FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are the uniforms changing?

Two things occurred this past fall that brought the uniform to the forefront. First, difficulties arose in the enforcement of the multiple styles of pants. Second, School Council did a survey which confirmed that a number of parents had uniform concerns. The School Council was asked to consider whether there should be a school uniform. All immediately agreed that there should. The School Council and School Administration then charged a Uniform Task Force to review the current code, make suggestions for improvement and make the code more easily enforceable. Concerns and comments were collected via the survey, an open forum, email, and conversation. A comprehensive document prepared by St. Jude of the Lake was also reviewed by the committee. This contained the uniform policies and enforcement procedures of 7 other local catholic schools' uniform policies.

It became clear that the current code was far to vague resulting in difficulties for parents who were sincerely trying to follow the rules. Large inconsistencies in student appearance then occurred. The teachers were having a tremendously difficult time enforcing all this variation and quite frankly sometimes gave up trying. They were losing valuable teaching time each day trying to determine which infractions were worth noting.

Keeping the enforcement issue always in mind, the committee tried to improve the current uniform code. The ultimate result was a mixture of already existing components of the current uniform code with a few new improvements. The committee tried to add some details to sharpen the general appearance and to address some issues of comfort - mostly those regarding the extreme warmth of the building.

Who is Dennis?

Why are we using just one vendor?

The committee felt that this was the only way to address the short/pant issue, guarantee consistency, and resist the temptation of fashion trends. Dennis shorts and pants include a tag on the side seam which enables teachers to easily identify the product as in compliance with the uniform code.

Why are we no longer using the jumper?

Will the middle school girls still wear the vest?

Will the plaid be the same?

Yes! The red plaid is a unique, special feature of St. Odilia.

Will we keep the Crosier Cross?

Yes! The Crosier Cross is a symbol of St. Odilia ( the person) in addition to the Crosier community. Although it is premature to make a statement given the Crosiers' future plans, it would be appropriate to keep the cross indefinitely.

Why the yellow shirt?

The yellow shirt distinguishes the Elementary from Middle School girls. The yellow is soft in color and matches the thin yellow line in our plaid.

Can I wear any of my old shirts?

Yes! All current polos with the monogram (from any previous vendor) are fine. New purchases will all be from Dennis.

Can I wear old shirts with the patch sewn on?

No. Only monogrammed shirts are acceptable.

Can I still buy the monogram patch in the office and sew it on?

No. The patches will no longer be sold. All Dennis shirts will have the monogram.

Does Dennis sell 100% cotton shirts?

No. Their shirts are a 60/40 cotton/polyester blend. An option would be to wear a 100% cotton undershirt under the uniform shirt.

Can I still buy shirts from Lands' End?

No. Lands' End will no longer have permission to print our monogram.

Can I wear old pants or shorts from Donald's?

No. Shorts and pants have been the biggest problem area in terms of defining, following, and enforcing uniform policy. All Dennis shorts and pants have an easily visible tag on the side seam which will allow for quick and simple enforcement.

Can I wear old culottes?

No. The girls will all wear the new skort from Dennis.

Can all students remove their sweatshirts?

Yes! Now that all shirts will have the monogrammed logo, this is no longer an issue.

Do I have to purchase my socks from Dennis?

No! Socks may be purchased anywhere but must be solid white or navy - free of sports/company insignia and free of accessories. They must extend a minimum of 2" above the top of the shoe.

Do the students have to wear a belt?

Yes, boys and girls are required to wear a belt if belt loops are present.

Is there a required gym uniform, does it have to be purchased at Dennis?

Yes. There is a required gym uniform for middle school only. The shorts must be purchased at Dennis. The t-shirt can be purchased anywhere but it must be a solid/non-white t-shirt free of printing and design.

Will there be a swap sale this August?

No. The swap sale will resume late summer 2006.

Will Dennis come out to the school like Donald's did?
Yes! They will come to St. Odilia in July or August with a complete inventory of uniform pieces.


What should I do with all my old uniforms?
We ask that you keep the old uniforms for now. We are actively pursuing a parish, school and/or organization that provides for underserved children. We will set up a collection site at school and provide the delivery to their location.


What if we can't afford new uniforms?
Dennis has a Scholarship Uniform Program. Uniforms are provided at a discounted cost to families with financial need. See Bob Grose to be included on the list (all names are confidential).


When will the new uniform code be implemented?
The new code will be implemented September 6, 2005 - the start of the '05 - '06 school year.


Will there be a transition ("grandfathering") period?
No. The new code will go into effect in its entirety with the new school year.


Will this new uniform code be enforced?
Absolutely! A new "Out of Uniform Notification" will be in the Parent/Student Handbook this fall. We believe this new uniform code will have us all feeling proud of how the students look and allow the teachers to go back to what they do best.