Public School Dress Codes - uniforms

[harleyquinn]

You crack me up. I personally are not really that upset but people are seriously about to pop here. I do absolutely think they should have let parents that this was being considered rather than just decreeing on the 1st day of state testing. I'm annoyed with that. I also have some other issues with the principal so my opinion of her isn't stellar to begin with.

I also don't like that this is specific to our school. I'd be much more content with a district wide change than just one principal deciding for one school.

IF we attend this school next year (which is actually unlikely) I'll comply but I think the whole thing is stupid. That is my bottom line. I think uniforms are dumb. I don't think they accomplish the goals that people think they will (financial equality, school pride, bulling, etc.) I just think it is another way for the school to maintain an illusion of control over student behavior.

If there were compelling stats for wearing them, ok. If there were huge problems in the school with gang clothing and major dress code violations, ok. But there isn't. This is a run of the mill middle class school that has no real reason to go to uniforms other than the principal decided she wanted to.

Glad I could add a chuckle. We all tend to get a little crazy on the dis when it comes to debates about school/kids.

I totally agree with you about how the school handled it.
DH's district made his school uniforms only before the other buildings as a test run. Then they added them everywhere. Of course he teaches in an extremely diverse (racially and economically) school.

I think we pretty much totally agree on the topic!

 

[ilovejack02]

But you see it doesn't matter if it is a uniform or reg. clothes the teachers and anyone else that works as the school STILL have to monitor what the kids wear, no getting around it...sure it may not hurt them but the things that uniforms are used for doesn't make a difference as the problems are still there b/c the only thing uniforms do is make it easier on the parent...

Im not saying no one has to monitor it , but it is now easier than looking at say 600 kids all in different clothing . It is also really easy to spot on outsider on campus also.

Just not that big of a deal for me, there are rules in life and this is just one more we have to follow.

 

[Art 1]

Has anyone's public school introduced what is basically a uniform as a dress code?

Ours was announced yesterday and people are really up in arms. They are calling it a "standardized dress code" but they are uniforms.

There was no parent vote or hearing/meeting to discuss. The PTA was not consulted.

This is only for our school and not district wide. The school has no problems with gangs. Most kids are socio-economicly on par with each other. While visiting the school I haven't noticed any major inappropriate dress.

If this happened at your school was it successfully enforced? What happened if you didn't comply?

Has anyone successfully fought a uniform policy?

Most of our PTA has resigned due to the announcement.

I don't think people would be that upset but it is very strict and came out of the blue. Basically one color of polo shirt (plus white) and khaki pants with gym shoes.

My three have always worn uniforms at the Catholic school. Your lucky to be in a public school system that is implementing uniforms.

 

[krcit]

I went to 12 years of Catholic school so I always wore a uniform. From 1-8 it was one of those hideous plaid jumpers(I won't even tell you what we had to wear for gym but think...bloomers) Anyway, we were all hideous together so no biggie Then in high school we had to wear a navy A-line skirt and a button down shirt in blue, yellow or white. We also had a school sweater or sweatshirt we could wear. I actually liked wearing a uniform-stress free dressing in the morning so I had more free time to spray my hairIt was the 80's. Now that I have kids I would be ok with a uniform except for tucking. Tucking is not everyone's friend

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I think the tucking is for safety reasons, too. You can't as easily hide a weapon in the top of your pants if you have to tuck.

I agree with you though..I stopped tucking years ago..

 

[harleyquinn]

I actually liked wearing a uniform-stress free dressing in the morning so I had more free time to spray my hairIt was the 80's.

lmao!!

 

[diznygirl]

You crack me up. I personally are not really that upset but people are seriously about to pop here. I do absolutely think they should have let parents that this was being considered rather than just decreeing on the 1st day of state testing. I'm annoyed with that. I also have some other issues with the principal so my opinion of her isn't stellar to begin with.

I also don't like that this is specific to our school. I'd be much more content with a district wide change than just one principal deciding for one school.

IF we attend this school next year (which is actually unlikely) I'll comply but I think the whole thing is stupid. That is my bottom line. I think uniforms are dumb. I don't think they accomplish the goals that people think they will (financial equality, school pride, bulling, etc.) I just think it is another way for the school to maintain an illusion of control over student behavior.

If there were compelling stats for wearing them, ok. If there were huge problems in the school with gang clothing and major dress code violations, ok. But there isn't. This is a run of the mill middle class school that has no real reason to go to uniforms other than the principal decided she wanted to.

It's not a popular opinion, but I totally agree with you. I wore uniforms in private school, and believe me it was still obvious who the Haves and Have-Nots were. Uniforms are great for school boards that want to make it look like they did something, and parents who are tired of arguing with their kids about their clothes. For everyone else it's just another stupid hoop to jump through. And the policy isn't even enforced. Spend a day on campus and I can point out at least a hundred uniform violations.

Total wast of time and money, IMHO.

 

[diznygirl]

I think the tucking is for safety reasons, too. You can't as easily hide a weapon in the top of your pants if you have to tuck.

I agree with you though..I stopped tucking years ago..

If you tuck in your shirt and wear a belt, you aren't supposed to be able to have your pants hanging down with your underwear showing. Thanks to our uniform policy, I know now that it is still entirely possible.

 

[gina2000]

And your point is?? We should encourage that and make them do it for every single thing? They should all be identical little robots? Why shouldn't we encourage a little individuality when given a chance that doesn't hurt anyone else?

I think if you stepped foot into a middle school, you might be a bit shocked at the individuality displayed. They don't need to be encouraged, trust me.

When you see a hoochie mama outfit walking down the hall swayin' and steppin', you'd be praying for a potato sack as a uniform. These kids just don't see how provocative they are. They still fit into their 6th grade clothing?? Why not wear it! What they do realize is that a few things have shifted and grown.

I was never in favor of uniforms til I got a first hand, close up look at what kids are wearing. All girls need is a rubber band and they can alter a conservative t-shirt and turn it into a provocative, head turning hoochie mama get up. They're quite creative.

 

[DizBelle]

They don't even notice they are wearing a uniform. They concentrate on their school work, and lunch time, and recess.

If they don't notice, then what's the point of the uniform?

 

[harleyquinn]

I think if you stepped foot into a middle school, you might be a bit shocked at the individuality displayed. They don't need to be encouraged, trust me.

When you see a hoochie mama outfit walking down the hall swayin' and steppin', you'd be praying for a potato sack as a uniform. These kids just don't see how provocative they are. They still fit into their 6th grade clothing?? Why not wear it! What they do realize is that a few things have shifted and grown.

I was never in favor of uniforms til I got a first hand, close up look at what kids are wearing. All girls need is a rubber band and they can alter a conservative t-shirt and turn it into a provocative, head turning hoochie mama get up. They're quite creative.

DH teaches middle school Art in a very diverse community. The kids are all 12 going on 19. I have been there, and I have seen that. I still disagree with a dress code.

 

[diznygirl]

I think if you stepped foot into a middle school, you might be a bit shocked at the individuality displayed. They don't need to be encouraged, trust me.

When you see a hoochie mama outfit walking down the hall swayin' and steppin', you'd be praying for a potato sack as a uniform. These kids just don't see how provocative they are. They still fit into their 6th grade clothing?? Why not wear it! What they do realize is that a few things have shifted and grown.

I was never in favor of uniforms til I got a first hand, close up look at what kids are wearing. All girls need is a rubber band and they can alter a conservative t-shirt and turn it into a provocative, head turning hoochie mama get up. They're quite creative.

I see that with the uniform code as well. If a teacher is unwilling to step up and address a clothing issue when they see it, then it doesn't matter if it came from Frederick's of Hollywood or Land's End. Navy polo shirts can be worn three sizes too small and khaki skirts too short. It still takes enforcement.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

If they don't notice, then what's the point of the uniform?

Sorry, I didn't realize I had to spell it out. What it meant was it's not something they dwell upon. They don't look at each other and say, "Oh woe is me, I have to wear a uniform today." It's not something that occupies their minds, although I guess it would if their parents kept saying how wrong uniforms are

But I guess answering your question, the point is that they are not noticing what the others are wearing.


Uniforms make it easier for the teachers since it is black and white. "This" is acceptable, "That" is unacceptable. No judgment calls, just go by the rules. If kids can wear what they want, it will become another problem of "that teacher said HER skirt is OK, but not mine..why?"

 

[LaurenLC]

I wore a uniform from pre-school through my senior year.... It was the BEST thing ever! I was never once concerned with what I was wearing or had to wear to school, and I was never concerned with what other people in my school were wearing.
I will admit that college was an adjustment because I actually had to think about what I was going to wear to class, but frankly most days that I go to work I wish I still had a uniform to wear!

 

[C.Ann]

I would be upset that it was "sprung" on the parents like that - with no warning - but otherwise I don't see uniforms or dress codes as a negative..

If you're given plenty of time to prepare for it, it actually makes life a lot simpler..

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My DD wears SMOD (Standard Mode of Dress) to middle school. I love that it takes her 2 minutes to get dressed every morning. I think uniforms are great!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Our school is the same way.. shirts must be plain, no logos on front at all.

My school's uniform is quite strict:

-Polo shirt with the school logo (these can only be bought at certain stores)
-Khaki pants (no cargo pants) or skirts/jumpers for girls.
-Belts (only black or brown canvas or leather, with no ornamentation)
-No open toed shoes or boots
-Socks can be whatever
-Shirts must be tucked in
-Undershirts can only be white or navy blue
-Sweatshirts can only be the school sweatshirt with the logo on it
-Coats can only be the school coats with the logo on it
-Backpacks can only be clear or mesh
-School photo ID must be visible at all times

 

[AustinTink]

It is not a huge expense, trust me. i can get away with a whole years worth of school clothes for less than 150.00 from Land's end and as far as laundry.. you just throw it in with everything else, They arent really wearing anything else, unless you make them change the second they get home and on weekends.

Same goes for us. $150 gets me his wardrobe for the year. It's a deal. The rest of his "wardrobe" consists of basketball shorts and the occasional pair of jeans. No biggie.

I absolutely love uniforms. No muss, no fuss.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

My school's uniform is quite strict:

-Polo shirt with the school logo (these can only be bought at certain stores)
-Khaki pants (no cargo pants) or skirts/jumpers for girls.
-Belts (only black or brown canvas or leather, with no ornamentation)
-No open toed shoes or boots
-Socks can be whatever
-Shirts must be tucked in
-Undershirts can only be white or navy blue
-Sweatshirts can only be the school sweatshirt with the logo on it
-Coats can only be the school coats with the logo on it
-Backpacks can only be clear or mesh
-School photo ID must be visible at all times

It's that school logo stuff that really costs an arm and a leg! My kids can wear their own jackets, but have to remove them while inside. They can wear a navy hoodie inside with the hood off and unzipped. Clear or mesh backpacks and school ID for middle school and up.

 

[luvsJack]

But you see it doesn't matter if it is a uniform or reg. clothes the teachers and anyone else that works as the school STILL have to monitor what the kids wear, no getting around it...sure it may not hurt them but the things that uniforms are used for doesn't make a difference as the problems are still there b/c the only thing uniforms do is make it easier on the parent...

Not for our school. We had problems (LOTS of problems) with sagging pants. No more. They have to have a shirt tucked and a belt on. One glance as they walk in the classroom door (teacher is standing at the door in the a.m. anyway), no belt? go call home. Very, very few girls wear the uniform skirts and someone would actually have to alter them to make the fit in the waist and be short. Again, one glance in the a.m.--not a uniform skirt? go call home. Same thing with shorts. Parents have a list of what is acceptable. There is no whining "but we can't find shorts long enough". Uniforms are available in all the local stores and everywhere online.

Previously the teachers spent a great deal of time actually measuring skirts and shorts. It was ridiculous.

And even worse at our high school. The girls wore anything and everything they thought they could get away with. Not anymore.

Can someone go buy a pair of $80 khaki pants? Sure. But no one knows because there are no labels to be seen. No one feels judged because of what they wear. The kid whose parents spend $500 on school uniforms looks exactly the same as the kids whose parents spend less that $100--spending more loses its appeal to the kids when no one can tell.

The reasons our schools went to uniforms was laid out when the decision was made and YES it has accomplished those things. The rules just have to be laid out strictly. (which I guess is what the sock teacher is doing, being strict)

All of the teachers agree that enforcement of the uniforms is 100% easier and less time consuming than making sure everyone following a dress code. Plus there is no room for the latest fad to have to get added in the code and no loop holes around inappropriate clothing.