Does your PUBLIC school require uniforms? - Page 2

[kittywitty]

Ours does. I don't know if they all do here, but ours is an inner city one (if you consider this a city! ) so they all do in this particular area.

I agree with it. I have volunteered at schools and honestly, the way some parents dress/allow their kids to dress scares me to death. I don't think my kids need to go to school somewhere there are 7yo gils wearing Porn Star shirts.

[USAmma]

In our district some do and some don't. But yes, it's totally legal. I think the school board votes on it or something. The school down the street just switched to uniforms about two years ago. THe other school on the other street has free dress. The uniform schoo is in a much lower income level and I wonder if that has somethig to do with it.

My dd attends a public charter school and they have uniforms, too. I love it! I just bought her 3 uniforms last year and they are still in great shape and will be passed on to her sister. I just made sure to wash twice a week! She has lots of choices: skirts, shorts, skorts, pants, or pinafore/jumper. White or red shirts, polo or blouse. White or black shoes. In the winter pants or jumper/pinafore with tights. She has no problems with the uniform at all, but does enjoy the free dress days.

[serenetabbie]

Ours does not, but the district next to us does. I think it is great. There is a lot of flexibility in the dress code (moreso than the catholic school DS went to for a little while), no brand requirements and more than two colors to choose from. They also require clear backpacks. I would not have an issue with sending my child in the uniform if our district switched. They have assistance for low income families (about half of the enrollement in our districts), a swap program, and an opt out waiver.

[A&A]

Most charter schools (which are public) have uniforms. It's possible to push through in a public school, but it's not very popular.

Our public school has a strict dress code which requires PLAIN clothing (no screenprints, etc.) That is very hard to shop for! A uniform would be easier.

[jennlyn]

Many of the public elementary schools here have a uniform policy. If you really have a problem with it, you can ask for an exemption. I have found uniforms to be less costly than outfitting a child in whatever this year's style happens to be. Four polo shirts, a Friday school t-shirt, and 3-5 navy or khaki bottoms ( which I always find at thrift stores) and we are set . I do buy Lands' End polos as they are soft and hold up well for a long time. So for around 75.00 we are set as far as uniforms go. I know children who go to private schools and the uniforms are pricier as they have logos embroidered on the items. It makes getting dressed in the morning very simple. As far as people who don't like it, I look at it this way- if you worked in a hospital or were a police officer or even worked at Burger King, you'd have to wear a uniform. It is part of your job to show up wearing that uniform. Being a student is my children's job at this time in their lives. So if part of that means wearing a uniform, I have no problem with that. Uniforms make it easier for parents who are financially disadvantaged as there is uniform assistance available at school. It also means less pressure for those parents to provide whatever brand name item is hot at the moment, though it doesn't totally alleviate that pressure. I had a friend who went to an exclusive all girls school. Yes, they wore uniforms, but they had to have designer purses, shoes and expensive make-up.

[CarrieMF]

As far as people who don't like it, I look at it this way- if you worked in a hospital or were a police officer or even worked at Burger King, you'd have to wear a uniform. It is part of your job to show up wearing that uniform.

True BUT most jobs do not have uniforms, alot of them the company pays for, or you can write it off as an employment expense. With the number of people who complain society tries to make kids grow up too fast, is using that adults with certain jobs wear uniforms as a reason to justify uniforms in schools is a questionable justification(generally speaking, not specificaly to you).

though it doesn't totally alleviate that pressure. I had a friend who went to an exclusive all girls school. Yes, they wore uniforms, but they had to have designer purses, shoes and expensive make-up.

excatly, kids will always find a way to divide themselves up into classes/groups. It is part of human nature, adults do it all the time & kids pick up on it so they in turn do it. On some level adults do base immediate opinions on what others are wearing. Once they talk to a person & get to know them their opinion may change, but we divide other adults into groups all the time. Even here at MDC.

I don't really by the "easier to pick clothes in the morning" as a valid justification either. My kids seem to have no problems knowing what they want to wear. The only times it is a fight for them to pick is if they're tired because they didn't get enough sleep & that issue would be there with uniforms.

[MiaPia]

Our public schools have a uniform (they call it "standard attire")- any shade of blue or khaki pants/skirt/skort/shorts/capris (shorts/skirts must be fingertip length) and a collared shirt or turtleneck in white or blue. Plus all the individual school allow anywhere from 1 to 5 additional colors of shirts. All shirts must be tucked in, logos no more than 3", and clothes no more than 1 size too big or too small.

However there are provisions in place for families who cannot afford to dress their kids in the standard attire. There is also an "opt-out" for religious reasons.

My kids go to private school, but if they went to public school I would STILL be in favor of uniforms.

[jennlyn]

Carrie,
I live in an area where many of the schools are comprised of a large percentage of children who receive free lunch. To get free lunch in my state, your income must be below a certain level ( determined by how many people are in your family.) I feel that in areas where many parents are already struggling financially, school uniforms make it far easier for parents to clothe their children for school. The can also be handed down amongst families. The school also collects uniform donations and many organizations collect uniforms and school supplies to donate to families who may not otherwise be able to afford them. So perhaps when I say it is "easier" to get dressed in the morning I am thinking of those who may not be able to afford lots of choices for their children. No one can make fun of you for wearing the same item too many times when you're wearing a uniform. I think this can keep the children from judging a book based on the cover. Perhaps they can then learn to get to know someone before they make judgement.

[Hannahsmummy]

Well, I live in the UK and all schools here have uniforms unless they are alternative schools such as our Waldorf school. The uniforms here are often quite formal as well.
I am sort of on the fence about it. I can see the benefits-no social stigma tied up in clothing issues, no class/status seperation, less cost for parents, less time getting ready in the morning. It all sounds good but the whole uniform thing just rubs me the wrong way on an emotional level.

I really like that my daughter gets to be an individual and express herself through her clothes.

Could be that I went to uniform schools and hated them with a passion. So, maybe I am just projecting!

Originally Posted by serenetabbie

They also require clear backpacks.

What's up with that??
That would really really bother me for so many reasons. I assume it's to keep an eye on what kids are bringing to school?

[Teensy]

Why are uniform colors never pink or purple!

Pink is one of the uniform colors at my son's elementary school!

It's a public school and the "uniform" is solid navy, white, kelly green, pink or khaki clothes. No logos bigger than one inch square (except school t-shirts). Many of the public schools in our area have uniforms so the discount stores have lots of clothes that fit the requirements.

I would have hated a uniform as a student, but I like it as a mom.

[doulatara]

My daughter's school requires they wear a white shirt and navy bottoms. I can't stand it. I can't even keep a white blouse clean, and my daughter stains her's on a daily basis. I find it very odd that her school is an ART school, and yet they are not able to express themselves through their clothes....not too mention the fact that white clothing and most art projects don't mix!

It really does not make our lives easier. In the summer or on weekends, my daughter chooses her own outfits, it doesn't matter if they match, and it's a quick process. During the school year we are constantly hunting for the white shirts without food stains, paint or clay all over it. I am constantly pushing the envelope w/ the uniform because I could care less about the rule, so we get lots of notes sent home.

[californiajenn]

I like uniforms. My dd attends a charter school and the uniform is khaki or navy skirts, capri's, cargo's, or pants, a plaid jumper, and white, light blue, or navy tops. It makes getting dressed so much easier in the morning. It used to take forever for her to choose something, now it's whatever is clean.

I was weird in high school b/c I wanted uniforms! ...I was lazy. :-)

[USAmma]

The kids in my dd's school express their individuality through their work and art and from what I can tell they don't feel deprived of that. They also express through hairstyles (within reason). It does make it so much easier for us all to have her get dressed and get to school. I let her pick what style of uniform she wants from all the choices. This year she chose all pinafores and blouses. She does not like pants or shorts. See? She still has some control over her dress.

[oliversmum2000]

i am so glad that next year my ds starts reception, as he is the pickiest dresser ever, he insists on wearing his costumes to nursery all the time although he can only do that on a friday, and if he cannot wear those he is extremely specific about what he wears, he wants tracksuit bottoms with a stripe or jeans or a certain style of top : he is only 4!!! i have no idea where he gets this from as dh, elder ds and i go for comfort every time and otherwise dont fuss.

in september in reception he will where his uniform and it will be simple, and as a bonus he seems to be excited about wearing it and being a big boy like his brother - thanks goodness

i think uniforms provide a sense of belonging and avoid stress with regard to clothes. i also think children get a better understanding of the distinction between home and school when there are different clothes for each, which i think helps them to settle and work more at school.

i think home clothes at nursery has been one of the reasons why my ds was somewhat of a challenge in nursery....

[alegna]

Most here do. I hate it. It's a huge reason I will be homeschooling.

-Angela

[oliversmum2000]

what makes you feel so anti school uniform angela?

[alegna]

Originally Posted by oliversmum2000

what makes you feel so anti school uniform angela?

I feel that it's a way to "put children in their place" It really does not sit well with me. Individual freedoms and choices are very important to me. I'm deeply disturbed that we are brainwashing the huge majority of our society's children to conform at such a young age.

-Angela

[bobandjess99]

They started requiring them here a few years ago, just a couple shools at first (it was each individual schools choice) and now at this point, I'd say well over half the schools have gone to uniforms. The catholic schools, which abound here, also have uniforms, as well as the secular private schools, so virtually all students now wear uniforms in our town.

[Chinese Pistache]

Originally Posted by USAmma

The kids in my dd's school express their individuality through their work and art and from what I can tell they don't feel deprived of that. They also express through hairstyles (within reason). It does make it so much easier for us all to have her get dressed and get to school. I let her pick what style of uniform she wants from all the choices. This year she chose all pinafores and blouses. She does not like pants or shorts. See? She still has some control over her dress.

These are the benefits I see with uniforms, as well. Also, I think it would avoid an unnecessary preoccupation with being "in-style" and wearing the "right" brands. And I could see that it would make socio-economic status much less conspicuous, giving all the kids a chance to thrive without the stigmas related to being poor.

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by Hannahsmummy

What's up with that??
That would really really bother me for so many reasons. I assume it's to keep an eye on what kids are bringing to school?

That's pretty common, even when uniforms are not required. With all the school shootings, I think they are just being extra careful.

Originally Posted by oliversmum2000

i think uniforms provide a sense of belonging and avoid stress with regard to clothes. i also think children get a better understanding of the distinction between home and school when there are different clothes for each, which i think helps them to settle and work more at school.

i think home clothes at nursery has been one of the reasons why my ds was somewhat of a challenge in nursery....

I agree. When I was in high school, I had to buy all my own clothes. I had no help, and my parents didn't buy me clothes. So I got made fun of a lot for wearing the same things year after year, even if they didn't fit. Or they weren't the "right brand".

Many people at my school were rich enough to appear to never wear the same outfit twice. Most schools offer a uniform store to help give kids uniforms at least second hand when they can't afford it. That would have been a great relief for me.