Diocesan Dance Policy

The values and regulations stated below are in effect at all Catholic high schools in the Diocese of San Jose.  These expectations were developed collaboratively by the Deans and Activities Directors at all six high schools in the Diocese (Archbishop Mitty, Bellarmine, Notre Dame San Jose, Presentation, Saint Francis, and Saint Lawrence).  The Principals of the six schools endorsed these policies.  These policies will be implemented, published, and enforced at all six schools.

These common policies emerge from our shared mission in promoting the Catholic Christian values that recognize the dignity and self-worth of all people.  Within this setting, dances are viewed as an opportunity for students to socialize in a supervised and safe environment.  Student behavior and manner of dress should reflect this guiding principle.

Dance Regulations

• Guests are not admitted without a high school ID or guest pass.
• All students in attendance must provide student ID upon request from school personnel.  In the event of any violation of these regulations or any other behavior deemed inappropriate, the dean of the guest’s school will be notified of the incident.
• Large jackets, purses, and backpacks may be inspected by school personnel before admittance to the dance.  Students are encouraged to leave purses and backpacks at home as the school cannot monitor them during the dance.  Students bring valuables at their own risk and the school bears no responsibility for any valuables which may be stolen, altered or otherwise compromised.
• For the duration of the dance, students will be expected to be in compliance with the standards of dress stated below.
• All dance styles must be consistent with the faith, mission, and teachings of the Catholic Church which includes modesty and safety.  School personnel will be the final judge of the appropriateness of dance style.  School personnel will confront any student behavior or dancing deemed inappropriate.  Inappropriate dancing includes, but is not limited to, the following: slam dancing, break-dancing, moshing, “freaking,” sandwich dancing, dancing that simulates sexual activity, suggestive or otherwise inappropriate or dangerous dancing.
• The use of tobacco, alcohol, or any other illegal drug is not permitted.

Students violating any of these rules may have their parents phoned and may be asked to leave the dance.  Students who are in violation of school policies will also be subject to school disciplinary procedures up to and including dismissal.  Law enforcement may also be contacted on a case by case basis.

Manner of Dress

• Students are expected to be clean and neat in their personal appearance, observing standards of modesty, moderation, and good taste.  Any interpretation and judgment in these matters lies with school personnel supervising the dance.
• Clothing should be clean, hemmed, and not ripped.  Clothing displaying any offensive, gang related or sexually or criminally suggestive language, or anything related to tobacco products, alcohol, or other illegal drugs will not be permitted.
• Any boy who attends a dance at any high school in the Diocese of San Jose must wear clothes that meet the following guidelines. Boys will wear shirts with sleeves.  Shirts must be either tucked into the pants or extend below the waistline.  Pants which may be short or long, must be secured around the waist.  Gym or team shorts are not allowed.  Shoes must be worn at all times.  Hats are not permitted.
• Any girl who attends a dance at any high school in the Diocese of San Jose must wear clothes that meet the following guidelines.  Overly tight pants, spandex pants, Soffe shorts, or shorts (i.e., bike shorts) may not be worn as outer garments.  Shorts, skirts, and dresses may be no shorter than mid-thigh.  Slits on dresses or skirts that end above mid-thigh are not permitted.  Tops and dresses that are strapless, tube tops, halter tops, or tops that are low cut, off the shoulder, or that show a bare back or midriff are not permitted.  Shoes must be worn at all times.  Hats are not permitted.
  

Please note that some schools may modify the dress requirements for a theme dance or formal.  In such circumstances, the school will provide clear instructions regarding the expectations for a particular dance.

Presentation High School's Additional Dance Rules:

• Students must arrive by the designated time.
• Students may leave the dance at any time, (unless a departure time is determined beforehand), but they will not be allowed to return.  No one may leave the dance to go to a car for any reason.
• No smoking.
• Any Presentation student under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol or in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol will be suspended or expelled from school and police involvement will occur.  Any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol will be dealt with appropriately by the police officers present.  This may include a letter or phone call to the Dean of Students of the offender’s school.
• Students may be randomly asked to take a breathalyzer test upon entrance to a dance.  Additionally, if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a student is under the influence while at the dance she or he will be required to take a breathalyzer test.
• Chaperones' instructions must be obeyed immediately.
• Water bottles or open beverage containers may not be brought into the dance for any purpose.
• Backpacks or large bags are not permitted.  Purses and bags will be searched upon entrance.

Students violating these rules will have their parents phoned and will be asked to leave the dance.  Consequences may also include: parent conference, detention, and/or suspension, or expulsion from school or future school events.  Law enforcement may be contacted on a case by case basis.