The faculty, staff, and principal will operate within written dress code guidelines that are published and available to every student, parent, and teacher. The dress code guidelines will recognize that cleanliness, personal appearance, and appropriate dress are important in setting the pattern of Christian conduct at school.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19 it states that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. As temples of God, we must adorn our bodies accordingly. It is recognized at Zion Lutheran School that cleanliness, personal appearance, and appropriate dress are important in setting the pattern of Christian conduct at school. The goal is to encourage positive attitudes, support proper behavior, exhibit good taste, and emphasize comfort, health, and safety. It is also recognized that the students need the opportunity to express themselves as unique creations of God. Understanding that appropriate dress for a small child and an older child may be different, the dress code is presented for early childhood (PK and K) and grades 1-8.

Pants are to be fitted to the waistline, hemmed, and not frayed or cut in any way. Tight-fitting pants are considered in poor taste and are not to be worn. Pajama pants and breakaway pants are not acceptable. Sweatpants and wind pants may be worn by students in Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten.

Walking shorts are to be fitted to the waistline, hemmed, and not frayed or cut in any way. Girls must wear shorts under skirts and dresses.  Athletic shorts (gym or running), spandex, and bike shorts are not acceptable at any grade level.

Shirts and T-shirts should not have emblems or writings that negate Christian values (e.g. beer, alcohol, drug, satanic related symbols, or anything suggestive or profane). Dresses and shirts must cover the shoulder entirely.  Students are not to wear halter-tops, see through clothing, low cut tops, tank tops, or spaghetti straps.  Certain tops or outfits that are designed to be worn long and not tucked in are acceptable provided no skin from the midriff is showing during normal classroom activities (Hands up/Hands down). All shirts and T-shirts are to fit appropriately and not be tight-fitting or oversized.

Students in Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten are not to wear boots or sandals, due to safety concerns for physical education and playground activities. Flip-flops are not permitted at any age level. Footwear must be worn with socks, hose, or tights.

Students in first (1st) grade and above must wear a belt with pants that have belt loops or wear pants that have an elastic waist. Pants are to be fitted to the waistline, hemmed, and not frayed or cut in any way. Tight-fitting pants are considered in poor taste and are not to be worn. Wind pants, pajama pants, breakaway pants, and sweatpants are not acceptable.

Students in first (1st) grade and above must wear a belt with walking shorts that have belt loops or wear shorts that have an elastic waist. Walking shorts are to be fitted to the waistline, hemmed, and not frayed or cut in any way. Walking shorts are to be no shorter than the tips of the fingers with hands extended down (Hands up/Hands down).  Athletic shorts (gym or running), spandex, and bike shorts are not acceptable at any grade level.

Shirts and T-shirts should not have emblems or writings that negate Christian values (e.g. beer, alcohol, drug, satanic related symbols or anything suggestive or profane). Shirts and T-shirts must cover the shoulder entirely.  Halter-tops, see-through clothing, low cut tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps are not to be worn. Shirts and T-shirts must be tucked in at all times for grades 1-8. Certain tops or outfits that are designed to be worn long and not tucked in are acceptable provided no skin from the midriff is showing at any time. (Hands up/Hands down).  All shirts and T-shirts are to fit appropriately and not be tight-fitting or oversized

Skirts and dresses are to be no shorter than the tips of the fingers with hands extended downward (Hands up/Hands down). Halter-tops, see-through clothing, low cut tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps are not to be worn. All dresses must cover the shoulders entirely.

Students in grades 1-5 are to wear tennis shoes or any closed-toe shoe or loafer. Sandals/ open-toe shoes are permitted for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 only. Flip-flops are not permitted at any age level. Footwear (except sandals for grades 6, 7, and 8) must be worn with socks, hose, or tights.

Outer Wear

During cooler weather, students are encouraged to wear jackets, coats, or other items of warmer clothing to school. Heavy outerwear should be hung up in the classroom or locker. If a student needs extra warmth during the day, the student should wear an appropriate sweater or sweatshirt.

Specific situations not covered in the previous points will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the principal. School administration, faculty, and staff will strive to be consistent in the enforcement of the dress code guidelines.

A student who violates the dress code for the first time will receive a note signed by the teacher explaining the nature of the inappropriate dress. This note must be signed by the parent and returned the next day. If there is a second violation, the student will remain in the office until the situation can be corrected. A student who continues to show disregard for the dress code will wait in the office until the parent comes to school to bring appropriate clothing and meet with the principal.