Just last year this was a hot topic at our school. They even wanted teachers to wear a uniform. There were two reasons why this did not go to an all parent vote-which would have been the next step, the people who wanted them all took positions elsewhere this year and we have a very high non citizen population that is constantly moving in and out of the district thus making it difficult. I was not in favor of uniforms for our school's needs but even if you just use a uniform code of plain clothes, it seems to make the changes a lot of people need to see before switching to uniforms and without the expense of purchasing clothes that are in addition to the clothes children want to wear. Anyway, once we did the parent survey and got a majority approval, we were to contact the district for further evalution but were told that this was only a formality and would have been approved. If you know someone on the school board, you might ask their opinion or are they the ones wanting you to do the pilot?
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
The adjacent county to us has mandatory uniforms for the whole county. Plus, in our county, there are MANY of the public elementary schools who have mandatory uniforms (I would guess half of them do). This was just implemented in the past 4 years or so.
As far as the expense, I almost think that eventually they're cheaper because my child, for example (and we go to private school with uniforms) only owns 4 skirts and 4 blouses TOTAL for her uniform. That's it. And we have a uniform closet with $2 uniforms.
We do have shoe guidelines but I wouldn't imagine most public schools are quite as strict as we are. For example, they can't wear hot pink tennis shoes or brightly colored ones. They can't wear clogs or boots or sandals, etc.
Another thing to consider is if you want to have guidelines on outerwear i.e.: when it's cold outside, do they have to wear coats/jackets of a particular color or can they wear their hot pink fleece over their uniform. Just something to consider.
The only CONS that we have read about and seen on the surveys we've received are:
1) It takes away from the children's individuality and personality. Not only are we breeding the next doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, etc...but also the next artists, painters, musicians, dancers...etc... Uniforms make children think you HAVE to be just like everyone else.
2) COST. But most of those individuals wrote on their comment box, "I can't afford uniforms and school clothes, too!" - but of course, they don't understand....
3) We even had one parent say that this was very similar to what Hitler did to the German children...!!???? We've gotten some that are extremely against.
I know there is no way to have 100% approval. But it's the process....I'm interested if anyone has been a partof that process....from start to finish.
There are so many other questions...what about shoes? Do you limit shoe color? No markings on the scheos? (no stripes). Etc....
Our k-5 school has uniforms. They were introduced gradually. When my daughter was in K they were optional. By the time she was in 3 they were mandatory K-3, each year progessing, until they were mandatory schoolwide when she was in 5. It was easier to convince new parents, than to make the older ones change thier minds. Having it optional also made it easier to have uniforms to recycle. Surveys were sent out to parents, and our School Advisory Committee was charged with making the final decision. Good luck, as this is always an "interesting" discussion
We live in the Virgin Islands and all our public schools use school uniforms grade K-12. Sorry I didnt play a role in implementing the school uniform however I do know it is easier on the students and parents throughout the school year. I hope everything goes well with your "open forum". To be honest with you I dont know any cons against school uniform there are all pros.
Well, I was not involved in the decision but I'm very familiar with a public school that chose to go the uniform route. Since they have implemented uniforms, they have had less behavior problems and fights and grades are actually going up! As a kid, I never would have liked the idea but the results that I have witnessed are phenomenal. The biggest concern is the affordability aspect. Keep them simple and inexpensive, something they can pick up from a local store and not have to order. You will have to address the issue of families that cannot afford even the store options and perhaps build a budget for them to provide. There have been topics on this board regarding an exchange where old uniforms are donated and recycled but that will take at least a year before you have something to recycle.
