St.

John Paul II Catholic Schools

5600 25th Street South • Fargo, ND 58104-7123
Voice: 701-893-3200 • Fax: 701-893-3277 • www.jp2schools.org
Holy Spirit Elementary School • Nativity Elementary School • Trinity Elementary School
Sullivan Middle School • Shanley High School

We are nearing the mid-way point of this transition year before the new uniform policy fully takes
effect. Thank you to all who have provided feedback regarding the new policy. Many are in support
of the uniform policy and others have concerns regarding the change. The following information is
in response to the most common questions and concerns received regarding the new JPII Catholic
Schools Uniform Policy. Please see Mr. Hagstrom’s recent “Heart to Heart” parent newsletter for
additional information about the transition.

Why did the administration make this decision? How were parents and other stakeholders
involved in that?
In his June letter to parents and recent “Heart to Heart” parent newsletter, Mr. Hagstrom explained
the many reasons that led the administration to the decision for a standard school uniform. Parents
had served on the previous uniform committee, which recognized many issues with the existing
dress code and had reached an impasse on solutions. Other parents had provided feedback in that
time too. Our advisory council had several discussions about the dress code and the extent that it
was achieving its purpose or not. The principals and leadership team considered all that along with
the day to day experience with the current dress code. Mr. Hagstrom had conversations with Bishop
Folda before the final decision as well, and Bishop Folda supported the transition decision, and
continues to do so while encouraging the administration to address parent requests and
suggestions that make the implementation easier.

Why did we choose Tommy Hilfiger as our uniform vendor?

School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger is one of several uniform vendors identified by the National
Catholic Education Association (NCEA) as a vetted company that serves Catholic Schools across the
nation. Comparatively to the other uniform vendors, Tommy Hilfiger has the best pricing and
quality for school uniform purchases.

How will JPII Catholic Schools help families afford this change?
JPII Schools has identified several ways to assist families:
 JPII schools will receive 5% of the annual sales in the form of gift cards to be distributed to
families
 Donors have notified JPII Schools that they want to help families. Donations will be sent to
the company for gift cards or to provide a free logo promotion
 Clothing exchanges will start next fall

How will families apply for uniform assistance?

 Families who apply for FACTS Grant and Aid will be considered for assistance
 Any family needing uniform assistance will be able to put in a request through the JPII
Business Office

The Mission of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools is to inspire excellence by teaching the
total person and fostering the following of Christ, as taught by the Catholic Church
How do we address wear and tear and rapid growth issues of the Elementary students?
 All Elementary students will be able to wear pants or shorts that are “docker” style in khaki
or navy blue. The Tommy Hilfiger uniform pants will be optional. This should alleviate the
cost and frequent need to replace pants or shorts due to wear and tear or growth.
 There will be the option for navy blue logoed polo shirts, both long and short sleeves, added
for Elementary students. The navy blue polos will be available on the Tommy Hilfiger
uniform site.
 This is a change from the initial uniform policy.

How often will Tommy Hilfiger be running promotions?
 Tommy Hilfiger has committed to three promotions per year. You can expect to take
advantage of those promotions during the back-to-school time, mid-year restock, and spring
 JPII Schools will be providing donor funded free logo promotions

Does the company have a “real‐time” point of sale system?
Tommy Hilfiger has completed work on their new website that provides up-to-date sales inventory.
You will know when you order if the item is available and you will not be charged until your order
is shipped.

What is the turn‐around time for ordering? There have been some issues with the company.
Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger experienced problems in the Fall due to unforeseen circumstances.
One of the company’s distribution centers was relocated and inventory was late arriving to the new
location which caused a series of events that resulted in delays and long waits on customer service
phone lines. As of the end of October, the company is caught up with most of the orders and
promises delivery in 2 weeks if not sooner.

What if the uniforms ordered don’t fit?

Any merchandise can be returned to Tommy Hilfiger with no restocking fee for a change order. You
will not have to pay shipping charges to send items back to company. Instructions are found on the
website globalschoolwear.com.

What if my child is out of the sizing range?

Tommy Hilfiger has a custom process for the basic items including polos, pants, and oxfords. This is
for those students who need a custom length or size.

Tommy Hilfiger Uniform SALE
20% off items and logos
December 2 – 9
Go to globalschoolwear.com use our code JOHN05

*A limited selection of uniforms will be available to check sizing
December 2nd and 3rd at Shanley High School from 3:30-6:00pm
**The Class of 2021 is exempt from the new uniform policy and will be expected to follow the
2019-2020 dress code.