Parents and guardians of students attending the Elmore Stoutt High School are advised that strict enforcement of the student dress code will be effective January 4, 2016, in adherence to the Education Act, 2004, Section 18 (a) and the Education (Student Code of Conduct) Rules, 2006, Section 4.

Elmore Stoutt High School Principal, Ms. Sandy Underhill said uniforms help to establish and maintain a positive image and attitude for the school’s student body.

She added, “A certain level of pride and identity is achieved when students adhere to the rules and dress accordingly. I urge all parents and guardians to be an example to students by following the guidelines when purchasing uniforms.” 

Ms. Underhill said parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up students who are found to be in violation of the dress code.

Any student who has to be out of proper uniform for any period of time must provide a signed authorised note from his or her parent or guardian to explain the reason for the violation and must include their current contact information for verification. Exceptions may be accepted based on religious or health grounds and supported by a medical certificate.

The Education (Student Code of Conduct) Rules, 2006, Section 4 outlines what is considered appropriate dress for students. Specifically, as it relates to Elmore Stoutt High School students, uniforms must be kept clean and tidy; female students must wear their skirts at knee-length; no skirts above the knee and ensure that the skirt is not tight; shirts or blouses must be worn tucked inside of the trousers or skirt of the uniform; shoes must be kept neat and clean and must be a solid black or white colour; socks must be solid black, blue or white; no ankle socks are permitted.

Male students must wear their trousers at the waist and ensure that they are neither tight nor baggy; and female students may wear one knob earring in each ear lobe.

Female students’ hairstyles must be simple, tidy and neat and should not distract others or obstruct their view.  Any hair ornaments worn as part of the school uniform shall be limited to school colours and be functional, not decorative. Hair extensions should not be elaborate and must be neatly plaited. Male students’ hair must be well groomed at all times.

All school shirts are to be embroidered with the school logo and no logo patches will be permitted. Polo shirts are not permitted. Ties should be worn for the duration of the entire school day and while travelling to and from school. Students shall not wear make-up, nail polish or jewelry, unless it is functional jewelry such as a wristwatch. Lastly, no student may have any visible tattoos.

Pursuant to Section 4(13) which states: “the principal may disallow any designs or styles deemed inappropriate”, the principal has banned eyebrow designs, hair patterns or designs, hair colour not consistent with natural hair colour, cloth belts and the wearing of picks and combs.

Parents are advised to purchase the school’s uniform in the correct shade of yellow and blue. Uniforms can be purchased from recognised uniform brands, such as Asfour and French Toast, which can be found at most uniform distributors in the Virgin Islands. All students who are enrolled in a physical education class must be in correct attire. The physical education uniform is available for purchase on campus.

For more information on the dress code, parents or guardians can contact the Elmore Stoutt High School via telephone number 494-3468.           

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to creating a “Culture of Excellence”.