Public School Dress Code/Uniform

[smartestnumber5]

Yes - I would.. And I don't buy the inability to express ones individuality either.. Do nurses, firemen, policemen, etc., feel any "less than" or "stifled" because they have to wear a uniform?

Well, judging from the many patterned, decorated, and brightly colored scrubs that many nurses choose to wear, one might think they did feel stifled--or at least, that they do have a desire to express themselves. At least adults have some choice about the kind of job they take. And there are important public safety reasons why police officers and medical staff -need to be easily identifiable while at work (though really, there's no reason police uniforms need to look like that--give em all t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets identifying them and there we go.)

Anyway, I don't think the problem with uniforms is stifling expression--rather just comfort. My uniforms were horribly uncomfortable--i.e. they're made of fabrics that are way to hot in the summer, and the skirts/jumpers expose girls' legs in the cold. But there's also the issue of personal comfort. Not every kid is participating in the fashion show. Some wear the same cheap t-shirt and jeans as much as possible because they feel good in that. There are probably some girls who are wearing numerous layers or huge sweaters to hide their large breasts so they don't get made fun of. Maybe some boys wear long sweatshirts to hide the erections that pop up involuntarily in math class. Perhaps the chubby kid would prefer that people didn't get a glimpse of her thighs. I'm reminded of SAT classes which advise students how to do their best on the day. Along with the advice of getting enough sleep, having a good breakfast, and doing relaxation techniques is wearing comfortable clothing. Why should kids only have the benefit of comfortable clothing on SAT day?

 

[Planogirl]

I don't mind dress codes to keep things under control but I'm not a fan of uniforms. DS dresses nicely enough and isn't fussy about what he wears so it's easy to just buy jeans and t-shirts.

 

[Cool-Beans]

In my grade school, we were all identical. We had to wear the same clothes, including shoes. They even told us exactly where we had to buy them...everyone had the same brand. Socks were individual, but there was a list of about a dozen things the socks had to conform to. Seriously. No lace, must fold over one time (and only one time), no thicks socks, etc...

Our bookbags (no backpacks) had to be purchased from the school.

The only thing we got to pick out ourselves was the lunch box. I remember how excited I was every year to get to select one!

My kids have a uniform, but it is more about the style of clothing. We can buy whatever shirt we want as long as it conforms to the outline. They have a choice in shoes and backpacks.

I prefer uniforms on kids, so I vote "yea." But I'd a heap rather see the public schools be concerned about the fact that they fail so many children than what the kids are wearing.

 

[aprilgail2]

They tried to do this in our elementary school but most parents were against it. I don't like uniforms. If I did then I'd send my children to the private school down the road where all the kids look alike. We have always loved starting the school year by going out for new school clothes. It's a lot of fun and one tradition I want to be around awhile.

I agree. I am totally against uniforms. I like getting up each day and goign with my daughter to the closet and saying "what do you want to wear today". it would be very boring if it was always the same uniform.
Plus what would they do with kids with sensory issues?? My daughter can't wear anything with buttons, snaps, zippers, ties, anything that feels "hard" like jeans or khakis, nothing with a collar and nothing tucked??? I guess I would havve to be home schooling sine a uniform wouldn't work!!

 

[Christine]

Plus what would they do with kids with sensory issues?? My daughter can't wear anything with buttons, snaps, zippers, ties, anything that feels "hard" like jeans or khakis, nothing with a collar and nothing tucked??? I guess I would havve to be home schooling sine a uniform wouldn't work!!

My friend's DD has sensory issues and, at first, the uniforms were a problem because they "felt" different than her casual clothes. After getting used to the feel of the uniforms, she now has a problem with her casual clothes. So they have to be very careful in what they buy. It's always tough when they have to break in a new uniform skirt or when school starts (after a summer in shorts). They also have the opposite problem when school ends and she switches over to casual wear.

 

[Lizzy2]

I personally would love it if my DD had to wear uniforms for all the above mentioned reasons but also because I feel it would teach her how to dress properly. School is meant to be a preparation for life. I know that people are more casual now in workplaces but not all of them are. Kids need to grow up with the expectation that in certain circumstances you dress a certain way. To give them the idea that they can just do whatever they want whenever they want to does them a disservice. The rules will change when they are older. I personally have not hired teenagers/young adults who could not come dressed properly for an interview. Jeans and shorts and tshirts are not acceptable interview attire for any job even McD's. I won't even go into how kids are dressing for church these days-and please don't flame me and say how I should just be glad they are there, I am glad they are there that's why I'm not standing up in the middle of our youth rally's throwing a hissy fit about all the rear ends and bra straps I see hanging out-How you dress shows the level of respect you have for where you are and who you are around and what you are there to do. What I see are a lot of parents who don't want to make rules for their kids and teach them right from wrong and how to behave. Believe me, when a 21 yr. old fresh out of college goes to her first job interview in blue jean mini skirt,flipflops, and a tank top with her bra hanging out and doesn't get a job in my dept. we don't think its her fault-we wondered who raised her and who would let their child go out into the world thinking that it was ok. It makes me so sad for these kids that their parents don't care enough to teach them what's right.

 

[jodifla]

I personally would love it if my DD had to wear uniforms for all the above mentioned reasons but also because I feel it would teach her how to dress properly. School is meant to be a preparation for life. I know that people are more casual now in workplaces but not all of them are. Kids need to grow up with the expectation that in certain circumstances you dress a certain way. To give them the idea that they can just do whatever they want whenever they want to does them a disservice. The rules will change when they are older. I personally have not hired teenagers/young adults who could not come dressed properly for an interview. Jeans and shorts and tshirts are not acceptable interview attire for any job even McD's. I won't even go into how kids are dressing for church these days-and please don't flame me and say how I should just be glad they are there, I am glad they are there that's why I'm not standing up in the middle of our youth rally's throwing a hissy fit about all the rear ends and bra straps I see hanging out-How you dress shows the level of respect you have for where you are and who you are around and what you are there to do. What I see are a lot of parents who don't want to make rules for their kids and teach them right from wrong and how to behave. Believe me, when a 21 yr. old fresh out of college goes to her first job interview in blue jean mini skirt,flipflops, and a tank top with her bra hanging out and doesn't get a job in my dept. we don't think its her fault-we wondered who raised her and who would let their child go out into the world thinking that it was ok. It makes me so sad for these kids that their parents don't care enough to teach them what's right.

A dress code teaches you how to dress properly. Wearing a uniform teaches you how to wear what other people tell you to wear, without using any thought processes of your own.

 

[va32h]

A dress code teaches you how to dress properly. Wearing a uniform teaches you how to wear what other people tell you to wear, without using any thought processes of your own.

I'm not sure that's such a bad lesson. There are times in life when you do, indeed, have to do what other people tell you to do. It goes against our basic nature, just ask any two year old! But part of becoming a responsible adult is coming to terms with the fact that you just don't always get to have, say, wear, and do what you want.

Honestly, I think that is a huge problem with young people (and not just kids, but young adults). Some sociologists ascribe this to the parenting styles of adults who came of age in the 60's - having rebelled against authority themselves, they are reluctant to be the authority in their own households. And they bring up children who believe that no one - parent, teacher, employer, law enforcement - is ever supposed to "tell them what to do."

Haven't we all encountered a child/teen/adult like this?

I'm all for using your own thought processes - but I'd rather apply that philosophy to things like making sure all sorts of books are available in the library, or bringing back funding for things like art and music programs in the schools.

The battle over uniforms just seems petty to me. There are more important things to fight for in our children's schools - than the "right" to wear whatever kinds of clothes you want.

 

[Lizzy2]

I'm not sure that's such a bad lesson. There are times in life when you do, indeed, have to do what other people tell you to do. It goes against our basic nature, just ask any two year old! But part of becoming a responsible adult is coming to terms with the fact that you just don't always get to have, say, wear, and do what you want.

Honestly, I think that is a huge problem with young people (and not just kids, but young adults). Some sociologists ascribe this to the parenting styles of adults who came of age in the 60's - having rebelled against authority themselves, they are reluctant to be the authority in their own households. And they bring up children who believe that no one - parent, teacher, employer, law enforcement - is ever supposed to "tell them what to do."

Haven't we all encountered a child/teen/adult like this?

I'm all for using your own thought processes - but I'd rather apply that philosophy to things like making sure all sorts of books are available in the library, or bringing back funding for things like art and music programs in the schools.

The battle over uniforms just seems petty to me. There are more important things to fight for in our children's schools - than the "right" to wear whatever kinds of clothes you want.

You said this so eloquently!!! Thank you so much-

 

[Lizzy2]

And just as an addon, in our community we have some schools that do have a uniform and they are the lower income schools! Their thought is that this gives the kids less to worry about as far as labels and such and more time is applied to studies which seems to be proving true. But, the most major arguments around here are in the schools that have dress codes. Believe me, there are plenty of kids trying to push the envelope and it causes major havoc for the parents and teachers. Another reason in my mind for uniforms. Then its all set and there is nothing left to discuss or argue.

Just a funny memory... When I was in high school we were not allowed to wear shorts because we were in a new state-of-the-art building and there was A/C so it was reasoned that no one should be hot enough to need shorts. Needless to say, if you were a girl you could get around this by wearing a miniskirt when the weather was warm. One of the guys realized this and came to school wearing a pillowcase as a mini the day after the rule went into effect. He got sent home but he was my hero!! LOL Whats good for the goose is good for the gander, right?