Dress Code & Backpack Reminders (Yes, Even for the Veterans)

As you begin shopping for the school year, we wanted to share a few helpful clarifications about our dress code. There are no major changes this year, just some fine-tuning that should make your shopping trips easier.

Let’s be honest, friends — we have the easiest dress code around. Jeans and sweatshirts! Some schools require blazers. Some require ties. We require… comfort. You’re welcome.

That said, parents, please take a few minutes to review the dress code expectations with your student, even if your family has been at Grace for years. Our students are wonderful, creative people, and occasionally that creativity extends to some, shall we say, generous interpretations of the dress code. A quick refresher keeps everyone on the same page and saves us all those awkward “let’s chat about your outfit” conversations. Nobody enjoys those. Especially not before 9 a.m.

Good news on the Spirit Store front: all items from the Spirit Store fall under dress code guidelines — including the new rugby shirts, denim button-downs, and cardigans (worn with a GP shirt underneath). A few important notes: items cannot be altered in any way, and you may want to think twice before reaching for that beloved Grace t-shirt from 4th grade. We admire the loyalty, truly. But it’s probably a little small, and “vintage” only works as a style, not a size. Mom and Dad, please help your student go through their uniform items BEFORE they wear something to school — a five-minute closet check now saves a phone call from the office later.

A quick word on backpacks: Seniors are the only students who may carry backpacks throughout the day, and those must be child-sized. (Yes, seniors, we see the irony of earning the privilege of a tiny backpack after four years of hard work. Wear it proudly.) All other students are welcome to bring items to and from school in a backpack, but backpacks must remain in lockers during the school day. Our classrooms are cozy, and backpacks quickly become tripping hazards. They also can’t be left in hallways due to fire code, so the locker is their home from first bell to last.

Students may, however, carry a small tote bag or drawstring bag throughout the day — as long as it’s small enough to hang on the hooks located under each classroom desk. If it fits on the hook, it’s good to go. If it requires its own zip code, back to the locker it goes.

This year’s full dress code and backpack policy are linked below. If you have any questions about either, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Foster or Mr. Lydecker — we’re always happy to help (and we promise we’re friendlier than a dress code paragraph makes us sound).

CLICK HERE to see the 26-27 Dress Code.