Student Dress Code

The Torah considers an individual’s appearance to be a reflection of his/her sense of קדושה and צלם אלוקים. The dress code reflects the school’s commitment to the values of צניעות (personal modesty) and כבוד הבריות (respect for human beings). In addition, students’ dress contributes in large measure to the atmosphere in any school. In keeping with halacha and following the prophet Micha’s words, “Walk modestly with your G-d,” discretion should be used when choosing clothing, hairstyles and jewelry.

We believe that MJBHA students should dress properly not only during school hours and on school premises, but also after school, on Shabbat and holidays. The dress code should reflect a general way of living, not just a series of rules for school.

Visitors are also expected to respect the spirit and letter of the dress code, both during and after school hours.

DRESS CODE POLICY (Grades 1-12)

BOYS

Boys in school should wear collared shirts; respectable, regular length pants; a kippah and tzitzit at all times.

• PANTS: Must be full-length Chino- or Docker-style pants. Denim pants, jeans of any color, elastic bottom pants, sweatpants, pajama pants, and track pants are not allowed. Pants are unacceptable when ripped, oversized, discolored or washed out. Pant waistlines must be higher than the hips. Pants with inappropriate images, words, or logos are not permitted.
• SHIRTS: Must be collared shirts (oxford style or polo) with sleeves. Long-sleeved turtlenecks are permissible alternatives. Sports jerseys are not allowed. Shirts with inappropriate images, words, or logos are not permitted.
• SWEATSHIRTS OR SWEATERS: May be worn over appropriate shirts as long as they are without inappropriate logos, words, or images.
• KIPPAH: Must be worn at all times. Must be appropriate in size and stay clipped on at all times.
• TZITZIT: Must be worn at all times.
• SHORTS: Not allowed, except during approved athletic activities.
• SOCKS: Must be worn at all times.
• SHOES: Pool shoes, flip-flops, Crocs, or “heelies” may not be worn in school.
• HATS: Hats may not be worn during school.
• HAIR: Traditional hairstyles which conform to halacha (with payot) are appropriate for school. Hair must be of a length that is both neat and presentable, reflecting the basic appearance of a ben torah; no excessively long or short hair (subject to administrative discretion) is permitted. No dyed hair.
• Earrings, other body piercings and permanent tattoos are prohibited.
• Lower School children should wear blue and white clothes on Fridays and Rosh Chodesh.

GIRLS

• SKIRTS or DRESSES: Must fall below the knee when standing and seated. Skirts or dresses with slits above the knee are not permitted. Tight fitting skirts or dresses are not permitted. Skirts or dresses with inappropriate images, words, or logos are not permitted.
• SHIRTS: Tops must be opaque with necklines near the collarbone. Tops may not be form fitting. Sleeves must extend more than halfway down the upper arm (not higher than a טפח --one’s own fist length -- above the bend of the inner elbow). Cap-sleeve tops are not permitted. Shirts with inappropriate images, words, or logos are not permitted. Tops should be long enough that midriffs not show during normal activity.
• SWEATSHIRTS OR SWEATERS: May be worn over appropriate shirts as long as they are without inappropriate logos, words, or images.
• PANTS: Pants may not be worn during school hours, except during approved athletic activities. Leggings under appropriate length skirts are permitted.

• SHOES: Pool shoes, Crocs, or “heelies” may not be worn in school. Sandals are permitted.
• HATS: Appropriate and practical hats may be worn in school.
• HAIR: Hairstyles must be appropriate for school. Dyed hair allowed only in natural colors.
• Earrings are permitted only in the ear. Other body piercings and permanent tattoos are prohibited.
• Lower School children should wear blue and white clothes on Fridays and Rosh Chodesh.

Administration and faculty members have final determination of appropriate attire.

DRESS CODE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND OTHER ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

BOYS

1. Kippa (with clips if necessary)

2. T-shirt that displays no offensive content

3. Knee-length shorts or sweatpants

4. Sneakers with rubber soles

5. Socks

GIRLS

1. T-shirt with sleeves that displays no offensive content

2. Culottes or sweatpants or knee length shorts

3. Sneakers with rubber soles

4. Socks

All students must change back into appropriate clothing before going to their next class or other school activity. All changing is to take place in designated areas. Students may not walk through the building without having changed into proper dress.

The dress code is in effect on all days including Sunday classes, exam week, graduation ceremonies and after-school activities. Even then, gym apparel is to be worn only during athletic activities and not in the hallways. Students must be particularly careful when they have physical education, clubs or recess not to linger in the hallways and classrooms of the school in inappropriate dress.  Students who have completed their classes for the day and are awaiting either transportation or the beginning of some other activity must continue to adhere to the school dress code. Clothing that is worn for recreational activities either in school or on trips should also be in keeping with dress appropriate for b’nai and b’not Torah. On special occasions, such as school trips, Rosh Chodesh, and special assemblies, students may be asked to dress in their Shabbat attire.

Students in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class or the activity in question until they dress appropriately, even if this involves being sent home. Covering up an inappropriate shirt with a jacket or sweater is not sufficient. Students who flagrantly or repeatedly violate the dress code will be subject to detention or more severe penalties at the discretion of the school administration.

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY

The dress code for Kindergarten differs from the rest of the Lower School in the following respects:

1. Children may wear shirts without collars.
2. Boys may wear shorts to school.
3. Girls may wear shorts or pants to school.