2012-2013 Uniform Information
Student Dress Code
The underlying goal of the Thunderbird Adventist Academy (TAA) dress code is to create a culture for learning. Research shows that when students wear uniforms they often times perform at higher academic levels and display better behavior. These guidelines are not published as a moral standard of right or wrong. They are meant to avoid distractions and help promote good decorum in the classroom.
The staff has the final word on dress code issues. It is possible that some outfits may be technically in code, but not appropriate. One example may be when students wear what is allowed for recreational attire during school hours.
Overall Guidelines
Clothing worn at TAA should not only be neat, clean, and modest, but also in good condition.
Clothing should be in harmony with Christian principles.
Dress Code applies to both dormitory students and community students while on campus and at school events. Students and parents can expect that this dress code will be enforced on campus, when traveling in school transportation to or from school, at school functions or when participating at off-campus functions. All students are welcome to attend weekend service and activities but are required to honor the published and/or announced school dress guidelines.
Violations to Dress Code
Violations will result in progressive discipline: a warning, parent contacted, and a detention served by the student, and a parent meeting and/or student suspension. Further violations will be considered defiance and will result in the request for withdrawal. Each step in the process will require that the student make the needed correction in attire prior to being allowed back in the classroom. Since it is a student choice to be out of uniform, teachers will not provide make-up work or make-up teaching for students who are out of class for uniform violations.
At All Times on Campus
Jewelry, except for watches, is not permitted.
Tattoos, or body/facial piercing (ears, lips, tongues, noses) should not be visible on any part of the body while on campus or at school-sponsored activities.
Clothes should have no holes and undergarments should not show, including underneath clothing.
Clothes should not advertise or refer to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or have slogans or pictures that are offensive or suggestive. This would also include music groups that represent a lifestyle that is out of harmony with Christian principles
Hair must be neat, well groomed, and of natural color and style.
Cosmetics/make-up should not create an artificial appearance or bring undue attention to the student.
Shoes are to be worn at all times
Hats are not to be worn in classrooms, the chapel, or at religious services.
Classroom Attire
All students are required to follow the classroom attire dress code while on campus from first period (or classes that meet before first period) till the end of the school day. Students who are not in class, but remain on campus for work or appointments, must stay in the dress code, unless given permission from their employer because of the nature of the work.
For Both Young Men and Young Women:
Shirts: Only shirts with the TAA logo may be worn during school hours. Oxford shirts must be tucked in.
Pants: Only tan khaki color or black uniform pants selected from the styles listed in the Uniform Packet may be worn during classroom hours. Pants must fit at the student’s natural waist and be the appropriate size for the student. Low-cut, “sagging,” or too tight pants are not appropriate school dress at any time. Undergarments should not be visible under any circumstances. Cargo pants, Cargo shorts, jeans, leggings, stretch pants, sweat pants, skinny pants, pants with patch pockets and double stitch seams (such as on jeans) do not meet the dress code policy.
Shorts: Only tan khaki color or black uniform Bermuda shorts selected from the styles listed in the Uniform Packet may be worn during classroom hours.
Outer Wear: Only TAA logo sweaters may be worn in the classroom along with the TAA logo polo or Oxford shirt. The TAA logo sweaters can be purchased at the Uniform Store. Jackets may be worn over the uniform outside, but once inside, the student must take the jacket off and hang it over the back of the desk seat. Sweatshirts or hoodies are not permitted to be worn during school hours.
Accessories: Students may choose to accessorize their uniform with a Thunderbird Blue tie purchased from the Uniform Store. Girls may choose to wear a “cross-over” tie in Thunderbird Blue also available from the Uniform Store.
Shoes: Sandals with back straps are permitted however flip flops, sport slides and house slippers are not school attire.
For Young Women Only:
Capri pants: Young women may wear only uniform Capri pants selected from the styles listed in the Uniform Packet.
Skirts: Young women are permitted to wear the Adams plaid skirt (only from the Dennis uniform Store) during classroom hours. Skirts must fit the student’s natural waist and be knee length while standing straight. (top of the knee).
Religious Service Attire
Chapels: classroom attire is appropriate.
Vespers: dress attire will always be posted on the “Weekend Schedule” and may be either recreation attire or church attire.
Church: dress should be respectful of the worshippers and of God. Those involved in the worship service should be especially mindful of how they appear up front.
Young Men: polo shirt or dress shirt is appropriate. Tie is optional. Docker-style or dress pants are appropriate. Denim and casual pants are not acceptable. Dress shoes and socks are appropriate. No tennis shoes.
Young Women: Knee-length dresses or skirts, dressy pants or skorts with blouses, sweaters, or dressy shirts are appropriate. Slits in the skirts or dresses must be at least knee-length while standing straight. Denim is not acceptable. Undergarments should not be visible. Absolutely NO cleavage may show.
Recreational Attire
Sweatshirts and t-shirts with appropriate advertising may be worn
Shorts no shorter than four inches above the knee (top) are appropriate.
Jeans should not have holes or slashes and should not be skin-tight.
Soffe shorts are not acceptable for recreation.
Sports clothing must fit so no undergarments are exposed.
One-piece competitive swimwear is appropriate for young women. Two-piece suits are not permitted.
Speedos are not appropriate for young men.
Flip flops and sport slides are permitted during recreational time.
Work Attire
School attire guidelines apply while at work. Students employed in certain departments may be required to have specific dress and shoe guidelines.
Special Occasions
Dress guidelines apply for banquets, graduation, and other special events. Administration will provide additional guidelines prior to these occasions. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision regarding appropriateness of attire. Students not properly attired will be asked to change and may not be permitted to enter the banquet. See a SA Sponsor ahead of time if you have any questions about the dress code.
Formal Dress Policy
Young Women
Dresses must be to the knee when standing or longer
A dress with straps, or a strapless dress is appropriate, provided there is a modest neckline and shoulders are covered
No bare midriffs or low-cut bodices or backs are permitted
No tube tops
Dress shoes must be worn
All dresses must be approved by Formal Dress Committee before the banquet.
Young Men
A dress shirt with buttons and tie
Full-length dress pants
No polo shirts or t-shirts; no jeans or casual pants
Dress shoes and socks must be worn