Buying school uniforms on a budget?

[spima3]

<snip>Thats just not true. You will always have kids that still wear nicer coats, nicer shoes and the kids know who bought the uniforms at wal-mart and who bought the nicer brands.

Wow, so glad my kids aren't in your school district; if that kind of status is that important.
We have the uniforms, public schools, and love it. There are so many choices out there and so many brands, I have never heard anyone complain about not being able to find clothes.
Granted, the first year is hard, as the local stores, schools, etc. need time to get up to speed w/ stocking the school items, but once that is acomplished, there shouldn't be any problems.
We live in a school district where over half the kids are low income, one school is 99% low income. Most kids, including mine, qualify for reduced/free lunches. I have not found the expense to be unbearable and even for those who are really "poor", the PTA asks everyone to bring in their outgrown clothing and it is provided for free to kids who are really in need. Providing uniforms even for the poorest is not a problem.
I don't care about creative dressing, I want my kids to get an education. Having everyone dressed alike cuts down on most of that social crap about who is wearing what, by whom, and how much. Everyone I know LOVES the uniform policy.
A lot of people are uncomfortable with change, but I think for those who are so distressed by even the thought of it, that if you give it a try, you might learn to love it as well.

lori

 

[mommylicious]

the kids know who bought the uniforms at wal-mart and who bought the nicer brands.

As frustrating as it was to go and spend $450 buying uniforms yesterday, I understand that this is the exact reason that our uniform policy is the way it is. Our principal was very strict on her "this school is a no bully zone" policy. She and our school board (as a charter school we have our own board just for our 600 students) were the ones to decide on this policy. I haven't paid attention to the girls uniform stuff since I have boys but for the boys they can get flat front, pleated front or cargo shorts/pants all in navy or khaki. They wear these with red, white or navy polos. Winter uniforms have long sleeve polos, white turtlenecks, red or navy sweatshirts or navy sweaters. They have jackets available in approved styles to logo and most parents get one of those. The kids are however able to wear any jacket, sweater or sweatshirt to and from school and on the playground however nothing without a logo can be worn in the classroom. The flat/pleated pants can either be French Toast, Lee (which I understand is made by French Toast) or from the uniform store in town. The pants from FT/Lee feel a little different to me than the uniform store ones but they look the same. The cargo pants/shorts all come from the uniform store. They can wear white polos from FT/Lee or the uniform store and red and navy polos from the uniform store. The polos come short and long sleeve. In the winter they can wear white turtlenecks from FT/Lee/Uniform Store but only under sweatshirts or sweaters, not under the polos. The sweaters all come from the uniform store. Navy sweatshirts can come from FT/Lee but red must come from uniform store. So basically everyone has the EXACT same thing. The only difference is that the cargos are more expensive. Not dramatically so though. Like $4 more for shorts and $5 more for pants. If you buy a pair of shorts and a pair of pants for the 4 days of the week they must wear them that is an additional $36/year to get all cargos rather than "plain pants." My kids have some cargos, some pleated pants so I'd guess we spent about $20 per kid more. Most families seem to do the same thing I did, a little of both. I volunteer in the school at least twice a week and am in and out of a lot of classrooms. I sit on the school advisory council which hears parent complaints and I have neither seen nor heard complaints from parents about kids teasing b/c so and so doesn't have cargo pants or the capris for girls.

Last year was the first year we had this strict of a uniform policy. The years before were like many of you have. Any khaki or navy pant and any red, white or blue polo with no logos and you took it to one of 3 places to have a school logo put on the polos only. Nothing went on the pants. Since the policy was new everyone had to get new stuff. They allowed the old polos last year as a transition but this year it must all be new. Since everyone bought new we didn't have a lot for consignment last year. I'm hoping this year will be better and we can get more at that sale than we did this year.

There is good and bad to all of it. We had to drop a big chunk to get our uniforms BUT there will be no taunting b/c of not having the "right" brand. Since our school only has 600 kids we do have funds set aside to help families with sincere need. Also, parents can donate outgrown uniforms to the PTA, Unclaimed lost and found items go to the PTA as well. Those clothes are given to families who
need assistance and then anything left over goes into the consignment sale and the PTA gets the $ for them. PTA also gets 20% of everyone else's consignment sale earnings. That $ goes into the uniform fund to help families who need assistance.

 

[dementia412]

I'm sorry, this is a bit long... I really hate uniforms

First, in regards to #1, I've found lots of uniforms (including the $60 jumpers) at Goodwill & ThriftTown as well as some smaller local thrift stores. In regards to #2, DD is my little fashionista & I was concerned when we transferred to a uniform school but she's embraced it. We do her hair in cute ways & she goes all out on Free Dress Days. I will tell you that she hits the door stripping off her uniform & changing into 'regular' clothes but she seems to have no problem at all with the uniform policy. Plus, since everyone else at school wears them as well & they're all the same they don't seem to mind wearing them. And, there are other ways to express yourself than through your clothes. My DSs friends find his lunches (which I pack in somewhat creative ways) to be very cool & those have probably earned him more 'cool points' than a Tommy or Abercrombie shirt.

Honestly, its not as bad as you think, I promise. The school we're at only goes up to 6th grade & I'm already trying to find another uniform school because I dread having to do regular dress again.

Just because you can find that stuff doesn't mean I can. I am a dedicated thrisftstore buyer, and there are almost no uniform acceptable clothing at our three Goodwills or the Salvation Army. I can find shirts often enough, but those are fairly cheap anyway, but pants, skirts, ect... NO WAY. Last year I looked and looked and managed to find one pair for my DS and no bottems for my DD. Some stores in some areas will likely have more, especially nicer areas because people there tend to get rid of their stuff each year (poor people wear them to threads)
I don't really think it's about kids minding wearing them. Kids don't like to do many things they have to do, and they either accept it or ... accept it eventually anyway. They don't have a choice.
My comment about fashonistas was to say there are kids who will embrace their $60 jumper and mock the kid with the $15 one.
And for many kids clothing is their only way to express themselves in school, and I do believe they have a right to do so there. (not just outside of scholol)

Oh, and on the occassional dress down Friday they will not allow jeans... but you can dress in a bright pink too short skirt, and a tight tee shirt! They actually had the nerve to say jeans were not allowed because "We are still here to learn"... um WTH does wearing jeans have to do with that? Can't learn in jeans? Okay, I'll go tell that to every college student I know. We sent them in jeans anyway. Those and uniform pants are the only pants they have, so in cold weather those were my only choices, and I wasn't going to make my kids wear uniforms on the dress down days.

A few years ago they had voluntary uniforms here, and it worked well. They claim they did a parent poll and that 75% or more of the parents wanted uniforms. Funny, I've yet to meet anyone who had anything to do with this poll, not to mention that people were having all the good of uniforms shoved down their throats with no mention of the negatives. Yes I see there may be positives, but there was no ballance given the topic at all.

My kids are VERY messy. White, light blue, and yellow shirts, and khaki pants will have stains the first day worn... that leaves us with either a collection of stained uniforms or navy shirts with navy pants .. every single day! I also hate, hate, hate unisex clothing (my DD7 has short hair and a boyish face, gets called a boy all the time, so we stay away from boy looking clothing), and many of the uniforms are unisex.

I would never buy expensive name brand clothing for my kids, so it was never an issue. People keep bringing that up as if they had no choice but buy the hundered dollar jeans, so now they will save money. Most people do not buy that garbage for their kids, so they save nothing. I don't think people quite get this. If you buy cheap anyway, uniforms are not a savings. Then when you still need regular clothing it adds more expense.

I have seen no positive change in our schools since the uniforms were introduced. Kids still buly, gangs are still on the rise, just as many kids have been in trouble (in fact more, because now they have to deal with the daily uniform violations). The only good I see from this so far is that girls can't dress as slutty as in the past, but that could have been fixed by simply enforcing the rules they already had.

 

[mjantz]

dementia 412: I do agree with you about 'no jeans on free dress'. Our school does have free dress rules but they are more of the 'no spaghetti straps, no short-shorts, no hats, etc.' My kids wear jeans just about every free dress day. Its part of the fun & excitement of free dress days.
Even if you don't buy designer clothing, there is a certain amount of clothing that the average school-aged kid needs. Before we went to a uniform school, DH needed several pairs of pants & shorts. Now, with the uniforms, we can 'squeak by' on 2 pairs of jeans & 2 pairs of cargo khakis.
In general, I find myself buying less non-uniform clothing for them & seriously debating what I do buy. I seriously debate whether or not to buy another abercrombie shirt on clearance for 9.99 because DS already has one. I pick up GAP jeans on clearance for DD (with her input). Between the Christmas & birthday clothing presents my kids get from family members, I really have very little to buy (although that doesn't always stop me!!). Their closets are getting more 'roomy' as they outgrow stuff & I don't replace at the same rate.
I think the reason (at times) uniforms seem more expensive is because you're usually making a large purchase of several clothing items at once. You don't notice as much when you pick up a shirt at Target & then 2 weeks later buy 2 pairs of jeans at Old Navy.

I fully realize that my experiences are not everyones. I am really against a school 'springing' a uniform policy on parents over the summer. I think a full years notice should be given with full details so parents can begin to shop & those who wish to find another school can have time to do so.

 

[Pigeon]

Everyone I know LOVES the uniform policy.
A lot of people are uncomfortable with change, but I think for those who are so distressed by even the thought of it, that if you give it a try, you might learn to love it as well.

I would hate it, and would be on the phone to the ACLU ASAP unless there was an opt-out provision. No, I'm not trying it and my kids aren't trying it.

 

[mjantz]

I would hate it, and would be on the phone to the ACLU ASAP unless there was an opt-out provision. No, I'm not trying it and my kids aren't trying it.

Since when are school uniforms a civil liberties issue?

 

[Pigeon]

Freedom of expression.

The record on this has been a mixed bag, but in most cases, schools need to include an opt-out provision.

In addition, public schools are supposed to be free in the US. By forcing a uniform, you are, in effect, telling parents how they have to spend their own money.

 

[DawnM]

Don't they have to have an opt out legally?

I know our schools in California all had them.

BUT, I would comply just because I hate to stand out so much over issues like this.

I thought my kids might be going to a uniform school (they won't be, but I tried to get them in a charter school), and so for several months I combed thrift stores and garage sales for uniform clothing.

I got:

7 pairs of navy uniform shorts
5 almost new polo shirts in the proper colors
4 pair of khaki pants

all for about $3 each.

They will wear them anyway, even though they aren't at a uniform school.

Dawn

 

[Pigeon]

BUT, I would comply just because I hate to stand out so much over issues like this.

And I just love to cause trouble about stuff like this. Next school year, I take on the school about the DARE program. Can't wait! (Oh, and dh and I are both educators.)

 

[mjantz]

Freedom of expression.

The record on this has been a mixed bag, but in most cases, schools need to include an opt-out provision.

In addition, public schools are supposed to be free in the US. By forcing a uniform, you are, in effect, telling parents how they have to spend their own money.

IIRC (pulling back into the far reaches of my brain to H.S. debate) because of the school environment schools can damper some freedom of expression. That's why you have dress codes that can say 'No unnaturally-colored hair' or 'no hats or caps except for religious reasons'. Its also why school newspapers IIRC, can be censored as can everything from cheerleading routines to band half-time shows.

Also, there are many ways that schools tell parents how to spend their money. My kids supply list says 'Elmers glue, Crayola crayons' and 'yellow #2 pencils'. I've seen supply lists that specify Kleenex and Ziploc bags *only*. If you have a child in the public school system, that system is telling you how to spend your money, uniforms or not. I can't count how many times my mom said 'I'm not going to get that for you because you can't wear it to school' & I've said it to my own kids in regards to free dress day clothes.

 

[crazymomof4]

In addition, public schools are supposed to be free in the US. By forcing a uniform, you are, in effect, telling parents how they have to spend their own money.

YES! So true! Theoretically, I have "X" amount of money to spend on my children's clothing. Previously, I was able to choose how I spend 100% of that money alloted for clothing. Now a large percentage will be spent on clothing that I would NOT choose to buy, but MUST buy because I need to conform to the school board's decision.

 

[crazymomof4]

Don't they have to have an opt out legally?

I know our schools in California all had them.

The law varies by state. Many states mandate an opt out clause. My state, NJ, just says that an opt out clause "may" be included.

 

[crazymomof4]

Also, there are many ways that schools tell parents how to spend their money. My kids supply list says 'Elmers glue, Crayola crayons' and 'yellow #2 pencils'. I've seen supply lists that specify Kleenex and Ziploc bags *only*.

There is a big difference between a 10 cent eraser and a $1 pack of pencils and a couple hundred dollars on school clothing! Another factor is the ease at which these items can be found at reasonable prices. Everything from grocery stores to office supply stores to drug stores fill their shelves with notebooks, erasers and pencils and mark the prices down to near cost from July through mid-September. In one store you can fill two shopping bags with notebooks, erasers, sharpeners and pencils all for under $10. Try doing that in one store shopping for clothes! Besides, I don't have to find erasers that are the right color and the right price and ALSO fit my daughter's body type (very thin, very long legs).
It's not the principle of the school making requirements of parents, it's THE EXTENT TO WHICH they are doing so when a PUBLIC school mandates strict uniform policies.

Also, they don't threaten suspension for having store brand (instead of elmers) glue. This has been threatened for lack of conformity to the uniform code!

 

[Pigeon]

Also, they don't threaten suspension for having store brand (instead of elmers) glue. This has been threatened for lack of conformity to the uniform code!

I would find a group of like-minded parents and organize. The state has an obligation to educate your child in the least restrictive environment. I'd let them suspend my child and continue to send my kid in wearing normal clothes. Their only next move is expulsion. Fine, but if they expell the child, they still have to educate them. Alternative education costs school districts far more money than traditional education. Believe me, they aren't going to want to go there. If they have to hire tutors (if no alternative school) it will cost them at least four times what they spend on a routine student. My guess is that an opt-out clause would find it's way into the policy pretty quickly.

 

[Pigeon]

IIRC (pulling back into the far reaches of my brain to H.S. debate) because of the school environment schools can damper some freedom of expression. That's why you have dress codes that can say 'No unnaturally-colored hair' or 'no hats or caps except for religious reasons'. Its also why school newspapers IIRC, can be censored as can everything from cheerleading routines to band half-time shows.

There's a considerable difference between having a dress code which disallows certain disruptive items, and making the kids dress like clones.

 

[mjantz]

There's a considerable difference between having a dress code which disallows certain disruptive items, and making the kids dress like clones.

True, but I do object to the use of the word 'clones'. You'd be amazed how individual kids can look even with the same dozen or so items. The hair, the shoes & the backpacks are all ways to be an individual. There's also the idea that its more than about what you wear & making your mark because of how you perform & the work you do in school.

I know we will probably never agree on this but I don't think my kids are suffering in any way because they wear uniforms.

 

[DiznEeyore]

True, but I do object to the use of the word 'clones'. You'd be amazed how individual kids can look even with the same dozen or so items. The hair, the shoes & the backpacks are all ways to be an individual. There's also the idea that its more than about what you wear & making your mark because of how you perform & the work you do in school.

I know we will probably never agree on this but I don't think my kids are suffering in any way because they wear uniforms.

I completely agree. My ds has been in both public and private. He's not overly fond of the uniforms, but doesn't really mind. My dh and I *like* the uniforms. They make things much simpler, and we haven't found that it costs much more than "regular" clothes. And they have days several times a month when they can wear jeans and "regular" shirts (w/out logos, etc. on them).

I would never think of kids in uniforms as "clones". They all definitely have their own distinct personalities, don't they?

Plus, they may end up in jobs at some point that require uniforms. If parents teach them that uniforms are something to fight against (along with the authority that goes with it), there's the potential for problems there, too.

Just my .02

 

[Pigeon]

I completely agree. My ds has been in both public and private. He's not overly fond of the uniforms, but doesn't really mind. My dh and I *like* the uniforms. They make things much simpler, and we haven't found that it costs much more than "regular" clothes. And they have days several times a month when they can wear jeans and "regular" shirts (w/out logos, etc. on them).

I would never think of kids in uniforms as "clones". They all definitely have their own distinct personalities, don't they?

Plus, they may end up in jobs at some point that require uniforms. If parents teach them that uniforms are something to fight against (along with the authority that goes with it), there's the potential for problems there, too.

Just my .02

So which is it--the uniforms are really needed because kids all must conform or the uniforms are irrelevant to the child showing individuality, in which case, what's the point.

I absolutely am raising my children to question authority when it clearly needs questioning. Horrible things happen in the world when people don't.

If they end up in some job where uniforms are required, they will be taking that job of their own free will. If they don't want to wear a uniform, they can look for another job. It is not something forced on them by the state.

 

[IDoDis]

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?pid=5036440020001&cid=36682

These cute fitted polos for girls only have 4 buttons. And they are on sale for
$7.50 if you buy 2!

Thanks!!!! We looked in the store, but they had 5 buttons on them! Awesome!!!

 

[DiznEeyore]

So which is it--the uniforms are really needed because kids all must conform or the uniforms are irrelevant to the child showing individuality, in which case, what's the point.

I absolutely am raising my children to question authority when it clearly needs questioning. Horrible things happen in the world when people don't.

If they end up in some job where uniforms are required, they will be taking that job of their own free will. If they don't want to wear a uniform, they can look for another job. It is not something forced on them by the state.

First of all, at my son's school, uniforms aren't required for "conformity"'s sake. They (rightly) assure that the kids aren't dealing with the nonsense that goes along with not having the "right" jeans or the "right" shoes. That kind of pressure (and it IS pressure; we dealt with it as kids) is a distraction from the educational process.

And I'm all for teaching kids to think for themselves, but I hardly think that requiring kids to wear uniforms for a few hours a day leads to a potential for "horrible things to happen in the world".

The job example was meant to make a point, which was ('cuz I think you missed it) that sometimes certain things (uniforms, for example) are required in certain situations. This is NOT the end of the world.