Strict Dress Codes: Does your public school have one and thoughts?

[wvjules]

It is also a good way to prep for the future. In most professions there is a dress code or "uniform".

I can't think of many professionals that wear uniforms?

Dress professionally and appropriately, yes...but uniforms? Uhhh no.

 

[npmommie]

I can't think of many professionals that wear uniforms?

Dress professionally and appropriately, yes...but uniforms? Uhhh no.

Nurses, Surgeons, UPS person, Postal workers, Fed Ex person, Police, Firefighters, EMTS and Paramedics..............

 

[Pigeon]

The vast majority of professional positions do not require a uniform. There may be some office standards, but that's about it. There is no dress code at all in my place of employment and I'm a professional.

Furthermore, employment is voluntary. If you don't want to wear a McDonald's uniform, you are not required to apply. We have compulsory education in this country, and one is required to pay property tax to fund the public school system. The two situations are not analogous. As for "getting used to it," there are a lot of onerous things one may or may not be called to do during one's life. That doesn't mean children should be forced to do all of them just because...

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

The vast majority of professional positions do not require a uniform. There may be some office standards, but that's about it. There is no dress code at all in my place of employment and I'm a professional.

Furthermore, employment is voluntary. If you don't want to wear a McDonald's uniform, you are not required to apply. We have compulsory education in this country, and one is required to pay property tax to fund the public school system. The two situations are not analogous. As for "getting used to it," there are a lot of onerous things one may or may not be called to do during one's life. That doesn't mean children should be forced to do all of them just because...

exactly!

also, many of those for uniforms using the "have to get used to dressing that way for work/adult life" also say they want the schools to level the playing field as far as snobs/ haves/have nots as far as being a distraction, etc. Sorry, but that is all a part of life as well and one we ALL have to learn to deal with (unlike strict dress codes or uniforms). I think it is far more important to learn to deal with this than the possibility of wearing a uniform. I just don't see the clothes thing being that big a distraction as far as haves/have nots, but if you assume it is - isn't it better to learn to deal now...prepare for life and all that?????

you can't have it both ways that you have to get used to uniforms, but can take away having to deal with the have/have not issue (which I have already shown you can NOT make go away simply by forcing clothing choices) by pretending you can make it disappear simply by imposing uniforms!

ETA: most of my friends and neighbors are professionals - very few wear uniforms and fewer yet have strict dress codes. Haven't most work place studies shown that productivity is up when people are allowed to dress comfortably rather than being forced in a a suit/tie or dress/stockings?

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I can't think of many professionals that wear uniforms?

Dress professionally and appropriately, yes...but uniforms? Uhhh no.

All professions have a dress code or "uniform" if you will.

My husband is an EE, when he's in the office he is corp. casual, when he's at a presentation he's in a suit.
I was a Development Director when I was in the office it was corporate casual, when I was at a board meeting a suit, when I attended black tie a gown. They were my "uniforms".
Nurses have uniforms, dentists, lawyers, bus drivers, landscapers.....

 

[PaddingtonBear]

All professions have a dress code or "uniform" if you will.

My husband is an EE, when he's in the office he is corp. casual, when he's at a presentation he's in a suit.
I was a Development Director when I was in the office it was corporate casual, when I was at a board meeting a suit, when I attended black tie a gown. They were my "uniforms".
Nurses have uniforms, dentists, lawyers, bus drivers, landscapers.....

Not so much. Corporate casual isn't a uniform. A uniform, by definiton, means that all employees are dress uniformly. That is not the case in most offices. There is a wide range of clothing that falls under the heading of "coroprate casual". One co-worker just walked by wearing a pair of capris and a sleeveless blouse. Another is wearing a summer skirt and top, no hose, cute flip flops. I have a mtg today so I'm wearing a knit top and longer skirt with sandals. None of us are wearing matching colors or specified clothing. There may be a dress code in many offices, but it is nothing near as strict or arbitrary as this school's dress code. Even the clothes required in a board meeting or court are not uniform, though some basic professional standards must be met. Within those standards you have a wide range of choice of cut, color, print and accessories to lend individuality and style.

Forcing children to wear certian colors of clothes, plain color, no long is just silliness. No child was ever lead astray from the educational path becuase she wore a plaid babydoll shirt to school each day. Good, enforceable rules regarding appropriate attire are fine. Mandatory and arbitrary rules on what color polo and pants are a waste of time and resources.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Not so much. Corporate casual isn't a uniform. A uniform, by definiton, means that all employees are dress uniformly. That is not the case in most offices. There is a wide range of clothing that falls under the heading of "coroprate casual". One co-worker just walked by wearing a pair of capris and a sleeveless blouse. Another is wearing a summer skirt and top, no hose, cute flip flops. I have a mtg today so I'm wearing a knit top and longer skirt with sandals. None of us are wearing matching colors or specified clothing. There may be a dress code in many offices, but it is nothing near as strict or arbitrary as this school's dress code. Even the clothes required in a board meeting or court are not uniform, though some basic professional standards must be met. Within those standards you have a wide range of choice of cut, color, print and accessories to lend individuality and style.

Forcing children to wear certian colors of clothes, plain color, no long is just silliness. No child was ever lead astray from the educational path becuase she wore a plaid babydoll shirt to school each day. Good, enforceable rules regarding appropriate attire are fine. Mandatory and arbitrary rules on what color polo and pants are a waste of time and resources.

Heaven forbid children have to follow rules.

Is it so wrong to "dress for success"?

Maybe the school should allow pajamas.....wouldn't want to waste the time showering & dressing in the morning. That would be so tough on the child & a waste of resources.

 

[wvjules]

Heaven forbid children have to follow rules.

Is it so wrong to "dress for success"?

Maybe the school should allow pajamas.....wouldn't want to waste the time showering & dressing in the morning. That would be so tough on the child & a waste of resources.

How is wearing only certain khakis/jeans/shirts dressing for success?

 

[PaddingtonBear]

Heaven forbid children have to follow rules.

Is it so wrong to "dress for success"?

Maybe the school should allow pajamas.....wouldn't want to waste the time showering & dressing in the morning. That would be so tough on the child & a waste of resources.

I see that you quoted my post, but you appearantly didn't actually read it.

I said that good enforceable rules about appropriateness are fine. No where did I suggest that children shouldn't have to follow rules.

Dressing in a yellow polo is not dressing for sucess. Its an arbitrary standard selected by an administrator. Dressing in a yellow polo and navy slacks will not make anyone more sucessful.

I didn't suggest anywhere that children should be allowed to wear pajamas and not shower. I suggested that an overly strict and arbitrary dress code that specifies not only that clothing be appropriate but that it fall in very narrow guidelines is a waste of time and resources. Its a far cry between wearing pajamas and only being allowed to wear certian colors with specific styles of pants and specific styles of shirt that must not have a label, must be tucked in.

Children need rules and guidelines. Do they need the shool to tell them that they can't wear perfectly apporpriate clothing becuase it has a small logo or is striped? No.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I see that you quoted my post, but you appearantly didn't actually read it.

I said that good enforceable rules about appropriateness are fine. No where did I suggest that children shouldn't have to follow rules.

Dressing in a yellow polo is not dressing for sucess. Its an arbitrary standard selected by an administrator. Dressing in a yellow polo and navy slacks will not make anyone more sucessful.

I didn't suggest anywhere that children should be allowed to wear pajamas and not shower. I suggested that an overly strict and arbitrary dress code that specifies not only that clothing be appropriate but that it fall in very narrow guidelines is a waste of time and resources. Its a far cry between wearing pajamas and only being allowed to wear certian colors with specific styles of pants and specific styles of shirt that must not have a label, must be tucked in.

Children need rules and guidelines. Do they need the shool to tell them that they can't wear perfectly apporpriate clothing becuase it has a small logo or is striped? No.

We strongly disagree. Period.

http://www.corning-observer.com/articles/letter-4439-article-response.html
http://healthnewsdigest.com/news/Ch...ids_Succeed_At_And_After_School_printer.shtml

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I see that you quoted my post, but you appearantly didn't actually read it.

I said that good enforceable rules about appropriateness are fine. No where did I suggest that children shouldn't have to follow rules.

Dressing in a yellow polo is not dressing for sucess. Its an arbitrary standard selected by an administrator. Dressing in a yellow polo and navy slacks will not make anyone more sucessful.

I didn't suggest anywhere that children should be allowed to wear pajamas and not shower. I suggested that an overly strict and arbitrary dress code that specifies not only that clothing be appropriate but that it fall in very narrow guidelines is a waste of time and resources. Its a far cry between wearing pajamas and only being allowed to wear certian colors with specific styles of pants and specific styles of shirt that must not have a label, must be tucked in.

Children need rules and guidelines. Do they need the shool to tell them that they can't wear perfectly apporpriate clothing becuase it has a small logo or is striped? No.

reminds me of a quote our former Pediatrician posted in all his rooms: something to the effect that "our job is to guide our children, not control them"

what you posted illustrates the difference between helping to guide them toward making good choices and arbitrarily imposing control measures... I believe children want and need rules and limits and will ultimately learn to guide themselves with them and learn to respect those who provide the guidance. Will they try to push the limits? - sure, it is as much a part of their job as it is ours to guide them. If you go too far and impose ridiculous restrictions that make no sense, they will (as an adult would) see through them to the real motivation (control) and lose all respect for those attempting the control.

 

[hildasmuriel]

Nearly all schools in the UK have uniforms - it's not something we think about really.
Fortunately most of the children feel a sense of pride in their school and wearing their particular uniform with their badge and emblem adds to that.
Pupils are in school for a maximum of 7 hours a day for 5 days of the week for 39 weeks of the year. They have plenty of time for being individuals. It shows a certain respect for their place of learning, that they turn up in school colours, ready to become a small part of a large unit.
Also they are easily identifiable when on their way to/from school which tends to improve behaviour in itself.

 

[wvjules]

Nearly all schools in the UK have uniforms - it's not something we think about really.
Fortunately most of the children feel a sense of pride in their school and wearing their particular uniform with their badge and emblem adds to that.
Pupils are in school for a maximum of 7 hours a day for 5 days of the week for 39 weeks of the year. They have plenty of time for being individuals. It shows a certain respect for their place of learning, that they turn up in school colours, ready to become a small part of a large unit.
Also they are easily identifiable when on their way to/from school which tends to improve behaviour in itself.

A school uniform is different. I would be ok with a uniform for DD but I think I would have issues with the OP dress code that is being discussed. They should just go to uniforms and get it over with.

 

[PaddingtonBear]

I agree with you, I'd have less issues with an actual uniform. A plaid school girl skirt and a sweater I would find much less objectionable. I think I'm bothered by the idea of my child being forced to wear street clothes of a specific color and style. Its the rigidity of a uniform without actually committing to an uniform. Silly.

Part of the reason I'd hate this so much is becuase I am a bigger girl and a polo looks just horrible on me. I would look terrible in crew necked t shirts, sweat shirts and polos. I'd have found that degrading and humiliating in high school. Very plain clothing is not flattering on anyone, but it cannot cover figure flaws or compliment a sallow complexion. Life is hard enough without forcing even lower self esteem.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I think it is nuts! A public school is just that a public school. I would be pretty put out having to buy school clothes and then after school clothes. I like and think kids need individuality. I would also be upset with anyone telling me how to dress my children.

I can understand the vulgar and inappropriate sayings and pictures and clothing that is risque. But that is common sense.

I would be protesting and suing and sending my kid dressed in what I bought them! If they wanted my kids to wear certain clothing then let them pay for it!! I aready hand over 65% of my property taxes to my schools. That is enough!!

I haven't read most of the comments here, and was surprised by how many people like uniforms and the strict code.

 

[Pigeon]

I agree with you, I'd have less issues with an actual uniform. A plaid school girl skirt and a sweater I would find much less objectionable. I think I'm bothered by the idea of my child being forced to wear street clothes of a specific color and style. Its the rigidity of a uniform without actually committing to an uniform. Silly.

Part of the reason I'd hate this so much is becuase I am a bigger girl and a polo looks just horrible on me. I would look terrible in crew necked t shirts, sweat shirts and polos. I'd have found that degrading and humiliating in high school. Very plain clothing is not flattering on anyone, but it cannot cover figure flaws or compliment a sallow complexion. Life is hard enough without forcing even lower self esteem.

I wore a uniform for many years that included said "plaid school girl skirt and sweater." Let me tell you, it wasn't exactly flattering or self-esteem enhancing.

 

[ameraumi]

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing them!

Joiseymom ~ There have been many protests. Friday there were 3 boys that went to school in dresses. The dresses do not have to be plain so they worked it to their advantage, or so they thought. They were suspended before school even started. Parents have been outside the school Admin office as have students as they are suspended. And they are now issuing tickets for those who drive by and honk in support. Ironically, one of the police officers that has been out there is on the school board!

 

[Kath2003]

Nearly all schools in the UK have uniforms - it's not something we think about really.
Fortunately most of the children feel a sense of pride in their school and wearing their particular uniform with their badge and emblem adds to that.
Pupils are in school for a maximum of 7 hours a day for 5 days of the week for 39 weeks of the year. They have plenty of time for being individuals. It shows a certain respect for their place of learning, that they turn up in school colours, ready to become a small part of a large unit.
Also they are easily identifiable when on their way to/from school which tends to improve behaviour in itself.

And also it's a safety measure - we KNOW who our students are. Anyone on campus not in uniform is automatically under question. It's much easier on school visits also.

We use uniform also as an opportunity to raise funds for charity. Three times a year at my school the students have the opportunity to donate $2 to charity and wear non-uniform for a day. That means that we donate $6,000 to charity every year.

Never hear any complaints from parents about uniform as it works out much cheaper than regular clothing for them.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing them!

Joiseymom ~ There have been many protests. Friday there were 3 boys that went to school in dresses. The dresses do not have to be plain so they worked it to their advantage, or so they thought. They were suspended before school even started. Parents have been outside the school Admin office as have students as they are suspended. And they are now issuing tickets for those who drive by and honk in support. Ironically, one of the police officers that has been out there is on the school board!

Wow...doesn't it make you wonder if it is just a control issue from those we put into office?? In my town we vote for the school board, I am sure it is different everywhere else. I can't see something like that passed where I live.

I have to say..I did like the no flannel bottoms...when I see it at my DD middle school I just shake my head and go, why did their parents let them wear that...or were they even home when the kid left for school!!

Let me ask you soemthing...how may times can they suspend a child? I mean they are hurting the kids education, do they give them work home? Is there a point where they expell them for breaking the rulse?

We have some many more important issues with bullying and drugs..that for the schools to make this an issue, just kinda boggles my mind.

 

[wvjules]

What part of the dresses were against the dress code if there is no specific dress code/standard for dresses?