Clothing Policy & Dress Code
It is the policy of Milton Hershey School® to ensure that all students are "plainly, neatly, and comfortably clothed, without distinctive dress." (second restated Deed of Trust, November 15, 1909, p. 11). It is also the policy of the School to ensure that students are appropriately dressed at all times and for all occasions.
There are three main categories of clothing in a student's wardrobe:
- Coordinated Clothing-worn to classes, school events, visiting, and other designated School functions;
- Leisure Wear-worn for work and/or play in and around the student home, as well as to recreation and other designated activities; and
- Dress Wear-worn for Sunday Chapel, off-campus worship, and other special occasions.
Whereas it is the policy of the School that all coordinated clothing shall be issued and fitted by the School, a limited amount of approved leisure and dress wear may be provided by the student and/or their family or sponsor. However, where a parent or sponsor cannot afford to provide leisure wear for a student, it is the policy of the School to provide all such clothing at no expense to either the student or his/her family.
Coordinated Clothing
Coordinated clothing is worn by elementary, middle, and high school students each school day for classes and school events.
- School-issued shoes are to be worn to school.
- School-issued bookbags are to be used to and from school (Elementary Division).
- School-issued sweatshirts and sweaters may be worn when appropriate, but only as an outer garment/coordinated top required (Middle Division).
Leisure Wear Clothing
"Leisure wear" is best described as clothing worn for work and/or play in and around the student home, as well as to recreation and other designated activities. In most cases, it is up to the students and the houseparents to decide what is and is not appropriate for leisure wear. While freedom of expression and choice in leisure wear is both valued and encouraged, such choice must take place within clear boundaries of acceptable limits established by the School.
Dress Wear Clothing
Dress wear guidelines will assist in the development of life skills related to formal and semiformal dress. Knowledge of appropriate clothing for formal and semiformal occasions is an important dimension of personal development. Dress wear is defined as: Chapel clothing, Special Occasion clothing, and Formal/Semiformal wear.
