Dress Code

Since a number of classes will be held outdoors or indoors with windows open, and with the changes to our physical education and athletics requirements, a number of dress code changes have been implemented for both the Middle School and Upper School.

Middle School Dress Code

Please note, due to changes in our athletic and physical education requirements, we are changing the Middle School Dress Code to allow student to wear clothes to school that they can also wear for sports and PE. Locker rooms are going to be off-limits for students at the start of the school year, so students must come to school prepared to participate in sports. Uniform shirts are still required, but students may wear athletic shorts or pants in order to be comfortable during their sports and PE practices.

Uniforms

A uniform is mandatory for Middle School students. Uniform choices can be found on the website of our chosen vendor, Lands' End:

www.Landsend.com/uniforms Code: 900126202

Uniform choices consist of any of the options listed under the Nichols school code. You may purchase any of the items available as options that fit your child's comfort level. We also have a large inventory of gently used uniforms, and we hope to schedule sales throughout the school year so parents can take advantage of these uniforms.

The Nichols School logo is mandatory on polo shirts (both long- and short-sleeved), turtlenecks, and sweaters only. It is optional on all other uniform pieces. If sweaters are chosen as part of your child's uniform, we recommend leaving one at school at all times of the year, given the fluctuations of the heating/cooling system in Regan Hall. Finally, please put your child's name on all pieces of his/her uniform for ease in identifying lost or mislaid items.

Supplemental Pieces

These are the pieces that complete the uniform, but can be purchased anywhere, according to personal taste. Please follow the guidelines below when making your purchases.

Athletic shorts, tights or pants may be worn during the school day. Students will not be permitted to use the locker rooms or bathrooms to change into different clothes for sports, so what they wear to school in the morning is what they will have on for the entire day.
Sneakers or gym shoes are permitted to be worn throughout the school day. All students must come prepared for sports each day. If they do not wear their sneakers to school, then they must have them to put on prior to sports.
Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, etc. are not allowed.

The dress code is an important tool to help create a school atmosphere of learning and growth. As trends change, we attempt to adjust our policies accordingly. When making decisions around particular items of dress, we often refer to the ‘spirit’ of the dress code.

Upper School Dress Code

Dress code has changed for the 2020-2021 school year. We have two primary concerns around the dress code. First, students will need to dress for the weather. Many classes and most lunches will take place outdoors. Classrooms will also have all their windows open to increase ventilation. Students should choose attire that will allow them to be comfortable based on the outside temperature. Secondly, students will not have access to athletic locker rooms. All students participating in X period PE or athletics will need to come to school appropriately attired for physical activity. We are making every effort to keep students safe and one aspect of that is moving students in and out of bathrooms quickly. Therefore, students will not be allowed to change clothes in bathrooms.

We would like to draw your attention to one especially important aspect of the 2020-2021 Dress Code. Students may not wear clothing (or masks) that contain writing or images other than brand names, college names or logos, or Nichols School attire. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that is conducive to learning.

While the dress code has been relaxed, we encourage Nichols students to remember that they should take pride in the way they look each day.

Clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair. The dress code applies to all parts of the campus, every day. It is primarily the responsibility of students and their families to be familiar with the dress code and to adhere to it on a daily basis. Faculty and staff will model appropriate dress in a school setting; they will also help students develop an understanding of and reinforce acceptable dress and appearance.

Enforcement Policy

The final arbitrator of appropriate dress will be the Head of Upper School.

Students who come to school in improper attire may be asked to change and may be required to call home or be sent home for a change of clothing. In addition, dress code violations will result in an infraction notice. Repeated offenses will result in the initiation of a stepped discipline response, beginning with an initial visit to the Minor Discipline Committee, followed by a visit to the Student Conduct Committee if the student continues to disrespect school rules by coming to school out of dress code.

School administration has the right to impose a different set of expectations if necessary to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Additional restrictions may be determined by the Head of Upper School and Head of School.

General Guidelines

Acceptable Dress	Dress Infractions
Pants: Dress pants, chinos, khakis, denim/jeans, opaque leggings, corduroy, track pants Begin no lower than hips or waist and do not show undergarments Solid or patterned	Pants: Pajamas Transparent leggings Holes or cutouts Begin below the hips/waist or expose undergarments
Shorts/Skirts/Dresses: Longer than longest finger when arms are down at the side in order to cover undergarments Solid or patterned	Shorts/Skirts/Dresses: Shorter than longest finger when arms are down at the side or allows undergarments to be seen Holes or cutouts of the shoulder, torso, or leg
Tops: Fleeces, sweaters, crew-neck sweatshirts, vests, blazers Hoodies Polos, collared shirts, dress shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, Henleys, T-shirts Solid or patterned Extend beyond pant line in front and back Front and back no lower than armpit level on the chest	Tops: Net tops (with nothing underneath) Halter or tube tops Spaghetti straps Stop above the pant line, exposing the torso Go below armpit level in front or back Holes or cutouts of the shoulder or torso Shirts with writing or slogans Shirts with denigrating images
Footwear: Sneakers Sandals with a closed toe and back Heels less than 3 inches Flats Dress shoes Boots	Footwear: Backless shoes/sandals/slides Open-toed shoes/sandals/slides Heels above three inches Cleats Slippers
Headgear: Approved for a medical reason (see nurse) Approved for a religious reason (see grade-level dean) Scarves Winter hats	Headgear: Headphones during class Hats that obstruct the vision of others Baseball hats Sunglasses worn in classroom spaces
Outerwear: Scarves Blazers Coats
Writing and images on clothing: Brand names Nichols attire College attire	Writing and images on clothing: Writing other than Nichols, college name, or brand name All images Promote, endorse, or depict the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs Promote, endorse, or depict violent or illegal activities Lewd, vulgar, obscene, libelous writing or images Images or writing that denigrates others Are disruptive to the school or violate other students’ rights