Mary High School à Light Blue (only)

Uniform Bottoms

• Male students must wear khaki-colored or black, uniform style pants or shorts (no jeans). Pants/shorts can be pleated or straight fronts. Pants/shorts are to be the appropriate size for the student, must fit properly at the waist and must be neither too tight nor too baggy. Pants/shorts must be worn so that the waist of the garment cannot go lower than the hipbone. No side pockets are allowed on the lower legs of pants/shorts. No external pockets are allowed on the pants/shorts. Exaggerated size pant bottoms (not to exceed 22" in circumference) and/or fraying of hems are not allowed. No visible name-brand emblems are allowed on these garments. Khaki-colored jean/denim style pants/shorts, overalls, corduroys, warm-ups, cargo, joggers, and drawstring clothing are not considered to be acceptable uniform style pants. Students in grades (Pre-K - 2), will be allowed to wear pants or shorts that have an elastic waist.

• Female students must wear khaki-colored or black, uniform style pants or shorts, skirts, skorts or jumpers (no jeans). These garments can be pleated or straight fronts. These garments are to be the appropriate size for the student, must fit properly at the waist, (No hip-huggers or low riders), and must be neither too tight nor too baggy. No side pockets are allowed on the lower legs of pants/shorts. Exaggerated size pant bottoms (not to exceed 22" in circumference) and/or fraying of hems are not allowed. Short skirts cannot be wrapped around or have splits in front or back. Hemlines of shorts, skirts, skorts or jumpers cannot exceed two inches (2”) above the knee. Only longer skirts (27" or more) may have splits in back or side. No side pockets are allowed on pants/shorts or long skirts. No external pockets are allowed on pants/shorts or skorts. No visible name-brand emblems are allowed on these garments. Khaki-colored jean/denim style pant/shorts, overalls, corduroys, warm-ups, cargo, capri, leggings, jeggings, joggers, and drawstring clothing are not considered to be acceptable uniform style pants. In grades (Pre-K thru 2), students will be allowed to wear pants, shorts, skirts or skorts that have an elastic waist.

appearance of uniform

Clothing must be neat, clean, modest, properly worn, and the correct size for the student.

Backpacks

All schools will require see-through or mesh backpacks. See Clear Bag Policy.

Belts

Students must wear a solid khaki, black, navy blue or brown (leather or cloth) belt with uniform style pants. (Standard size buckles are required–not to exceed 2" in height. (No big buckles are allowed.)

Blue Jeans

On designated jean days as determined by the principal, blue jeans must meet the same criteria as the uniform pants.

BODY ARMOR

It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exceptions as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9, which includes permitting a student to wear, carry, or possess a backpack on school property or a school bus that has bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities. A firearm-free zone means any area inclusive of any school campus and within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.2(C) and §14:95.6(B).

Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

Face Coverings (PPE)

Masks (worn for health purposes) are optional. Masks shall be solid colors or school appropriate print with no writings, emblems, insignias, or logos except those provided and/or approved by the superintendent or his/her designee.

GROOMing

The St. Mary Parish School Board feels it is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment in one’s total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the purpose of school. Cleanliness and safety will be a basic consideration.

The suitability of all rules will be judged and enforced by the school administrators.

• • School uniforms must be clean and neat.
  • Haircuts and hairstyles must be neat, clean, and presentable. (Hair rollers or "set" is prohibited.)
  • Fingernails, haircuts, and hairstyles may be prohibited if they present a danger to the student’s health and safety or create classroom or school disorder.
  • All visible body pierced jewelry except for earrings on the ear shall be prohibited.
  • Tattoos deemed as inappropriate by the principal are prohibited and must not be visible.

Identification Cards (Student ID)

School issued student identification cards must be worn by all students in grades (6-12th). NOTE: Patterson Jr. High will also require their 5th graders to wear school-issued identification cards.

Inappropriate print

Items containing graffiti, writing, symbols, or logos, etc. perceived to be vulgar, profane, disruptive, gang-related, violent, heavy metal, tobacco or alcohol-related language shall not be worn or brought on the school campus.

jackets

A lightweight jacket, parka, or windbreaker can be worn when experiencing cooler weather (fall) or when buildings are too cool for students. The garment must be solid navy blue, khaki/tan, white, black, brown, or designated school color. No contrasting colors, stripes, etc. will be allowed. These garments may have hoods but no name brand emblems. (Hoods must be removed once inside the building.) Official school mascots/logos may be located on these additional garments. School-issued jackets may be taken into consideration as part of the uniform.

Shoes

Students must wear shoes such as tennis shoes (including high-tops), casual, or dress styles that are at the ankle or below. Shoes are to be always worn. They must be buckled, buttoned, tied, or zipped if so designed. No sandals, thongs, boots to the knee, or other inappropriate footwear are allowed. Shoes must have a complete front and back. Shoes requiring laces must have the laces and be kept always tied during the day. Boots that are part of a JROTC uniform or vocational course may be worn as required.

Socks

Students must wear solid white, black, brown, navy blue or khaki/tan colored socks with no logos or emblems on them. Socks must be worn above the ankle and must be always visible. (No anklets or footies socks allowed). The same-colored tights or stockings may be worn instead to accompany the uniform.

Spirit Shirts

Spirit shirts may be worn with approved pants/shorts, skirts, etc., on such designated days as determined by the principal. The students have the option of wearing the spirit shirt or the standard school uniform.

sweatshirts and sweaters

Solid navy blue, khaki/tan, white, black, brown, or school-colored sweatshirts, sweaters or sweater vests may be worn over polo or oxford shirts. No contrasting colors, stripes, etc. will be allowed. Sweatshirts, sweaters and/or sweater vests may have an official school mascot/logo on them. Sweatshirts must be pullovers in nature and may not have hoods. Uniform shirt collars must always be visible when wearing these garments.

Transfer Students

Students who transfer into St. Mary Parish schools will be allowed two (2) weeks to purchase uniforms and comply with the policy.

Undergarments

Proper undergarments are always to be worn.

Consequences for DRESS CODE Violations

The student dress code shall apply to all students in all schools. The following are approved disciplinary procedures for students (Pre-K - 12th grade) who are in noncompliance with the mandatory dress code policy.

NOTE: The school principal or his/her designee shall make final decisions on acceptance of garments within the uniform policy guidelines.

First Violation. The parents will bring an appropriate change of clothing to school. A call will be made to the parents to schedule a conference with the principal.

Second Violation. The parents will bring an appropriate change of clothing to school. The parent will be notified that the child is being assigned two hours in detention (SAC). The parents will attend a conference with the principal prior to the student returning to class.

Third Violation. The parents will bring an appropriate change of clothing to school. The parent will be notified that the child is being assigned four hours in detention (SAC). The parents will attend a conference with the principal prior to the student returning to class.

Continued Noncompliance. Students who are in continuous noncompliance of the dress code policy will be referred to the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor. At this time, a disposition will be made for possible court action against the parent and/or student. 

PK-5 Students. Students in Grades PreK through 5 shall not be suspended or expelled from school or suspended for uniform violations.

Berwick High School’s guidance counselor is Ms. Felicia Henry. Our counselor is here to assist students in any way possible, including but not limited to: academics, careers, ACT registration, FAFSA completion, social-emotional needs, scheduling, etc. Ms. Henry also coordinates all state testing for Berwick High. Her office number is 985-384-0526. You can also email her at fhenry@stmaryk12.net.

Relocating/Withdrawing from School

To withdraw from Berwick High School, please contact the office at 985-384-8450.

school Athletics, Dances, and organizations

ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES: ALL LHSAA ELIGIBILITY RULES APPLY!

Athletic Policies and guidelines can be found on the BHS Website.

• The Booster Club conducts two fund raising activities each year, one in the Fall and Spring, in which student athletes are required to participate. 10 tickets are required to be sold for each to remain in good standing for awards and letterman’s jackets.
• ALL athletic parents are encouraged to participate in fundraisers.

School Dances

Students must be in good standing attendance-wise: no more than 6 unexcused absences and no more than four referrals. 

HOMECOMING GUIDELINES

QUEEN CANDIDATES:

• senior girl with a GPA of 2.0 or above at the end of 6 semesters
• proven history of involvement in at least 2 active organizations and/or sports for the past two years (this means junior year and below)

KING CANDIDATES:

• Football athletes already meet a GPA requirement.
• To be considered for court and king: 2-year member of the football team including the junior and senior year.

CLASS REMINDER: Homecoming activities held at BHS are the only activities for which we are responsible.  Toilet papering, hazing, and trashing the property of others is not condoned and could result in punishment.

PROM GUIDELINES

• Junior and Senior Prom – only students in GOOD STANDING may attend.
• Juniors are the prom host each year.
• Juniors are to sell the required amount for the fundraiser or pay the $50-dollar fee by the required deadline.
• Juniors who work the required number of work hours will become members of the court their senior year only if they remain a full-year senior graduate.
• Parent work hours do not count towards student work hours.
• The King and Queen of Prom are voted on by the attending seniors the night of the prom as they enter the event.

Dress Code for Homecoming Dance and Prom

Young Women Guidelines:

• Dresses must be no shorter than two inches above the knee.
• Gowns must have a solid front top, waist, and belly; a back with the opening no lower than the waistline; slits cannot be higher than mid-thigh.
•  

Young Men Guidelines:

• Strictly formal (Tux or Suit and Tie)
•  Dress Shoes only
•  No ball caps.
• Shirts and ties are acceptable for Homecoming only. 

Clubs & Organizations

Berwick High School provides a plethora of clubs and organizations for students to enhance their high school experience. We will host a club day during which each club/organization will briefly explain their purpose. Students will be allowed to sign up for these opportunities at that time.

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