School News

Uniform Shopping Tips

From Ascension PTO

This list of helpful hints is intended to help our kindergarten parents or other parents new to Ascension when shopping for school uniforms. The PTO wants to share our experience with you to lessen any confusion about what will be needed. For a complete list of uniform guidelines and the dress code, please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook.

Educational Apparel has been our official uniform company, and they will be coming to Ascension on Weds., Aug. 17, from 12:00 – 6:00 in the (Parish Activity Center). They will come again on Tues., Sept. 20 from 2:30 to 6:00 in the Cafeteria. They offer all uniform items, and the clothing (especially the pants and shorts) is well constructed. Items may be ordered by phone from Educational Apparel by calling toll free 1-800-776-3034. This is a convenient way to shop, but many of the items may be purchased elsewhere, if desired. It’s important, however, that clothing purchased elsewhere meets our dress code.

AppleHeart in West Carrolton is also an approved local source for uniform apparel. It is located in the Roberd’s Carrolton Plaza at exit 47 on I-75 at 1192 East Central Ave. in West Carrolton. Phone: 384-0430.

Uniform for Boys and Girls – Gr. K-8 *PTO recommendation or comments

Pants: Navy blue uniform style, straight leg dress pants purchased only from uniform companies (Educational Apparel or Appleheart) or the uniform section of a department store company (Penney’s). No washed out, low cut, flared, styles, no designer styles i.e. Abercrombie, Old Navy, Limited Too, Gap etc.) No cords or cargo pants, No additional zippers, pockets, or loops on the legs.
*Buy at least 2 pair of pants - more is better.

Shorts: Navy blue knee length walking shorts may be worn the 1st and 4th quarter.
* Buy at least 2 pair.

Belts: Brown, black or navy blue belts with uniform pants and shorts are required for grades 6-8, girls and boys. *Younger students may not need them. Purchase anywhere.

Shirt: Dress shirt – Oxford cloth or poly/cotton, short or long sleeve in white or light blue. Knit shirt – short or long sleeve polo style with collar in white, red or light blue. Shirts must be tucked in. * Most wear knit polo shirts year-round. Buy at least three.

Undershirt: Shirts worn under a blouse or shirt must be white and have no writing or pictures showing through. Sleeves must be shorter than outer shirt sleeves.
*The school is plenty warm year-round.

Sweater: Cardigan or long sleeve pullover crew in solid red, white, navy blue or gray. No turtleneck sweaters.
* Sweaters are not required.

Sweatshirt: School Sweatshirt with letter “A” logo from the Educational Apparel. *Not required, but the kids love them. Purchase from the uniform company. They run small, so get a larger size.

Shoes: Gym shoes may be worn at any time, but must be worn for PE class. No open toed, open heeled or high-heeled shoes allowed (sandals, clogs and platforms). No black-soled shoes that leave marks are permitted on PE days. Shoes must be tied. *Purchase anywhere

Socks: Quarter, Crew, Tube, or knee high in red, white, navy, or gray. Socks must be clearly visible 2 inches above the top of the shoe. No ankle or ped socks, no logos. * Purchase anywhere.

Uniform Options for Girls:

Jumper/Skirt: Plaid red/gray jumper – for Gr. K-5
Plaid red/gray skirt – for Gr. 6-8
Skirt and jumpers must be no more than 2 inches above the knee. *Some girls prefer to wear shorts underneath for comfort, modesty and freedom of movement. Skirts may not be “rolled”, shirts/blouses must be tucked in so that the top band of the skirt is showing.
*Not required. Purchase from uniform company. One is enough. Upper grade students need to watch the length to be in code.

Skort Navy blue skort for Gr. K-5 purchased only through the uniform company for 1st and 4th quarters.

Blouse: Broadcloth or Oxford cloth; short or long sleeve in white, light blue or yellow. *Not required.

Tights: Colored tights in red, white, navy or gray. No hosiery.
*Not required. Purchase anywhere.

Gym Uniforms: Gr. 1-8. Beginning in the first grade students are required to wear gym clothing with the Ascension logo for Physical education classes. These items may be purchased from the uniform company at the uniform sale or ordered from them. You may choose red or gray. Only Ascension gym sweatshirts may be worn over the T-shirts on gym day. Pant waistband and ankle elastic may not be altered to change the look. * We recommend buying these items in a larger size than usual – The youth sizes run small.

Gym T-shirt: * Suggestion to buy at least one.
Gym shorts: * Suggestion to buy one.
Gym crew sweatshirt: * Suggestion to buy one.
Gym sweatpants: * Suggestion to buy 2. (Knees may get holes)
*Any older style of Ascension gym uniform (hand-me-down) is permitted.
Used sweatpants must have elastic around the waist and ankle.

Mass Apparel Students are encouraged whenever possible on school liturgy days, but not required to wear skirts/jumpers for girls and pants for boys.

Scout Uniforms: Students who are in boy or girl scouts are permitted to wear their uniform on the day of their meeting.

Out of Uniform Days: Occasionally students may be permitted out of uniform. Rules regarding footwear and inappropriate clothing will be enforced. T-shirts and clean denim jeans are permitted. Shorts must be knee-length. No torn or ripped clothing, sleeveless shirts or pajamas are permitted.

PTO Uniform Swap: The “Uniform Swap” tables are set up at every PTO general meeting. We offer gently-worn uniform items free of charge to all PTO members. We only ask that you remember to bring your child’s own outgrown items to us when the time comes, if they’re in good shape.

Misc: Hats must be removed when entering the building. Bandanas as head coverings are not permitted. Only stud earrings are permitted. Only clear fingernail polish is permitted. No drawstrings on outerwear is permitted.

We hope this handout answers most of your questions. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for the complete Dress Code and Guidelines, or call the school office (254-5411).