Important Updates
Dear St. Michael’s Families,
As summer begins and our campus enjoys a well-deserved pause, important planning is already underway to prepare for a joyful and purposeful 2025–26 school year.
Today, I’m writing to share two important updates: our Technology and Acceptable Use Policy and our Student Dress Code.
Technology & Acceptable Use Policy
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, St. Michael’s Lower School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and Extended Day Programs (K-8) will become phone-free and wearable-free for students. This means that personal phones, smartwatches, and other wearable digital devices for students will no longer be permitted on campus.
This decision is the result of thoughtful reflection, research, and community conversations —including those many of you participated in during our Dragon Dialogues on Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. We are deeply aware of the growing evidence linking early smartphone use and constant connectivity to increased anxiety and decreased attention in children and teens. We believe this shift will support student well-being, encourage healthy interpersonal interactions, and minimize classroom distractions.
While our previous policy required devices to be stored during the day, we found that access, especially to wearables, was still impacting focus, connection, and community.
To support this change:
- Students may use the front office phones if they need to contact a parent or guardian
- Parents can reach their children at any time during the school day through the front offices by calling 804-272-3514
- After 3 p.m., families may call the Extended Day cell phone at: 804-584-9667
- Coach contacts will be provided to families for students participating in Middle School activities (sports, musical, robotics, etc.)
Special Circumstances: We understand there may be specific medical or personal needs requiring an exception. In such cases:
- Families may submit a written request to the Director of Technology
- Decisions will be made in consultation with Division Directors and/or the Head of School
- All requests should include a brief description of the circumstances that may necessitate the student's need to bring a personal digital device on campus
Unapproved devices brought to campus will be held in the front office and may be picked up by a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.
Please CLICK HERE to view our 2025–26 Acceptable Use Policy for Network and Computer Use.
Dress Code
At St. Michael’s, we believe that how we dress reflects how we approach our day—with care, dignity, and respect for ourselves and one another. Our dress code helps reinforce our shared purpose as a learning community.
For 2025–26, our dress code remains largely unchanged, with a few key updates. Please CLICK HERE to review the policy carefully, especially the red highlighted sections that indicate new changes.
Key Highlights:
- Only St. Michael’s branded athletic outerwear (sweatshirts/hoodies) may be worn on campus/indoors. Non-St M-branded athletic sweatshirts/hoodies or items with large logos/images are not permitted.
- FOR ALL GRADES THIS YEAR: Writing and large (>2 inches) logos, large graphics/ images on clothing are no longer permissible, except for school spiritwear on Friday’s “Dragon Dress” Days, St M branded sweatshirts/jackets, and special designated holiday dress-down days. A print consisting of a repeating pattern that covers the entire garment is acceptable.
- Oversized tops (such as sweatshirts or t-shirts) worn over shorts or skirts must clearly show visible bottoms. If it appears a student is not wearing appropriate bottoms, a parent/guardian will be contacted to bring a change of clothes.
- Skirts and shorts must be mid-thigh length or longer. As guidance when purchasing, shorts should have a minimum of a five-inch inseam
- Crocs and UGGS-style slides/slippers are not permitted due to safety concerns on playgrounds and trails.
- Leggings may only be worn under dresses that are mid-thigh or longer. They may not be worn alone as pants (i.e., with t-shirts or tunics).
- Eighth Grade Privilege: In the spring, eighth graders may wear high school-branded sweatshirts once they’ve finalized their high school decision.
- We encourage families to explore our online St M Spiritwear Shop in August for exciting school-approved gear! Stay tuned for more information.
Thank you for your continued partnership in building a community where our students feel supported, focused, and encouraged to thrive. We know that implementing changes like these is a shared effort, and we are grateful for your support in talking through these expectations with your children.
As summer unfolds, we’ll continue to share any additional updates as needed. In the meantime, we wish you a season filled with fun, rest, and meaningful moments together.
Sincerely,
Bob Gregg, Head of School
