School uniforms

[peapod1980]

Our school is considering going to a formalized dress code next year; it is a public school, but there has been a lot of parental interest. One meeting was held with lots of parents supporting it, a second is scheduled tonight, and I am hearing the parents opposed are planning to make their voices heard this go-round. One parent is making the--I'm assuming common--argument that this route is more expensive because she'll have to buy 2 wardrobes. I'm of the mindset that uniforms must end up being less expensive in the long run, but I wouldn't be a parent who'd buy 2 complete wardrobes anyway. Anyone have experience or input with this? Responses before 6 p.m. CST, please.

 

[InletBchDweller]

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

 

[Cheering472]

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.

 

[Jdarg]

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.

 

[Smiling JOe]

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.

 

[Jdarg]

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.

 

[Smiling JOe]

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)

 

[beachmouse]

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.

 

[sunspotbaby]

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.

 

[Beachmom]

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..........