School uniforms

Little ibd's school has uniforms that they buy from www.frenchtoast.com or if you go navy or khaki bottoms they sell things like this at kmart, target and walmart. I have found the frenchtoast shirts reasonable ($7-$10). Dont forget that you dont have to argue in the mornings about what to wear. It is done for you. As far as a second wardrobe, I just buy less play clothes....I love love love uniforms

I found it much cheaper with uniforms. Yes you still have to buy other clothes but even so we saved money. My kids loved them. I highly recommend the uniforms. They wore khaki or navy pants & skirts with oxford cloth shirts in white or powder blue. Easy and cheap. Target and JCPenney carried everything we needed.

Uniforms- I find it cheaper too. If the other parent is worried about the upfron cost, only buy 2-3 days worth and do the laundry during the week, then add more pieces gradually.

I attended private school and I recall the talk of going to uniforms. They were talking about us having to wear navy blazers and white button downs. We really disliked that. However, looking back, I think we students would have accepted kahki pants and a standard white or blue collered golf shirt.

I think parents will spend much more money on trendy school clothing if students are not required to have uniforms. Give the parents a guideline, and let them choose where they want to purchase their clothes. I also think one of the biggest distractions in school is trends set by kids fashions. Not only is it a distraction, but it is also a stressful event as a kid, trying to fit in by purchasing the "right" styles and brands. Not every kid's parents are able to afford the trendy stuff as the seasons change. You don't see the football players getting to choose their own styles, nor do you see that with any of the high school team sports. Keep it simple.

In summary, I am 100 % for school uniforms and I do not see how it costs more money. I think it will actually cost less. The one downside which I see from making the kids were uniforms is that it teaches them to follow the orders from the higher ups, walk the straight and narrow (discipline), and that can stifle free thinking, and be rather dangerous depending on who their leaders are in life.

SJ has a good point- uniforms truly "level out" the social and economic playing fields which sadly exist even as young as kindergarten thanks to the marketing efforts of retailers. Once middle school hits, the girls become consumed about the right clothes and accessories, and it really is a distraction that can be tempered a bit with uniforms.

The uniforms may also make outsiders who come onto school premises stand out a bit, so that it is easier to spot them and have them leave the property. (I'm referring to kids who don't belong at that particular school)

SJ has a good point- uniforms truly "level out" the social and economic playing fields which sadly exist even as young as kindergarten thanks to the marketing efforts of retailers. Once middle school hits, the girls become consumed about the right clothes and accessories, and it really is a distraction that can be tempered a bit with uniforms.

Though unless you mandate a single vendor for the uniforms, by the time they hit middle school, the girls are subtle enough to figure out whether the polo shirt came from Ralph Lauren or Walmart. Same goes for accessories and shoes, even if they're limited to specific types.

I went to an economically mixed K-8 Catholic school, and by third grade or so, you knew what the economic playing field was, even if it was sussing it out by things like what Carrie's mom brought in for a treat on her birthday.

I totally agree with you SJ. At the moment, I don't have children in school, but i remember going into South Walton High a few years ago and I was shocked that the girls wore super small skirts and tank tops:shock: . It was a far cry from what my son was used to seeing in school. He had absolutely no problem with it at all.
But i do think it's a distraction from education--looking at scantily clad young girls is not a real big help to an already struggling young man. And the pressure for girls is way up there already by that age too.

No complaints at all here. If it weren't for uniforms, I'd NEVER hear the end of request for "the Right" clothes!! As for coming from the same place, ECMS (tops) all come from the same place, as they do for my sister's kids in another district.
Speaking from a teacher's point of view, the kids were much better in uniforms when we made the change. Dress down days were crazy, the kids where more in a "play" mode than school mode. It really makes a difference.

It's just like many jobs require a certain degree of dress (not necessarily a uniform) when you get off, you change clothes. Change attitudes, work is work and then play is..........

Though unless you mandate a single vendor for the uniforms, by the time they hit middle school, the girls are subtle enough to figure out whether the polo shirt came from Ralph Lauren or Walmart. Same goes for accessories and shoes, even if they're limited to specific types.

I went to an economically mixed K-8 Catholic school, and by third grade or so, you knew what the economic playing field was, even if it was sussing it out by things like what Carrie's mom brought in for a treat on her birthday.

Yes, I agree Beachmouse that it does start to disintegrate as the kids get older, but still, at first glance, the kids look similar, and is still much better than no uniform policy.

Will's school in Louisville had 1300 kids from all over the city. The uniforms were the only constant - and thankfully they had that. Our principal there told me that the uniform policy was a disciplinary help as well- the ol' institutional concept, where there was a clear distinction between the students and the faculty.

Thanks for all the good input! I'm actually pro-uniform for lots of selfish reasons, first and foremost that my kids and I wouldn't have to think anymore about what to wear every day. L'il Pod #1 goes to uniforms next year when he enters high school, so it would be an easy transition for me to make the switch with all the kids in the same year.
beachmouse, you make a good point, albeit a sad one. I know there's some truth to what you're saying. I did some research this afternoon, and it's interesting--there doesn't seem to be any clearcut, across the board evidence that is strongly pro-uniform. It's anecdotal, and schools see varying results after implementing the policy. I still like it, though.

And look! We made your deadline with time to spare!! What other issues do you need help with today? We're your go-to group!!

And look! We made your deadline with time to spare!! What other issues do you need help with today? We're your go-to group!!

I know! :clap_1: Well, I definitely have issues...let me think about which other ones I might need to air today... :scratch:

Thanks for all the good input! I'm actually pro-uniform for lots of selfish reasons, first and foremost that my kids and I wouldn't have to think anymore about what to wear every day. L'il Pod #1 goes to uniforms next year when he enters high school, so it would be an easy transition for me to make the switch with all the kids in the same year.
beachmouse, you make a good point, albeit a sad one. I know there's some truth to what you're saying. I did some research this afternoon, and it's interesting--there doesn't seem to be any clearcut, across the board evidence that is strongly pro-uniform. It's anecdotal, and schools see varying results after implementing the policy. I still like it, though.

This selfish mother says it was an absolute godsend having my children grow up in uniforms. Mornings are trying enough without worrying about clothing.

As to the "I have to buy two wardrobes" issue, that's a lot of hooey. Alex and Philippa made it through high school with exactly:

2 new pairs of uniform pants each year
2 new pairs of uniform polos each year
1 or 2 sweatshirts every other year (they don't wear out)

THAT'S IT. Tell me how this translates into two wardrobes. Gimme a break. :roll:

Sorta late here, but I have REALLY enjoyed three years of uniforms. With 16 regular school days left, I weep with fondness every time I wash a purple shirt.

River Otter told me to tell everyone else
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Uniforms :clap_1:

:roll: :roll: men!

River Otter told me to tell everyone else
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Uniforms :clap_1:

Teaching at a school with uniforms, it seems the kids really don't notice or mind the whole uniform thing. They still find ways to be creative and express themselves through their clothing. As a parent, it really makes our mornings easier.

I likey your tar, Hop! :clap_1: :clap_1:

River Otter told me to tell everyone else
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Uniforms :clap_1:

You so beat me to this

I likey your tar, Hop! :clap_1: :clap_1:

I don't have any school age kids but they started the school uniform route here about 3 years ago in the city schools. Seems to me alot easier and cheaper. Here most of the kids wear khaki or navy shorts or slacks, and wear white polo shirts. Very reasonably priced at Target or Walmart.

You so beat me to this

doesn't mean we can't audition some more...

I attended private school and I recall the talk of going to uniforms. They were talking about us having to wear navy blazers and white button downs. We really disliked that. However, looking back, I think we students would have accepted kahki pants and a standard white or blue collered golf shirt.

I think parents will spend much more money on trendy school clothing if students are not required to have uniforms. Give the parents a guideline, and let them choose where they want to purchase their clothes. I also think one of the biggest distractions in school is trends set by kids fashions. Not only is it a distraction, but it is also a stressful event as a kid, trying to fit in by purchasing the "right" styles and brands. Not every kid's parents are able to afford the trendy stuff as the seasons change. You don't see the football players getting to choose their own styles, nor do you see that with any of the high school team sports. Keep it simple.

In summary, I am 100 % for school uniforms and I do not see how it costs more money. I think it will actually cost less. The one downside which I see from making the kids were uniforms is that it teaches them to follow the orders from the higher ups, walk the straight and narrow (discipline), and that can stifle free thinking, and be rather dangerous depending on who their leaders are in life.

Bingo, uniforms are about control.

Bingo, uniforms are about control.

I have no problem with the contol aspect- it is all about respecting authority, the rules, and elders. Many kids have no boundaries or control at home, and I don't think it is a good thing for the kids to be "on the same level" as their authority figures. Kids crave a structure and flounder without rules and order in place. I don't think anyone's freedom of expression or creativity is stifled because they have to wear a uniform, or because they have to respect someone in a position of authority. The kids who want to express themselves will do it in many ways other than their clothes, and if kids and parents think that school clothes are an important form of self-expression, then they aren't very creative to begin with!