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Monday, July 25, 2011

Uniformity

I recently joined a committee that is discussing the implementation of school uniforms in the public school district that my kids attend & I work in. 

Working in the middle school, I wholeheartedly agree that it would be wonderful - a vast improvement.  I see a wide range of clothing from sports type (Under Armor & team jerseys), to conservative (what most people would consider school appropriate) to hooker style (booty shorts, bra straps hanging out, thin strapped cammies, pants down under butts & underwear showing) and lets not forget the vast amount of 'boob-age'.  We live in an area with a diverse population, economically (60% of our school population receives free or reduced lunches), racially, socially, probably just about all of the 'ly's' that you could think of & it is somewhere in our school district. 

Teachers, Staff and Administration get all kinds of flack from kids not wanting to adhere to our dress code.  So, we'll know tomorrow (once our Board meets) if the gauntlet will fall.  We'll implement slowly - voluntary in September 2011; Mandatory tops (polo shirts with 3 colors to chose from) for 6th - 12th grades starting January 2012; Mandatory tops & bottoms (black & khaki chino style pants/knee-length Bermuda shorts or skirts) for Pre-K - 12th grades starting September 2012.

There are those studies that show that it's wonderful - it's helped with discipline, bullying, it's built a sense of team, and pride in schools.  The other side of the coin is that it squashes a student's diversity, their individuality.  I choose to believe that it will help our school.  I choose to believe that it will be a positive thing. 

The Lego King (entering 6th grade - with me.... mwaahhahahahha) and The Princess (entering 11th grade) aren't so sure about it.  I've tried to let them know how much easier it will be to get ready for school.  No matter what top they grab or what bottom they grab it will go together!  How easy would that be?  But they're still waffling.  It won't be a choice though.  I'm sure that it will be approved by the Board.  Technically school uniforms could cost about $100-125 for a set - 4 - $10-12 for bottoms (Walmart school uniforms) 2 pairs of shorts & 2 pairs of pants.  4 - $12-15 monogrammed tops (local school approved vendor).   I have heard that people spend TONS more.

I would like to have to wear school uniforms myself.  Some teachers & staff would balk - it's not in the contracts.  I know that I would personally save tons of money just on myself.

We'll see.  What do you think?  Uniforms or no?

Bye!  Love you!  Have a good day, Dear!

2 comments:

  1. I agree wholeheartedly. My son is entering middle school too (5th grade here). I'm dreading clothes shopping. Uniforms would make it SO much easier, and affordable. I hate trying to keep up with the "cool" kids. Middle school is such a difficult time for kids anyway - taking clothes out of the equation would have to make it easier...

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  2. I would totally wear a uniform just to not have to make a decision about what to wear every day. I think it's a good idea for the kids too. I think we'd spend a lot less on school clothes and just clothes in general in the long run.

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