Uniforms in public schools?

Parent Cafe
281

<p>My youngest daughter attends a public school with a uniform policy - Navy blue collared shirts, Khaki bottoms (pants, shorts, jumpers, etc). Very easy to find at many stores. On PE days they wear a plain navy t-shirt (that was the most difficult item to find - all the stores had shirts with logos or pictures on them) and navy sweat pants are optional (if they can find khaki sweats they can wear them, or they can wear khaki shorts). Hers is a magnet school, and most of the magnet schools have uniforms. The majority of kids take pride in wearing their “uniform” to school every day, and it reduces the distraction of a group of kids with a variety of outfits. There are certain days, such as picture day, when they can wear clothing of their choice - and still many wear their uniform (my daughter chose to do so, and says many of her classmates do as well, not their parents).</p>

<p>This is in a city where there is universal free lunch because the vast majority of kids would qualify anyway, and her school is not exception. The school does encourage parents to pass old uniforms along (though in many cases there are several siblings, so they stay within the families). Parents of multiple children like it because the kids don’t complain about hand-me-downs as much. The younger kids don’t care about having little choice, because the clothes were not picked by the older sibling. Kids have an opportunity each year to earn a Gym shirt with the school logo on it by completing a run in PE each month - not in a specific time, just complete the run.</p>

<p>As long as the uniforms are not particularly restrictive, I think they are great even in public schools. They give a greater sense of belonging, and reduce distractions. I won’t argue that they cost less, but a good policy can be written such that it won’t cost more than “regular” clothes.</p>

282

<p>While I understand the arguments in favor of uniforms, I would still argue that they can be a hardship, particularly for families that don’t own washing machines. Black or khaki pants have to be laundered more frequently and as a rule don’t last as long as jeans. I think public school systems need to think very carefully about imposing rules that might provide further impediments to attendance for the very kids these rules are supposed to help.</p>

283

<p>Americans don’t know how to implement uniforms. Here are some Singaporean ones. I have fond memories of school identity and the different textures and colour schemes lighting up the mass transit systems and the hawker markets afterschool. A good school uniform creates a stronger sense of solidarity than a silly mascot or whatever-- did I mention how good it looks during sports events?</p>

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<p>Also I remember when I was young I would crush hard on people in uniforms. If you do it right they are quite lovely!</p>

284

<p>Also school uniforms in Singapore are implemented for every school, government-run, independent, or aided. My school would outsource to mom and pop uniform supply stores. But I believe if they are implemented in one school they should be implemented city-wide.</p>

285

<p>Re: #283</p>

<p>Seems like some of the uniforms being modeled by the kids in Singapore look like they are cut as if they were for obese adults, rather than skinny kids in school. Especially the ones [url=&lt;a href=“404 Error”&gt;404 Error]here[/url</a>].</p>

286

<p>They have to be loose-fitting if the kids are going to survive in the tropical air. :slight_smile: They are also made of a very breathable material to allow for ventilation. I do think a loose fit is kind of elegant (<a href=“http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/22851178%20-%2019_01_2012%20-%20BSFOSTER.jpg[/url]”>http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/22851178%20-%2019_01_2012%20-%20BSFOSTER.jpg&lt;/a&gt;).</p>

<p>My point is, uniforms can be very distinctive and unique. :)</p>

287

<p>Personally, I have a hard time with the idea that the government has the right to legislate what kind of prescription glasses my kid has to wear every day. (In one of the Singapore examples, dark frames, no transition lenses.)</p>

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<p>Although some of them seem to be a lot looser in the abdomen area (as if to accommodate American levels of adult obesity) than elsewhere.</p>

289

<p>Re: singapore uniforms. Didn’t they learn that you can wear saggy pants or baggy shirt but not both at the same time?</p>

290

<p>Not a fan of uniforms.</p>

<p>I am ready to speak up at my daughter’s school. Instituted a new dress code that is nazi-ish in my opinion. Skirts must be KNEE LENGTH - no more fingertip. No low cut shirts with cleavage or tight shirts in general.</p>

<p>Girls can’t wear cheer uniforms to school anymore and must wear Khaki’s on game days with a dress shirt - fun. :confused: </p>

<p>Seems they are targeting the girls and the female form in general. Not that girls should dress super provocative for school but baggy shirts and skirts to the knees are a little too strict for me. I guess it is jeans for my girls which will be agonizing as the end of August and most of September is usually hot.</p>

<p>I think this response is because suddenly skirts have become the rage. (relating this to the other thread)</p>

291

<p>Our two sons attended a school that required uniforms, K-8. I loved this because clothes were never an issue. No drama in the morning over what to wear; just put on your school polo and pants (in cold weather) or shorts (when warm). Done. It was also great for the budget. The school had a used uniform sale every summer, just before school began, which was always well-attended and a fun meet-and-greet before the new school year started.</p>

<p>Friends with girls told me they liked it because there was no more competition over clothes, girls whose families couldn’t afford a lot of stylish clothes never felt left out.</p>

292

<p>I totally agree with you I don’t find the point of uniforms in a public school, it is going to make kids feel more uncomfortable which will distract their learning. My district is trying to enforce uniforms and I totally oppose to it.</p>