The Academy uniform has been a traditional sign of a Catholic school student. The uniform policy is established to develop an image of pride and school spirit among students, as well as to give the students an identity as members of St. Joseph's student body. In addition, uniforms tend to place all students on an equal footing regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.

St. Joseph's uniform is to be worn every day unless students are told otherwise. Occasionally, during the school year, "non-uniform" dress days occur. These are called N.U.T. Days (no uniform today).

Some of these will be announced as fundraisers for PTO and students pay $1 for the privilege of not having to wear uniforms. Other days will be for attending or participating in special school events and there is no charge, a free dress day.

If a student must be out of uniform for any good reason, a note must be sent to the homeroom teacher by the student's parents. No hats are permitted unless part of a special N.U.T. day. Parents will be called if a child is out of uniform and the parent will need to bring in appropriate attire. Disciplinary actions will be taken if a student is regularly out of uniform. Please check your child before leaving home for appropriate uniform attire. Losing class time due to lack of following uniform policy should not occur.

Currently the official uniform supplier for St. Joseph's is:
Risse Brothers
5100 West Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
Toll Free 1-866-618-8338

ACCESSORIES - Accessories should distract from the uniform appeal.

• Girls may wear one(1) simple pair of earrings (stud type);No dangling earrings are permitted.
• Only extensions that match the hair color are permitted.
• Boys may not wear any type of earring or earrings.
• No body rings are permitted.
• A single bracelet or a watch is allowed for both boys and girls.
• One ring may also be worn.
• One chain necklace may be worn, but no braided leather or thick necklaces.

GROOMING - Grooming is as much a matter of personal discipline and concern for others as is preparation for classes and other activities.; Students are expected to be well groomed at school. An appropriate hair cut and style is part of our code.

• Hair may not be below eyebrow level, not past the mid-point of the ear, and cannot touch the collar (boys).
• Mohawks are not permitted.
• Designs cut out in the hair are not permitted
• Hair color must be in the natural hair color range of blonde, brown or red.Hair may not be two drastic colors but may be highlighted so that the colors blend, but do not stand out.
• Contacts must be the same color for both eyes and of natural color.
• No makeup is permitted except for clear lip gloss
• Only clear or pale pink or peach nail polish is allowed.
• No hats except on specified NUT days
• Bows are permitted.

UNIFORM DRESS K-8 IS AS FOLLOWS:
Dress: Plaid skirt, kick-pleat, or plaid skort (girls), no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Skirts and skorts are not to be rolled at the waistline.

Shirt: Royal blue, navy or yellow knit shirt with St. Joseph's Academy logo.Shirts must remain tucked in at all times.

Socks: Plain white or black, any length, but must be visible.

Tights: On cold days, white, royal blue, or navy tights may be worn.

Undergarments: No long sleeve shirts or t-shirts may be worn, even on cold days.

Sweatshirts: Sweatshirts or sweaters are not permitted to be worn on warm or hot days (only in the classrooms if the temperature is cold for that student).

Shorts/Slacks: Navy or Khaki shorts (no cargo pants or below the waist stretch pants) and navy or khaki dress slacks (girls & boys).The length of shorts for both is 1-3 inches above the knee.

Shoes: School shoes, grades k-8, must be entirely black. No "wheelies" are allowed. Pre-K 3 & 4 can wear black or white.

Belts: A solid, plain brown or black belt must be worn with all uniform shorts and pants for students in K to eighth grade. Belts must be placed through the belt loops and be visible. No large buckles or metal decorations are allowed.

Sweater: Solid navy sweater, navy sweatshirt, or navy fleece jacket, preferably with SJA logo. Sweatshirts with holes of any kind may not be worn during school hours. No coats or jackets may be worn in the classroom or in Church. Coats or jackets may be worn to and from school during cold weather. No other sweater or sweatshirt may be worn on school campus.

Fridays: Blue button down Oxford Shirts or polo shirt and ONLY navy blue sweater or sweatshirt may be worn to Mass.
Uniform skirts or skorts for girls.
Uniform pants or shorts for boys.

PE: Navy SJA gym shorts and a gray T-shirt with SJA logo. Navy blue sweat pants, navy blue sweatshirt or long uniform pants may be worn for PE classes on cold days. Sneakers with rubber soles must be worn. PE uniforms may be worn to school on PE days but not on Friday or Mass days. Grades Pre-K through 4th can wear the PE uniform to school and remain in PE clothes on designated PE days. Students in grades 5-8 must change into the regular uniform after PE unless it is the last two periods of the day.

Brownie/Scouts Students may wear their uniform the day of the meetings.

Sports Students may wear their team jersey the day of the game.

Pre-K: Navy blue shorts and navy blue T-shirt with logo, black or white sneakers, navy blue sweats for cold days.

Non-Uniform Dress Days - NUT DAYS or Special Days
When not wearing the Academy uniform, students are expected to keep themselves well groomed and neatly dressed. Any form of dress or grooming which is distracting or disruptive in appearance will not be permitted. The following will be guidelines for non-uniform dress days: No

• Crop tops, tube tops, halters, strapless dresses, or short shorts.
• Skirts shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
• Shirts and blouses which are transparent.
• Thongs or other footwear without a heel strap.
• Any clothing or jewelry that advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco, obscenities, or promotes alternative music/lifestyles (or suggests any of the above)
• shorts other than walking shorts (mid thigh) are allowed.
• sandals, heels, boots
• tight exercise wear/spandex, unless under a skirt
• oversized clothing of any kind

Any questions about the appropriateness of non-uniform attire should be referred to the Principal.Students who arrive at school improperly dressed on either uniform or non-uniform dress days will be sent directly to the Academy office to call their parents and have the proper clothing brought to school.
Rule of thumb - If in doubt, don't wear it.