BuffettNews.com

Our district is re-visiting this idea . . .

Did YOU wear one? Did/do your keets? What are your thoughts?

tikitatas wrote:Our district is re-visiting this idea . . .

Did YOU wear one? Did/do your keets? What are your thoughts?

I wish our district would go to them! Several charter schools in the district have them.

You know, I didn't like the idea when my son started first grade and they had uniforms. After a few months, I loved it. The uniforms weren't as expensive as I thought they would be and his "regular clothes" stayed clean and in good shape for a lot longer. He also learned how to dress appropriately for different engagements. When we went out to dinner, he would wear slacks and a collared shirt because he realized it was a treat. I think it helped him understand that it's a good thing to get dressed up to go out and that jeans and a t-shirt are not always appropriate.

Cate,

Our district wears uniforms...but they differ somewhat from site to site...mainly in shirt colors. This year they decided that "jeans" could be considered uniforms since so many of the kids were wearing them.

I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. So many of the parents at one of my schools opt out that it is difficult to tell there is a uniform policy. At my other site most of the kids are in uniform. Both schools are very low income and they can trade in uniforms when for new ones when they outgrow them.

In this day and age when some of the "fashion" styles are so outrageous, the uniforms are nice to see. But part of me rebels at being told I HAVE to wear this certain look. I'm not sure I would have liked that when I was in school...but then again I wouldn't have been caught dead in some of the stuff kids are wearing today. It is amazing what kids try to get away with wearing, even in elementary school. But even if they opt out of the uniform policy, they still have to abide by the dress code, which is pretty strict.


Hmmmm, after all that I'm not sure I helped you.

I never wore one.

My keet never wore them.


And I have mixed feelings about them. I see the good and bad.

aaaaah, fond memories of catholic school girls in uniforms.....

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:aaaaah, fond memories of catholic school girls in uniforms.....

Was that from last night's dream/fantasy?

Victoria goes to Catholic school and wears a uniform. She has her choice of the school-pattern plaid or navy blue bottoms (very specific skirt, skort, pants, shorts guidelines) and either the school-green or white polo or blouse. Middle school students can add khaki bottoms to the uniform.

Guidelines are strict, even down to the socks. No knee socks (sorry guys to ruin your fantasy ) must be white, black, or navy blue and cover the ankle. No athletic-style socks. Shoes must be of a neutral color (no pinks, purples, etc). Belts are required for everyone 4th grade and up. No hoodies or sweatshirts, except for the school-issue sweatshirt. Shirts must be tucked in and everything must be worn "properly." Kids are subject to random, frequent, uniform checks, and believe me, not a single student wants Principal Byrnes to call home.

My opinion on uniforms is a resounding YES! I spend about $150 a year, max, on new school clothes for Victoria. There is also a "recycled uniforms" sale every year on the first few days of school and you can pick up many items at a deep discount. She has basically been able to reuse most of the clothes I bought her in K and 1st grade, only replacing a few items here and there, and uniform clothing is built to last.

I firmly believe it breaks down the socioeconomic barrier when it comes to clothing, and gives everyone an even playing field from the get-go. Kids aren't distracted by 'fashion' and are more focused toward schoolwork.

So, those are my thoughts.

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:aaaaah, fond memories of catholic school girls in uniforms.....

Was that from last night's dream/fantasy?

just my high school days....

Mal, I agree with your thought of using uniforms to help break down that socioeconomic barrier...but while it sounds like Victoria's school is pretty strict about "accessories" (shoes, sweatshirts and stuff), not all private schools are, even the parochial ones. At least that is what I've found in Cali. You could still tell the haves from the have nots simply by their shoes, jewelry and the like. Kinda defeats the purpose.

Private/parochial schools can enforce the uniform policy, but in public schools they do have the right to opt out. Most of the time the kids don't really care if they have to wear a uniform or not, it is mainly the parents who want their kid to be "noticed". These often are the same parents who bleach or dye their 8 year old son's hair.

Uniforms are a good thing for school.
It better not be the only good thing.

Brown Eyed Girl wrote: You could still tell the haves from the have nots simply by their shoes, jewelry and the like. Kinda defeats the purpose.

Shoes are about the only deciding factor at her school. Brand name vs. not brand name. Jewelry is allowed minimally. Boys can have one necklace and that's it. For girls, one pair of earrings (non dangly, non hoop) and a necklace. No bracelets, no anklets, etc.

Her school is very well managed by the principal who knows all the kids by name (only about 20 kids per class, PreK-8, 2 classes each). She makes the rules and enforces them with the help of her staff, and it's that simple. Uniforms are only one piece of that puzzle.

I went to Catholic school so yep uniforms and the ugliest ones made.
My kids went to private school, my daughter all 12 years boys just til 6th grade.
When my daughter got out of school she went thru some horrible clothes phases. She did a punk/almost goth thing and seemed to have really bad clothes taste. This could be because of the uniforms or it could be that she just has bad clothing sense. For my sons it was a good thing, esp. when they were younger but they hated them. My one son always had uniform violations, mostly like he couldn't keep a shirt tucked in.
For parents they are a great thing. It's so much easier to say this is what you wear today. Around here they are popular in inner city type schools with alot of problems. They seem to cut down on that stuff.

My keet was in High School when the uniform rule began in public schools here...so not effected. However when she was in K-3, she was in a private school...and had to wear uniforms. Its was wonderful. No struggles about what to wear to school...and once she got there, all the kids were on the same playing field.... I am all for it!

I played football in high school so yes, I wore a uniform.

They might as well wear uniforms, they all dress the same already.

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:aaaaah, fond memories of catholic school girls in uniforms.....

I wore one throughout all of my school years...and LOVED it! No worries about setting clothes out the night before or freaking out cause you can't decide what to wear...for girls at least...it was much easier! The only decision I had to make was what color sweater and socks to wear...I could choose from blue or green!

I am old enough to remember public school with collar shirt requirements, no jeans and if a boy didn't wear a belt you had to "rent" one from the office for the day for 25 cents.

My kids go to Catholic school like Mal's. Dress code is a lot easier on our kids and I LOVE IT. Navy or khaki pants, shorts, skorts, skirts. 5 colors of polo shirts. Shirt tucked in, belt required. Not only does it DRASTICALLY keep our clothing costs in line, it really seems to even the playing field between the vast array of socio-economic backgrounds in our school. I wouldn't have it any other way.

They have "Jeans Day" every now and then. For fifty cents to whatewver is the project of the day, you can wear jeans.

Cubbie Bear wrote:I am old enough to remember public school with collar shirt requirements, no jeans and if a boy didn't wear a belt you had to "rent" one from the office for the day for 25 cents.

Except for the belt, that's how it was when I was in school too. It wasn't until my senior year in high school that girls were allowed to wear pants to school.

I think uniforms are an EXCELLENT idea; my nieces go to a private (catholic) school and wear uniforms. They don't seem to mind and they LOOK adorable! It's an all-girls school though, so that might make a difference in them not minding as much. Life is easier for both mothers and kids' with uniforms in the mornings!

I teach at a public school in Miami and the students wear uniforms. They can either wear a green or white polo shirt with khaki pants. It is the best policy they have done. I always thought when I was a kid, I would hate it if they made us wear uniforms, but that is because I was fortunate enough to have parents who made a decent living wage. When I was young I wasn't concerned with that stuff. I have taught at schools that they didn't have uniform policies and it caused a lot of problems between students. It is too easy to bully someone based on the cloths they wear.