Student - Parent Handbook

Dress Code
High Point Baptist Academy is committed to honoring God and serving others in every facet of life. We have patterned the revised dress code according to our Mission Statement that promises to support the Christian family and the local Bible believing church. The dress code was written in spring 2003, by a committee of parents selected based upon their interest in High Point Baptist Chapel and Academy. Since we believe that our dress and manner of life should direct other's attention to the Lord Jesus Christ who resides within each believer, we have carefully designed this code for the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year.

In the process of rewriting the dress code, we chose to standardize the appearance by defining styles and colors. While a standardized dress code will not transform an ungodly heart into a godly one, it does eliminate some of the influence of worldliness upon our student body that sets up status, forms cliques, alienates students and allows envy and lust to develop. The application of High Point's dress code is based upon Biblical principles and certain institutional policies established to reflect an excellence in standards.

I Timothy 4:2 was written to young Timothy but its application is to each Christian today: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Clothing should communicate and reflect the inner person in Jesus Christ. A standardized dress code affords the individual student the opportunity to express the inner person through words and deeds without the distractions of the latest fashion trend. I John 3:18 tells us, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." James commands us to show our character by our works with meekness in wisdom (James 3:13; I Peter 3:4).

HPBA strives for excellence in our academic and extra curricular endeavors. The students and staff of HPBA have the opportunity to communicate the essence of that quality by dressing in a way that reflects our desire to honor God in all we do. We desire to begin each school day "Ready to Learn and Ready to Serve."

	Elementary Girls Jumpers - Colors (solid): Cotton/twill/polyester in navy, black, khaki or school-approved plaid (see supplier information for ordering). - A-line, pleated, or straight style jumper (no cargo pockets) and properly hemmed (no frayed edges). Not shorter than top of knee when sitting/standing. Not longer than mid-calf (for safety reasons). - Slits not higher than mid-knee (sewn to that point); must not rise above knee when sitting. - Grades K4-5 must wear shorts underneath (may wear leggings during November-February for warmth). - Complying shirt must be worn under jumpers. Shirts/Blouses - Short or long-sleeved polo, oxford, or peter pan (or turtlenecks during November-February for warmth). - Colors (solids only): navy or light blue, white, yellow or gold. - No sheer, see-through or tight-fitting fabrics. - No logos larger than credit card size; must be appropriate, positive and fitting for HPBA. - Must be buttoned from the first button past the collar. - Solid color (black, white or navy) cardigan sweater may be worn; a sleeveless pullover navy sweater vest may be worn (see supplier information for ordering navy sweater vest). Socks/Shoes - Socks covering the ankle or tights need to be worn at all times; solid colors: black, yellow/gold, white, navy, tan/khaki or light blue. - Leather dress/casual style shoes; neat, clean athletic shoes; anklet style boots (full-size dress boots permitted November-February). - For safety reasons: Shoes designed to be tied must be laced and tied at all times. Soles/heels should not be thicker than 1". No backless or open-toed shoes (no sandals). No work or combat-style boots. General Guidelines - Clothing should not be tight nor be more than one size too large (permitted for growth). - No denim, leather, suede, spandex, nylon or fleece material except for outerwear. - Outerwear (coats/jackets, sweatshirts, hats) must be removed upon entering classroom. - Undergarments or midriffs should not show at any time. - No makeup other than nail polish. - No more than two ear piercings per ear in the lower lobe; no other piercings allowed. - Hair should be clean, neatly groomed and the child's natural color.
	Secondary Girls Skirts - Khaki, navy or black of cotton twill material or navy-gray plaid, pleated skirt (from supplier list) covering the knee when sitting and not longer than the ankle; may have pockets, but not cargo type; if skirt has slit, it should be sewn to the middle of the knee (not pinned) and not rise above the knee when sitting. - Defined waist with either elastic or zip and snap or button closure with no visible drawstrings. - If the skirt has belt loops, a plain colored belt will be worn; plain or synthetic leather or cotton with no trendy wide or beaded belts allowed. - No "cupping" across buttocks or tight fitting around thighs. - Navy plaid skirt must be ordered from supplier listed on the supplier list. Skirts come in long or tea length; special sizing or length additions require 4-6 weeks. - Navy plaid skirt must be buttoned or sewn, not pinned, with proper modest fit. Shirts/Blouses - Short or long-sleeved polo or traditional oxford styles with buttons - no snaps, ties or zippers (no t-shirts, turtlenecks or sweatshirts). - Colors (solids only): navy or light blue, yellow or gold, or opaque white. - No sheer, see-through or tight-fitting fabrics; regular cut, not tapered for tightness. - No logos larger than credit card size; must be appropriate, positive and fitting for HPBA. - Must be buttoned from the first button past the collar. - Solid color white, black or navy cardigan sweater or sleeveless pullover navy sweater vest may be worn (see supplier for ordering navy sweater vest). Shoes/Socks - Dress or casual with heels not higher than 2 inches; with socks or nylons of coordinating solid color of skirt (navy, black, tan/khaki or neutral nylon); socks must cover the ankle. - Sandals and open toed shoes are allowed but no sneakers/gym shoes; gym shoes are required for PE classes; dress boots, beach-boat shoes and flip-flops are not allowed. - Socks and nylons need not be worn during the hot months of August, September and May. - For safety reasons: Shoes designed to be tied must be laced and tied at all times. Soles/heels should not be thicker than 2". Hair/Jewelry - Hair must be well-groomed and of a natural hair color; highlights are acceptable, but no streaking of bright colors of red, orange, etc. - Jewelry should be appropriate with earrings limited to two matching sets worn on the lower lobes. - No body markings are to be visible; any markings must be covered at all times. General Guidelines - Clothing should not be tight nor be excessively baggy. - No denim, leather, suede, spandex, nylon or fleece material except for outerwear. - Outerwear (coats/jackets, sweatshirts, hats) must be removed upon entering classroom. - Undergarments or midriffs should not show at any time. Banquet Dresses - Dresses must be at least knee length with no slits above the knee. Shoulder areas must be covered. The back of the dress is not to come lower than the bottom of the shoulder blades. Modest necklines with no low-cut or revealing styles are required. Dresses must be checked in the Academy office. This includes dates who are not students of High Point.
	Elementary & Secondary Boys Pants - Khaki, navy or black with pleats or flat fronts and no external pockets; neat and properly hemmed. - May not be worn below the shoe and drag on the floor; fit to the traditional definition of the waist. - Pants with belt loops must be worn with a belt of appropriate length; a belt is required for elementary students unless pants do not have belt loops. - Black denim is acceptable for elementary students; but not blue, faded, acid washed or torn denim. - Unacceptable wear: extremely baggy or over-sized pants (elementary boys may wear one size too large to allow for growth during the year); sweatpants, wind pants or other athletic style pants; ripped, frayed, tattered or torn pants; overalls, camouflage or fatigues; chains attached to pants. Shirts - Short or long-sleeved polo or oxford styles with fold down collars; always tucked into the pants and buttoned from the first button below the collar; no t-shirts, sweatshirts or turtlenecks except elementary boys who are allowed to wear turtlenecks during the winder months of November-February. - Colors (solids only): navy or light blue, yellow or gold, or opaque white. - No sheer, see-through or tight-fitting fabrics. - No logos larger than credit card size; must be appropriate, positive and fitting for HPBA. - Unacceptable: hooded shirts/sweatshirts, pullover sweatshirts, shirts designed to be worn untucked, sleeveless other than sweater vest or lettering, logos or labels larger than a credit card. - Solid color white, black or navy vest or cardigan sweater or sleeveless pullover navy sweater vest may be worn (see supplier for ordering navy sweater vest). Shoes/Socks - Dress or casual (athletic shoes allowed for elementary students); all students need athletic shoes for PE classes. - Shoelaces must be worn and tied if shoe is designed for laces; other types of fasteners are to be fastened. - Socks are required and must cover the ankle. - For safety reasons: Shoes designed to be tied must be laced and tied at all times. Flip-flops, military or work boots or steel-toed shoes or boots are not allowed. Hair/Jewelry - Well-groomed, combed, neat and trimmed on top, sides and back with a moderate taper; may not touch the collar, ear, eyebrows; must not be bushy, flipped or spiked; color must remain the students' own natural color without any highlights or coloring. - Jewelry allowed - a watch and ring worn on the wrist and finger area respectively; no earrings, bracelets of any material, necklaces, or chains. - No facial hair and sideburns must be trimmed to lower than the bottom of the ear with no flairs. Boys will have two nights to have hair in compliance after given a haircut notice. No body markings are to be visible. General Guidelines - Clothing should not be tight nor baggy; one size larger is limited to elementary boys. - No denim, leather, suede, spandex, nylon or fleece material except for outerwear. - Outerwear (coats/jackets, sweatshirts, hats) must be removed upon entering classroom. - Undergarments must not show at any time. - The administration reserves the right to make judgments on all aspects of the dress code.
	All Students The Academy does not permit shorts to be worn in the classroom buildings or auditorium unless elementary students are coming or going to physical education. We request that everyone entering the school facilities be modestly dressed (including visitors). Students are reminded that these standards are in effect during school functions such as banquets, programs, recitals, etc. Dress is monitored by all staff members.

Dress Code Supplier List

	All Sleeveless navy sweater must be purchased at Doo-Dads in West Reading (610-375-2609); a High Point logo may be added; cardigan sweaters may be purchased at any retail outlet.
	Elementary Girls Navy, black, khaki jumpers may be purchased at any retail outlet. School-approved plaid jumpers must be purchased at Doo-Dads in West Reading (610-375-2609). Shirts may be purchased at any retail outlet (Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, etc.)
	Boys No common supplier required; clothing must match guidelines given.
	Secondary Girls School approved plaid skirt must be purchased at Doo-Dads in West Reading (610-375-2609). Khaki skirts may be found at the VF Outlet in Reading in the Blue Building; usually the Lee brand name is in stock (VF Outlet is not the required supplier, only recommended); other retail outlets may be used to purchase skirts/blouses that meet the guidelines.
	Notes Please allow four to six weeks for special orders at Doo-Dads. They will ship directly to your house for a nominal fee. There are some websites where purchasing is available. One source is http://www.123schooluniforms.com. They will mail a catalog as well. At the end of the school year we have plans to hold a consignment day where clothing for the next school year may be sold or purchased. The dress code will apply to all students at High Point from K4-12th grade. During the school year of 2003-2004, the sixth grade students may follow either the elementary or secondary dress code.