Not looking for a uniform debate....
I personally do not like being told how to dress my children for school. Nor do I like paying for uniforms, which by far is more expensive... since rarely does Clearance visit uniforms Today I purchased 7 shirts, 3 pants , 2 pair of pj's, 3 pullover hoodies and 2 jeans for my kids for next year at children's Place for $49.xx
Uniform pants are 17.99 each. This year alone Ds#1 has torn 3 pairs at recess. hmmm $54 down the drain.
Our school board in a small area... 12,000 students, was very sneaky when they passed uniforms. They changed the date and the meeting was held on an Early release day from school right before vacation.. Needless to say.. there was not 1 parent in attendence and the vote passed unanimously.

I contacted the Ga DOE and he said I was within my right to question it.. but said honestly unless my representative was willing to recind his vote... it would be a long uphill battle.

Just wondering if anyone had ever challanged their Board.

TIA Josie

Is it a public school? I've had parents opt out of putting their student in uniform by simply writing a note to the office. We encourage uniforms because we don't have problems with gang symbols/colors and because it is less expensive for the parents. (white/navy on top, navy on the bottom or blue jeans are ok)

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Yes it is a public school. We had no violent issues to start with, with gangs or weapons. We are "good ol' rural folk" They said the whole thing was to prevent peer pressure and inappropriate dress with the teens. They stated that "kids should not be exposed to anyone "different" that them." If we all dress in the same fashion, kids would not have to worry about income variations etc.

When will kids ever in life experience everyone being JUST like them? Too bad if someone has on $100 shoes.. you want them.. go mow the grass.. save your money etc.

We are next to Chatham CO. Savannah Schools and they did switch to uniforms, but crime and violence was SEVERE in the schools, hidden weapons, stabbings etc. Metal detectors were also added to some of the schools. A whole different atmosphere.

Well Savannah started saying all the postives that they had... and WOW lets follow a district that is horribly ranked in the state.

Guess what.. test scores did not improve, CRCT test scores actually went down this year.

All of our schools meet state requirements and exceed them.

I just wish they would truly allow the parents the oppurtunity to have their input.

I believe that one of the selling points of school uniforms is that it would actually help parents save money, because with a limited selection of clothing, there is less $$ spent, less 'keeping up with the Jones', etc... For me, those are the exact reasons I *would* opt for school uniforms, because it seems like a way less expensive way to go.

I have found lots of school uniforms on clearance every year at the end of September The Children's Place up through size 14, and I think Sears. FWIW - can't you buy a size up for the next year?

eta: Since you do seem to be now discussing some of the hotter points of this topic (you originally mentioned you didn't want a uniform debate), beyond discipline improvement, there is also a theory that kids in uniform have more of an educational mindset when they dress in uniform. If wearing uniforms improved the overall mastery test scores and SAT scores of my school system, I'd be all for it!

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I would think that basic uniforms such as solid color polo shirts and khaki pants would eliminate a lot of the hassle about what is and isn't appropriate, especially at the high school level.
There would be no fuss over t-shirts with writing on them, spaghetti strap tops, tank tops, etc. Plus, no arguing about what to wear to school, just put on your uniform and get going. It would be easier on everyone as far as I can see.

I've read/heard of parents in school districts with uniforms having "uniform swaps" where you bring uniforms your kids can no longer wear and swap with other parents.

I have to wear a uniform at work so I have no problems with kids having to wear them to school. I have plenty of time to express my individuality outside of work and having a uniform eliminates so much hassle.

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Who made the decision? Did the school board vote on it or did the principal decide all by himself?

I wish the High School I work at had uniforms. They do have a dress code, but for the most part, the kids don't follow it. I can't tell you how many times I have seen parents have to leave work and bring clothing for their teens to change into because they did not follow the dress code.

No, I have not.

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my son went to catholic school for a few years and I loved uniforms. I only spent $350 for the entire year and it included gym outfit. I felt that was a deal. We had to buy our uniforms from a supply store..no reg. khakis..it had to have the name of the supply store on it's back label. They were expensive.., but like I said...no really more than a pair of Levis...($37)...my son was in middle school so he wasn't as rough on clothes anymore.

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I think most parents want school uniforms. Most children do not. You are in the minority. Honestly so am I. When my youngest who is now20 was in high school there was talk of uniforms. She was very stressed about it... but luckily it did not happen. I also did not think that the uniforms were cheaper(My daughter went to a private school during middle school and for a year) because I spent twice what I normally spent.
I think a dress code is appropriate. But I also think the teachers should follow the same dress code or uniform requirments. In high school my dd had a dress code, yes alot of the kids pushed it and their parents had to bring in clothes as one of the above posters said. But as I was bringing in my dd clothes the teacher that she had her first class was wearing a shorter skirt and lower cut top then my dd. The boys were always commenting about this teacher (along with a couple others) The boys would ask her for help so she could lean over by them and they could get a better look.
Maybe you could get several parents to sign a petition or request a special meeting if there is enough interest in NOT getting uniforms.

I have not. I would also hate uniforms. Dd would still argue with me over it.

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FYI - since this is a shopping site - Lands End has lots of different children's uniform items on Overstock sale.

Lands End Kids Uniforms - Overstocks

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I do think if you choose to contest this that you need to get your facts together and present them in a non-emotional manner. I think accusing the school board of being "very sneaky" and moving the meeting to an inconvenient time and that not 1 parent was present is probably not quite the right way to go about it.

A petition that demonstrates parent unity on the issue might be helpful as well as some data around impact on the cost of the uniform policy on the average family.

cj/

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Having never lived in a 'uniform school district' I can't say this from personal experience, but I can see how nice uniforms might be. I know that relatives who have had their kids in such schools indicated that overall, they really didn't spend any more than they otherwise had. They said it seemed their kids owned fewer clothes overall - if you weren't going to be wearing t-shirts to school every single day, you needed fewer t-shirts, etc. Same for jeans. They were able to hand uniforms down to their subsequent children, whereas a high school kid isn't necessarily apt to end up in hand-me-down t's or jeans from an older sibling.

It's unfortunate, but the unintended consequence of our 'freedoms' is that there are people who push personal boundaries unnecessarily and aren't willing to respect authority when it exists. If there is a no spaghetti strap rule.... why not just abide it? If shorts aren't to be too short... why not just wear your longer ones? When students put their teachers in the position of having to be 'enforcers' and not just purveyors of academia, it takes away from the time and energy they should be putting into teaching the kids. It's unfortunate if *your* kid isn't the one that's causing them grief and causing the school board to go this route, but sometimes you have to play the game in order to help the overall atmosphere be a better one for your child to learn in.

I bought tan pants for about $10-$12. Shirts was about $5 cause it's a color most wont normally wear. which evens out cause that's about how much their jeans run too so not a big thing. and it's nice to go up to the school and everyone looks decent without stomache hanging out or skirts so high if they breathed youd see everything cause each morning they forget a simple school rule when their picking out their clothes for the day

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I have to agree with your post. I do believe much of what I see is a matter of students not respecting authority. Its okay to express yourself, but at the beginning of the school year they are given a handbook with all the rules and regulations, they along with their parents must read and sign it and turn it back in. I see many young adults push it every single day. They know the rules, yet they make a choice to be disrespectful and not follow them. I have also watched parents come into the school and try to defend thier children for breaking the rules. I think part of the problem is that their own parents teach them that is okay to disrespect authority. I am amazed every single day at the amount of disrespect I see from some of the High School students.

What you guys are talkign about is why I like that my sons' school has a fairly strict dress code - casual pants (no cargos), shirt & tie, blazer, shoes (no sneakers or boots)...must wear a belt....they also have hair standards (no facial hair, no hair over the ears, etc). But within those guidelines, the boys can choose how they want to dress thereby having some freedom of expression and personal taste. The basic tenet of the dress code is that it shows respect and prepares the boys for the business of learning. Sloppy dress == sloppy minds. I'm sure it sounds over the top to many, but it really seems to work. Contrasting these kids to many of the kids at the local high school it's like night and day.

Breaking the rules is grounds for after-school detention.....DS1 got a detention once for forgetting to wear his belt. He did not forget again.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

So glad my children went to a public school where they are able to wear what they want of course within reasons of not looking trampy. However as far as facial hair or long hair I was so happy that my son Thomas graduated with his long and I mean long beautiful hippy hair. To each his own, personally growing up having gone to Catholic for years, I disliked the uniform so much, was I happy when it came time to high school and I could wear what I wanted and wore my hair the way I wanted. But again if your child goes to a school and whatever their rules are for uniforms and hair and facial hair, then you must obey the rules. One reason why my Son loves the Boston Red Sox, there are no limits, shame shame when Johnny Damon left to play for Yankees and had to cut that beautiful hair and facial hair. Just my views and thoughts...Peace. Catherine

Sloppy dress.... Sloppy minds I do not think so not at all, that was in more judgement of a statement cjs.... My son is a high honor student with a 3.80 gpa and he dresses all hippy long hair, facial hair, comfortable clothes, has a lip ring and a eye ring. But those are only the outside to my son. Inside is a very mature beautiful kind hearted soul and he has no sloppy mind....He is majoring in Construction Managment and one day with work along side of his Dad for their family business of building homes and condos in New York. Peace. Catherine

As far as uniforms being cheaper, so not in my case. I can shop our thrift store and get new or next to new clothes (gap, gymbo, levi, etc) for under $1 each. They rarely have uniform stuff and not in many sizes. I personally think uniforms make kids look like a little uniform army and that's just freaky in my book. For the original poster, my school sends out a survey at the end of the year asking if parents want uniforms and it is always voted down. This is an elementary school. Next year, my oldest goes to middle school and they have uniforms, but you can buy the top options thru the school for like $5 to $10.

I will say that if you have an awkward sized kid who it is hard to find clothes for, uniforms are a nightmare! And I think it is safe to say that this mom thinks uniforms suck!!! Good luck getting it changed op.

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I LOVE the uniform policy here. I would be the one protesting it if they tried to take it away.I think the kids have a good selection to choose from. They are NOT all in the same colors nor fabric. They can pick what color shoes they want to wear. I love it love it. Before the had the policy I can personally tell you I have seen boys wearing pants below their butts with under ware showing of boxers with skulls !. I have seen girls in skirts that would make a street walker blush !. I 100% support the policy and would fight tooth and nail to keep it.

TOP
White or Navy
Collared shirt with sleeves or Turtleneck
Undershirts – solid navy or white
Small unobtrusive logo - (one that can be covered with a quarter is acceptable)

BOTTOM
BOYS
Khaki or Navy Blue
Pants or Shorts
(corduroy fabric permitted)
GIRLS
Khaki or Navy Blue
Pants, Skirts, Capris, Shorts, Skorts, Jumpers or Dresses
(corduroy fabric permitted)

BELT
SHOES
SOLID
Black, Brown, Navy, Tan,
Gray or White
Plain, unobtrusive buckle and appropriate length.
Belt is optional for grades
Pre-K through 1st.
SHOES
Black, Brown, Navy, Tan, Gray or White
Fully enclosed shoe
No Sandals
Tennis shoes allowed with no color restrictions
SOCKS/HOSE/TIGHTS (Must be worn with shoes at all times.)
SOLID

SWEATERS/SWEATSHIRTS
SOLID
Black, Brown, Navy, Tan,
Gray or White
SOLID
Black, Brown, Navy, Tan,
Gray or White
(All outerwear must be colors listed above.)
(Outerwear must be worn with a uniform shirt.)

POCKETS: No pockets on pants, skirts, or shorts except those made into the side seams of the garment, with the exception of back pockets. NO EXTRA POCKETS
2. BELTS: Must be worn with pants that have belt loops. Belt is optional for grades Pre-K through 1st.
3. PANTS: Pants must be secured at the waist. Pants cannot be “sagging”.
4. TOPS: All shirts must be tucked in. Skin may not show. Undershirts must be solid white or navy with no wording or pictures.
5. LENGTH: Shorts, skorts, skirts, dresses, and jumpers must be NO more than two (2) inches above the knee in the front and back.
6. OUTERWEAR: This includes heavier coats for colder weather. (The color of the lining is not an issue.) Jackets, coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts are considered outerwear and must be worn with a uniform shirt. Outerwear of school-approved organizations (as approved by the principal) is acceptable. Organizations should be listed by the schools.
7. TRANSFERS: Students who transfer from other school districts will be given five (5) days to come into compliance with the dress code.
8. T- SHIRTS: Schools may use t-shirts on field trips as the principal dictates.
Dated: March 6, 2006[/size][/size]

Sunset Beach, that sounds totally reasonable. It actually sounds like a hybrid uniform/dress code.


I like it!

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sunset,I think we live in the same area...I just moved here,but I can tell you it's a pain to find uniforms in the middle of the year....

As far as uniforms being less expensive, I think it depends on if you have to buy the uniforms from a certain company/store or if you can buy any brand as long as its a specific color and/or style.

If you have to buy from the uniform store, it's expensive. My kids are in pubic elementary school and we do not have uniforms, but quite a few of my friends send their kids to private schools that require uniforms. They must buy from the school store and the pieces must have the logo on them. They are crazy prices. I buy good quality name brand shirts off the clearance rack at the end of the season for $3 and pants/jeans for $10 (gymbo, gap, levi's, TCP, etc.) -- there is NO way I could buy uniform shirts and pants for that price, even second hand and I would still have to buy 'play clothes'.

If a uniform policy was suggested at my kids school, I would be totally against it. Instead I favor strong parent involvement to teach kids to dress appropriately for school.

My kids have uniforms. I LOVE them ! MUCH cheaper for me. We can buy wherever we want as long as they are navy pants and white polos. I get pretty much all there pants at Goodwill 1.29 or JcPenney clearance for 1.77. NEVER paid more for them. Brand new polos for 5.00 at walmart or 1.77 Penneys clearance. The nice thing about uniforms we only need a couple pants and shirts and you need no where near as many regular clothes because they only wear them a couple hours after school. Our public schools here are ALL going to uniforms this fall. The Catholic school my kids go to has had the fro years. All the feedback from public school parents has been postive. It's the kids freaking out about it. My kids love their uniforms they say no need to worry bout picking clothes everyday. LOL!

Jen

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Private schools have always mandated the children wear uniforms. Parents are already aware of this policy well in advance. Most private schools do own their own uniform shops due to the uniform colors and prints being 'recopied" from other private schools.Where I live now there's only 8 private schools in the whole county, Now back home there's 59 in my county ( this doesn't included the charter schools), Thus there's more shops to buy from. So it really depends on how many schools there are vs where you are able to buy from. Now, even tho most private schools state you have to buy from their shops that usually only means their skirts, jumpers and Skorts and dresses. mainly due to the "print" But in my dealings with having my oldest DD attend 2 different schools you are able to find a uniform shop that will order the same print-colors that supply the school shop.( sometimes you are lucky to hit a sale there also ).but in either case, it's usually only these items. Now as far as shirts. I have never seen a private school that solely required you wear only their shirts with logos. you have the opt to wear a solid color or the "schools"logo shirt. can be an advantage as well as the pants. Both you can pick up any where since they are solid colors with no logos. However, 99.9 % of private school state girls can't wear pants. Now , getting into private vs public schools uniforms. Outside the girls both can be just as costly due to the logo's. If you want your child to wear the logo school shirts you will shell out the same price Vs a private school. If you want your child to wear only uniforms that come from a good quality shop you will pay the same price. the only differences I can see or have knowledge of is the girls. Public schools do not have a "print" and the girls can wear pants. But, both private and public schools you can get solid color shirts and pants from anywhere.or at least thats how it's done in this county and back home.
BTW, Jackets and sweaters are the same, unless it has to have the logo.
Our schools in both counties offer the parents and students a choice on logo items. Jackets, shirts, sweaters P.E uniforms. You must order from the schools. They have been always the same or near same price as private schools. Now here at the public schools shirts, jackets, sweaters and P.E uniforms are only offered at a few times. P.E, Shirts are offered at the start of the school year, Jackets and sweater are only offered in the fall. So if you want them with a logo you better get them when offered or else due without till next school year. I got really lucky last week and founded a logo wind breaker for my 6 yo DD at a bargain store for 2.99 ( org cost 29.00 ) I have also picked up my kids logo shirts for 1.99 ( org cost 25.00 ). I don't "normally" buy logo's. The public schools offer them because they get a small percentage of the cost ( I want to say I was told 1.00 - 2.50 ) So they offer them so they can get the money. I'm sure it's the same way with the private schools if they are requiring your friend to buy only from the school. They are making a TON on the sale. They really don't have any over head cost. They buy from a company at a discount and charge ungodly prices for something they only paid 5- 10 for. ( Remember they buy in bulk ) since all the kids are required to have the same thing. But thats the price of sending a child to private schools as far as uniforms go. But as far as pants and shirts go they really don't make a profit if you are able to go outside the school.

Now, Take the uniforms Vs regular clothing .I don't really see much difference in the prices. Unless you outfit your child in 2nd handed clothing which most DON'T outside this site, Hey after all we are a Coupon site/ smart bargain shopping site And we value the bargain like no ones business . Most parents are willing to slap down 50.00 for a pair of jeans and 30.00 for a logo shirt. Thats 80.00 FOR 1 OUTFIT ! .and this doesn't even add in the shoes of 40.00, 50.00 or even more. But unless the school requires their own print or you dress your child in the "name brands" you are still spending the same amount of money... I see no differences in the prices.

Parents that send their children to public schools are willing to pay the same prices for NON uniform clothing as they would be paying if that same public school was requiring uniforms. In my personal opinion it IS cheaper to have uniforms in the public schools since I not willing to shell out 50.00 for a pair of jeans and I'm willing to pay 15.00 for uniforms pants. I have saved 35.00..

I bet if I was to tour a public school with out a uniform policy I would find over 90 % of the kids wearing brand named clothing and shoes. Out of those . I would only find very few that got the items on sale. Parents are too wiling to pay what ever cost for what ever the " most up to dated " thing thats going so their child doesn't " stick out " Again this is not the same as us on this site as we are all here for the bargains, we are a Few in the shopping world.

The word YOU is meant as ( general you ).

This will NEVER happen hence why public schools are now turning to uniforms. History has shown thru the years by watching private schools that there's less problems with kids attacking each from lack of being able to afford that 100.00 pair of jeans. When children feel they are "equal" in the clothing world there's less problems. Thus why more and more public schools are either test running uniforms or now requiring uniforms.

Thinking back to my own childhood, I think that I would have really liked wearing a uniform outfit. We were very poor and I never felt like my clothing was good enough or that I fit in. I know now that I was wrong but at the time, I was a child and really didn't like feeling different because of my outward appearance.

You made my point to a T. I too was in the group of very very poor. Me and my Brother received clothing only at Christmas after school started. That was from my Aunt, She gave us 1 pair of jeans and 1 shirt. Between start of school and Christmas we wore either last years clothes or the "new" clothes my Mother was able to buy. We got
1 pair of pants (2 pairs if my mother really saved thru the year )
2 shirts
new under ware
new socks
new shoes
Outside of that we wore what we had. I still to this day remember being called "Poor" which to all points we were poor, but in my eyes as a child it hurt, it was embarrassing and I felt like an outsider. My Mother was a single mom that received not 1 penny in support from my dead beat dad that lived 9 states over from us. Back then there were NO child support laws to enforce payments, either your parent gave willing or you survived on the only parents income they had. Buying clothes back then meant the differences between you eating and having a place to live. Clothing wasn't as much as it is now, but money is still money. I can remember seeing a pair of jeans 1 time that cost 20.00 it was levi's jeans I should say now that was the only jeans back then kids wore named brand. well that 20.00 for those jeans would be about the same as 100.00 dollars today. Back then we had stores like Kress, Rose mart, and a TGIF. that was the "Poor" peoples stores and of course thats where we got our "new" clothing from. We STOOD out like a sore thumb in school compared to 'most" the kids who wore Levi's. I hated HATED to go to school. I knew before the ending of the day someone would be calling me "Poor" or I would be made fun of my clothing. That was just life as a child growing up in the 60 & 70's. But kids are still the same today as back then. Kids are cruel, mean and they do still make fun of children that can't afford the brand names. Parents can only over see their children's raising to a point, once they are out of your sight they do as they will even more so now days with peer pressure. Then you have the kids that have the mind set they are "better" than anyone else because this is how they have been raised. It was no different in my school days as now.and it's those kids that make the if you will "Poor" children feel awful about what they have to wear at school.

Placing all the children is the same " clothing " group they are not able to single out a child that's not wearing brand clothing. Even tho, pants still can come from the top line stores. You will have more parents buying from the big box stores than the mall stores. A child can't say to another child OMG you have those color pants on ? You wear that kind of shirt ?. It groups them all in the same categories so they have to look at themselves before signaling out another student for not having the " Tommy shirt " or " what ever the latest jeans are now "/ All the kids are "Equal" in the same styles thus children don't feel less than human when they are less fortunate than their counter part.

Personally me, I would hate to know my children attended a non uniform public school. I can see me home schooling them.No way would I/ we be able to afford the name brands with 4 kids. No way ! . The thought of my kids being made fun of because I don't shop at the malls just horrifies me to no end. I'm glad we have the uniforms and I hope they always will.

Being poor isn't a crime and more and more families are facing losing their jobs . I can only imagine what kids will do in schools when their Friends families find themselves having to make a choices between sally's jeans or eating.

I think this is why many places have gone to "uniforms", which is really a more strict dress code in mnay areas. Have you been to a high school campus lately? SCARY!!

I agree withe the person who said sloppy dress = sloppy thinking. How serious can you be about learning when you're pants are below your butt crack, and you look like you jsut rolled out of bed?

I'm pretty sure that's not true, I'd say it's about 50/50 around here.

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Thanks, BlueSkeyes. But I wish to clarify something, this is the ideology presented by my son's school. I did not personally make it up. The thought is that the process of preparing oneself for school with dress is in effect preparing one's mind to get ready for the day of learning. As I said, I realize that it would be "over the top" for many....but I do believe that there is validity in it. That said, it doesn't not mean that EVERY sloppy dresser has sloppy thinking or that a sloppy dresser can't get straight A's....just that taken on the whole, clean and neat dress is conducive to learning in general.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

My big problem is with this quote!!! It's about the goofiest thing I have ever heard. Do those people live in the US????

Our school went to uniforms two years ago and it's been great. I thought I'd have a lot of hassle with my daughter, (she likes a lot of glitz on her clothes!) but I have had none! They're all wearing the same thing, so it is not any problem at all to pull on her khaki pants and white polo -- and we have school hoodies and fleece tops which most of the kids wear over their white shirts. Mornings have never been smoother!

I think the uniforms allow the children's personalities to shine. There is NO talk about who bought what where and how much it cost. There is NO talk about who has what and who doesn't. It is so much easier to hear and see the children behind the clothes. It has been refreshing, and we have all learned a lot about each other.

I agree...

It has been a series of ignorant statements.
I truly would not complain as much as I have.. had they sent out the "survey" requiring EVERY parent to return it.

The letter attached was a we just want opinions. Next thing we hear is that we are getting uniforms. Whoa... what happen to getting opinions. How about.... The school boards is going to inact uniforms and we want to so what you think.
There was nothing said after the survey, just a letter sent home saying we have uniforms next year. We were taken by surprise. The school board is 5 people.

I don't think it's feasible to require EVERY parent to return a survey - that just isn't going to happen and I'm sure your school board and administration is experienced enough to know that.

You commented on how great your schools are/have been otherwise. My tendency would be to have some faith and trust in them as a result of their past performance. Further, you've received a fair amount of positive feedback on uniforms here from personal perspectives. Hopefully, you can give the uniforms a fair shot and even if you don't fully support it, realize that it's relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. I would also try to keep your dissatisfaction with the policy away from the kids...but all that is just my humble opinion.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

The school where I work is a voluntary uniform school. Some of the schools in our district have uniforms, some do not.

We've tried to send the survey out to the parents every few years, and it basically gets voted down because it must pass with 66% approval by the parents, and un-returned surveys are counted as a NO.

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We went with uniforms 2 years ago and I HATE them. They are more expensive for me because the kids have to have 2 sets of clothes. They have casual clothes and uniforms.

While you can find cheaper clothes for younger kids, its no bargain for high school kids and kids who wear adult sizes.

We never fought about clothes before, and now everyday its a battle. Our battle is over logos. The logo clothes fit better than the non logo clothes, so every morning I have to do a logo check to make-sure they aren't wearing anything with a logo.

As for the rich vs poor argument. Don't kid yourself. The kids still know and most onlookers can tell too. The poor kids are wearing cheaper uniforms and wearing them more often so they look worn while the rich kids wear new uniforms and better quality so they look nicer.

My biggest gripe is that is only for the kids. At our schools the teachers still wear jeans and tee shirts, short skirts and low cut tops and the worst, sweats with writing across the rear. I resent the fact that I am now buying uniforms and teachers are wearing Juicy across their rear end.

We had a family who tried to sue and the school board in turn sued them and won and now the family is paying $40,000 to the school board.

Our school board also was very sneaky and underhanded in how they handled it and pretty much lost the respect of most of the parents.

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I didn't read all the post but no, I haven't challenged my school board for/against uniforms. Would I? You bet. I would NOT want them. If I am paying for private school and they are required, then it would be my choice to send my children to that school and have them wear the uniform. If it's public school (which ours are), I would be against it. A public school that my kids have to attend (unless I want to fork over big $$$ for private school or home school) should not have the right to tell me that my child must wear a uniform. Just my take on it. I know a lot of parents would disagree. I know as a child, I would have hated uniforms. It bothers me when everyone looks the same. I would opt out of them

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I think part of the disagreement in this thread is over exactly what is meant when someone says "uniform". To me, there's a couple of different options for school uniforms.

There's what I would call a true uniform. That's specific clothing that must be a specific brand, bought at a specific store, etc. In general, these tend to be more expensive, as there's less (or no) competition.

Another option is what the schools near me call "standardized dress". This is the "navy or kahki pants, white, green or blue polo shirt, no logos....". Basically, this allows families to shop in various stores (and clearance racks), but clothing that fits their children (and budgets) and still gives many of the stated benefits of having students all in the same basic clothing.

The district I am in went to standardized dress this school year. At first, most of the kids didn't like it...at least the high school students that I spoke with. But, that's not surprising as they students I interact with generally don't like changes in things, specifically that put more restrictions on them. However, one particularly thoughtful student, did offer up that she thought that student body, overall, looked pretty good. After an adjustment period, she prefers the standardized dress. She's not convinced it has any real effect on student behavior/performance, but she thinks that everyone looks nicer and appreciates that.

Personally, I can understand the arguments for standardized dress policies in the public schools. I'm not certain that all of the stated benefits are actually achieved in most circumstances. I also like that standardized dress gives students and families more flexibility, especially when it comes to buying clothing at reduced prices or in sizes and cuts that will fit students who's body styles are outside of the norm.

That said, I would highly disagree with imposing true uniforms on public school students. This could easily impose a hardship on the lower income families or require the schools to spend money to provide reduced of free uniforms to these families. And, as I've stated above, I'm not convinced that all of the benefits that are said to come from uniforms are actually achieved in many cases.

Again having had to wear a uniform from going to catholic school I did not like them at all. However my parents paid for the school tuition and part of the policy of the school was the uniforms. We all really looked alike especially back then in the 70's I am sure by now the uniforms have become more fashionable and there are more choices with colors. However my kids have always attended schools where we have no uniform polices and I would be againist it 100 percent, however it is my view. I think we are all unique individuals and should be able to dress comfortable and reflect our personalities. Again the statement about sloppy dress, sloppy mind, I do not agree, again my personal views. All my children have always been straight A students and never once ever gotten into trouble. Now I am not saying to come to school in rags or dirty . However we should judge from the inside and not the outside. Peace. Catherine

I think that for those who are in favor of uniforms, that is precisely the point. They don't want kids being judged or ostracized by other kids because they aren't wearing the 'right' brand.

Some people just can't let it go, can they? Grrrr....

gt0163 - good explanation! i like the standarized dress policy....i don't think i'd like it if the clothes had to be specific items purchased at a specific place.

we really have a lot of leeway with my boys. In fact, some of them have a contest to find the ugliest suitcoat within the dress code. my son's friend won with a really gaudy plaid one that he got at the Salvation Army. my son's favorite tie was a Star Wars one.... so lots of opportunity to express oneself.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

wowitsdark sadly in todays standards and times, many many children are judged by the clothes they wear. Whether the children come from a so called rich family who can well afford their children all the brand labels. Or on the other side of the fence, children whose parents cannot afford brand labels. Personally from gone through 2 teenagers and one my youngest who will be 17 come May, girls are the worst and are mostly judged by their clothing. Having raised our children to know the value of a dollar and also because we are liberal and also because all my children dress hippy and old style 60 and 70 style clothing it is not a problem for them. Also because they are so used to Mom and Dad shopping with our favorite boyfriend here Mr. Clarence aka Mr. Clearance lol, they have learned to shop for the sale items. Now they all love to get alot of their clothing from the the Goodwill store and love to hunt for bargains. So again while it may not be a tie and dress shirt, underneath is basically 3 really good kids. Whom me and my husband hope are sincerely judged for inside and not outside. Again if you love uniforms and are happy so be no problem, life is about personal choices. Heck at this point my husband is 100 percent rock and roll and has been a rebel all his life, so easy going hardly hardly ever ever gets dressed up. Jeans and tee-shirts, goatee, likes longer hair. But he has been working for his family business for 28 years now. Which is building homes and someday my son will follow in his steps. For those who have seen pics of my ds Tommy he does have extremely long hair, does have 2 piercings and 2 tattoo's but again those are all on the outside. What sure be more important in the inside. Outside you could see a very professional man dressed to the T shirt and tie so well groomed and inside could be just a jerk.Of course that is not for all, there are many well groomed men who are so nice and wonderful and the same goes for the so called sloppy dress who are jerks as well. Again it is all about personal choice and to each his own.. Peace. Catherine

In one of the schools my children have attended, the question of uniforms was put to a vote, and more parents wanted uniforms than not.

I've experienced both, and while uniforms have it's pluses, I personally prefer non uniforms (as in certain color pants, shirts, etc)

The school my children currently attend does not have dress uniform rules, but I expect that to change soon.

To answer the OP, no I never protested, but I wish you luck if you decide to go for it.

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l/ l/ l/
Dont go through life,
GROW through life

Real eyes...realize...real lies.

Of course a person's character is more important than their outward appearance but people can't see the 'inside' of another person so they judge them based on outward appearance. People form impressions based on how others dress and act. Sometimes the impressions are accurate and sometimes appearances are misleading but how one presents himself to the world will help determine how he's treated. It may not be fair but it's usually true.