School Policies
The Parent Student Handbook provides parents and students with guidelines and expectations of all school policies.
Quick Links to School Policies
- Uniforms
- Attendance Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Drug Testing
- Student Drivers
- High School Prep Period Policy
Uniforms
Uniforms are available for purchase at
Dennis Uniforms
Also offers in-person shopping at their Mission Viejo location
or
Eagle Outfitters
The CVCS Spirit Wear Store
General Guidelines
Dress Code Policy
At CVCS, we believe that a student's personal appearance significantly impacts their attitude, behavior, and, consequently, their learning process. Respect for both the individual and the school is demonstrated by an attitude of "dressing up" for school. Our dress code is designed to assist students in making decisions about appropriate dress, personal responsibility, and self-discipline. Students are expected to appear in uniform, neat, clean, and well-groomed at all times.
Our dress code is based on modesty, neatness, cleanliness, good taste, and safety. Students must refrain from wearing tight-fitting and revealing clothing and avoid displaying visible cleavage, visible underwear, bare midriffs, etc. Attire that is distracting or extreme is also prohibited. Clothing and uniforms should be in good repair and appropriate to the occasion and gender-appropriate.
Faculty and staff members have both the right and obligation to refer any student not complying with the dress code to the Dean of Students Office for a dress code violation. Parents, as the primary educators of their children, are responsible for ensuring their son or daughter adheres to the dress code daily while on campus and at school functions. Students should dress modestly and in accordance with the school's uniform and philosophy when attending all school events. Repeat violators will receive consequences that increase in length and severity, up to and including suspension from class, school and/or withdrawal or expulsion from CVCS.
Uniforms can be purchased at Dennis Uniforms or Eagle Outfitters. Outerwear and Spiritwear may be purchased through the Eagle Outfitters.
Monday through Thursday- Collared CVCS logo shirt, khaki or navy blue pants or shorts, or a uniform - Dennis Uniforms purchased - CVCS skirt.
Fridays- Any CVCS spirit wear, CVCS Friday shirts, CVCS athletic wear, and full-length blue jeans only (black pants, jean shorts, or any denim shorts are not permitted as part of the Friday dress code. All bottoms must be full-length and free from rips or excessive embellishments.
It is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to assure that the student is in proper attire while at school and at all school activities and events.
Clothing must be clean and neat in appearance. Additional markings from pens, paint or other (permanent or temporary) is prohibited from being placed on clothing or on the skin.
Boys and Girls Wardrobe
All students must be covered completely from mid-thigh (5” above knee) to top of chest and back in non-see-through and non-revealing materials.
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When walking, sitting, bending or lifting the arms, the midriff or any of the side/back/underarm area of the torso must not be visible.
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Holes or rips in jeans on Fridays are not permitted.
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Outer garments should be size appropriate and conceal all undergarments.
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Sleepwear, including slippers (crocs included) and blankets, are not allowed.
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Exceptions are made on predetermined and school sanctioned “dress-up” days only.
Clothing must be free of obscene or inappropriate words and/or logos.
This includes writing and/or graphics that may be perceived as racially insensitive, sexually suggestive, culturally demeaning, or politically charged.
- Pants and Shorts
- Skirts/Skorts
- Shirts (Uniform and Undershirts)
- Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Outerwear
- Socks/Tights/Leggings
- Hair
- Grooming
- Accessories
- Belts
- Makeup
- Shoes
- Gang Related Attire
- Free Dress and Spirit Week Attire Guidelines
- Free Dress and Masks/Political Attire/Inappropriate Slogans and Images
- CVCS T-Shirts
- CVCS Athletic Team Wear
Pants and Shorts
Khaki or Navy Blue only. It is important to note that brown is not considered khaki and “black” is not considered navy blue. Khaki refers to a light tan color, while navy blue is a dark shade of the color blue. These distinctions are critical to maintain the uniformity and professional appearance expected by the school. Pants and shorts may be alternative brands from Dennis Uniforms as long as they are consistent with style and color.
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Pants, and shorts may not be oversize, corduroy, baggy, sagging, cargo (with pockets on the side), torn, rolled, too tight, capri style, patterned or torn. Undergarments must not be visible.
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Blue jean pants are permitted on Fridays. Jeans must not be tight-fitting, have any rips or holes, or be stained or have unusual discoloration. Jeans should be clean and in good repair, maintaining a neat and presentable appearance. The appearance of the jeans will be up to the discretion of the administration.
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Blue jean shorts are not permitted. Overalls are not permitted. No black pants are allowed.
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Shorts may be no more than 5 inches above the knee.
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No lycra/stretch pants/yoga pants, leggings are permitted
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No sweatpants are permitted.
Skirts/Skorts
Skirts and Skorts can be purchased only at Dennis Uniforms or Eagle Outfitters. They must be purchased in the appropriate size.
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Skirts/skorts must not be tight, torn, or rolled at the waist.
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Skirts/skorts may be deemed too short or too tight by teachers or administration and asked to change into pants or alternative clothing immediately.
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The student may not return to class until they have an appropriate change of clothes to fit the guidelines.
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Students who do not meet clothing norms for skirts/skorts will lose the right to wear them for the day, and may lose the privilege of wearing skirts/skorts for a predetermined amount of time.
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Skirt can only be up to 5" above knee: This part of the policy places a limit on how short the skirt can be. The skirt's hemline should not go higher than 5 inches (or five inches above) above the knee. This measurement helps ensure that the skirt is not excessively short.
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Skirts should be long enough so that it reaches the midpoint of the thigh when you wear it both in the front and back. It should not be too short to the point where it barely covers your upper leg but instead should provide a modest level of coverage. Exposure of legs above mid-thigh is considered inappropriate and not in line with the school's standards of modesty.
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Shirts, sweaters or crew necks worn over skirts or skorts must not be longer than the end of the skirt. This ensures that the skirt remains visible and the overall appearance remains modest.
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The 5" measurement functions as a guideline within the dress code, encouraging students to self-check and ensure their skirts adhere to the expected standards, rather than imposing a specific measurement for each individual. This approach aims to promote a consistent and appropriate dress standard, fostering a professional atmosphere while allowing some flexibility for individual body types and preferences. The intention is to create a shared understanding of the expected skirt length, ensuring a balance between maintaining a respectable appearance and accommodating individual differences within the broader framework of the dress code.
Shirts (Uniform and Undershirts)
Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Outerwear
All sweaters/hoodies/outerwear must have a CVCS logo and be purchased from Dennis Uniforms, Eagle Outfitters, or CVCS only. All non-CVCS outerwear is not approved. CVCS athletic team outerwear may also be worn.
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Uniform, collared shirts must be worn under outerwear.
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Hoods are not to be worn indoors.
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Colorful undershirts/hoodies can not be worn underneath CVCS uniform shirts.
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Please note that the privilege to wear college hoodies throughout the week is exclusively reserved for our seniors. This privilege applies exclusively to hoodies and not to t-shirts or jackets.
Socks/Tights/Leggings
Hair
All boys' hairstyles are to be short, neat, clean and of natural color. Hair should be trimmed above the collar of the student uniform and kept away from the eyes. All girls hairstyles need to be neat, clean, and of natural color. Hair color and hair style must refrain from being extreme. In case of questionable styles, school administrators have the discretion to determine what is appropriate. Hair must be styled neatly and combed properly while on campus.
Grooming
Accessories
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BOYS only - earrings must be removed or covered at all times during school hours.
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For all students, body-piercings should not be visible including nose, tongue and belly rings, etc.
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Markings, tattoos (permanent or temporary) must be covered. Accessories that the administration determines as inappropriate (at their discretion) are not permitted.
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Sunglasses can be worn outdoors only.
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Only CVCS hats or head coverings can be worn, and only outside of classrooms and chapel.
Belts
Makeup
Shoes
Shoes must be in neat condition, closed at the toe, a hard rubber sole on the bottom and have a backing on the heel.
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No sandals, flip flops, sliders, crocs, slippers, moccasins, thigh high boots, or platforms are permitted.
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Heels more than 2” are not permitted.
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Shoes must be worn on campus at all times and at all school events and activities.
Gang Related Attire
Free Dress and Spirit Week Attire Guidelines
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Consistency with Student Handbook: Dress in clothing consistent with the guidelines outlined in our student handbook. This includes appropriate lengths, coverage, and overall appearance. If you have doubts, please ask a school administrator or teacher.
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Avoid Gun/Violent Imagery: We must maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere in our school. Please refrain from wearing clothing or accessories that depict or promote violence, including any imagery or toys related to guns, weapons, or harmful acts.
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Political imagery/Inappropriate slogans: While we encourage open dialogue and respect for diverse opinions, avoiding clothing that carries overly political statements is essential, as this can lead to division and discomfort among our student body.
While Free Dress and Spirit Week allows for some flexibility, there are several specific dress code violations that are not allowed, even during Spirit Week:
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No Cut-Off Sweaters: Cut-off sweaters at the shoulder are not in compliance with our dress code policies and should not be worn.
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No Short Skirts or Shorts: Please make sure that skirts and shorts meet the appropriate length requirements outlined in the student handbook.
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No Open-Toe Shoes: For safety reasons, open-toe shoes are not permitted in our school.
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No Leggings as Pants: Leggings should be worn as an accessory or under another garment, such as a dress or a skirt, but not as standalone pants.
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No jeans that are sagging or too tight
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No low cut or revealing tops
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No midriffs or stomach showing
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No band tees or musician shirts
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All clothing must be free of holes of any kind
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All skirts and dresses must be an appropriate length at the discretion of the administration
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All students must wear closed toed shoes
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On campus no spaghetti straps or strapless tops
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On campus there is to be no loungewear or pajamas unless it is a designated day to do so.
Free Dress and Masks/Political Attire/Inappropriate Slogans and Images
There will be no inappropriate slogans or images of drugs, alcohol or politically motivated clothing, hats, or other items with anything that may be deemed offensive or create an environment that may be unsafe. Dress code violations are up to the discretion of the administration.
If a student is dressed inappropriately or violates these specific guidelines, teachers and staff will follow the normal dress code procedure. This will ensure that Free Dress and Spirit Week remains enjoyable for all while respecting the values and guidelines that make our school a great place to learn and grow.
* All free-dress code guidelines are up to the discretion of the CVCS staff and subject to change. Free Dress is at the discretion of the Administration for on and off campus activities and events. If a student chooses not to participate in free dress opportunities they are required to be in school uniform as outlined in the student handbook.*
CVCS T-Shirts
CVCS Athletic Team Wear
Athletic team “gameday attire” must be approved by the Dean of Students and School Principal. All team members must wear the same game day attire on game days only (Friday for Saturday games) and noticeably look as part of the team.
Game-day Attire Guidelines
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No Sweatpants: Sweatpants are not considered appropriate attire for game days.
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Blue Jeans on Fridays: While blue jeans are acceptable, they are only permitted on Fridays.
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Emphasis on Dressing Up: We strongly encourage and support dressing up as a preferred option for game day attire.
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Game Day Attire as a Privilege: Wearing specific attire on game days is considered a privilege that should be respected.
Dress Code Violation Consequences
Elementary dress code violations will be handled by the teacher and contact the parent if necessary.
Junior High and High School - this is a guideline of consequence. We want to address with a heart, but also uphold clear expectations for our JH/HS students. Depending on the severity, additional consequences can be applied. Violations will be addressed by the Dean as deemed necessary by our school guidelines and at the discretion of the administration. The violation consequences DO NOT start over at the semester. Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines the entirety of the school year.
Students will not be allowed in class if they are not in dress code. They will wait in the school office until parents can provide them with proper clothing.
If students are out of dress code, they will not be able to return until they are in proper attire. The front office will call the parent to bring a uniform if necessary.
THIS WILL BE AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE/TARDY
Consequences
Infraction 1 - Verbal or written warning, documentation as behavior notice,
In some cases the student may need wait in office until parents drop off proper uniform
Infraction 2 - Infraction #1 and detention
Infraction 3 - Infraction 1 and 2, detention and 1 hr of community service
Infraction 4 - Infraction 1-3, Saturday School and Parent Meeting
Infraction 5 - Off campus suspension
Attendance Policy
General Guideline
A student is expected to be “in class, on time.” This is both a legal requirement and in the best interest of the student’s academic and personal development. Being “in class, on time” is the CVCS standard for personal responsibility and consideration of other students and teachers. Each CVCS student and parent is responsible for understanding and complying with all of the attendance policies included in this handbook.
Reporting Absences
Call the attendance number or email attendance the morning of the absence before 9:00 a.m. If your student is absent consecutive days, call or email each morning until he/she returns. Please send in doctors notes, or proof of absence every time it is available. Notification provided after the fact must be made within three days of the absence or the absence will remain unexcused.
Please report absences to CVCS via:
- School Attendance Line: 949-373-2828
- School Attendance Email: attendance@cvcs.org
Excused Absences
“Excused” absences per California State Education Code 48205 are:
- Illness or other physical disability
- Cannot return to school until after 24 hours of being fever/throw up/rash free
- Fever must be under 100.4 and must be 24 hours free of fever reducing medication.
- Must be 24 hours of the last time thrown up.
- Must be 24 hours symptom free of any of the COVID-19 related symptoms
- Students who exhibit symptoms but feel well enough to participate in class will be able to connect to the classroom remotely. In this case, the excused absence will not be counted against their total absences.
- Must be free of a rash or provide doctor’s clearance.
- Must have home or professional treatment of lice before returning to school.
- Health department quarantine (14 days from the time of diagnosis)
Anti-Bullying Policy
In an effort to instill biblical values and create a more loving environment, our school has adopted this policy. From time to time, conflict can occur. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools realizes that while bullying may occur, it is never acceptable. We have zero tolerance for such conduct and consistent with this policy a true violation will result in appropriate disciplinary action. We seek to implement a clear framework for dealing with bullying incidents in order to protect our students and help the bully to learn how to relate in a way that is in line with biblical standards.
Drug Testing
As part of our health and wellness initiative, CVCS maintains a mandatory drug testing policy for all junior high and high school students. Students are required to undergo an annual hair test administered by a certified staff member at the beginning of each school year. Student-specific results from the inaugural round of testing are sent directly and exclusively to parents. CVCS administrators will neither receive nor have access to these student-specific results but will receive aggregate drug-use information. Additionally, random testing occurs throughout the school year.