What She or He want`s is out of the question.Once you turn your child over to the (Public School System),the child does not belong to you anyway.The social service watches it like a hawk.Your child is not personal your child is another brick in the wall.We see it all the time.May as well Uniform them like they are all the same and have no induviduality.What Skirts?You are a nobody in school anyway,why make it worse.At least when you were in (Private School),the Government wasn`t telling you to be like the person standing in line with you.You all need to go to (Outward Bound)for the summer.Appreation school.School is not a babysitting factory.Home School the child then you wont have to pay Taxes.Or didn`t you know what to do with the baby when You got pregnant.~Peace Glenna MacDonald~

I hate the idea of uniforms. I had 2 experiences with uniforms. First as a child. My brothers both went to Catholic School and of course that is the norm there. Being of the working poor my mother could only afford 2 outfits each. That meant doing laundry every other night. If she worked that night then it was a problem. Then getting all the pieces together and ironed. It just gave her more work then help.
Then last year my nephew lived with me and his school uniform policy just jumped into affect. Of course his mother could only afford 2 uniforms. I was doing laundry constantly as as soon as he got home he had to change out of his uniform using up 2 sets of clothes each day piling up more laundry for me to do. Then making sure it was all in order every morning. Then there were the days he left the tie on the bus. He also had to wear dress shoes so his Sunday shoes were tattered before October. More Money. I don't understand how that is considered a cheaper alternative. My gas, water and electricity bill doubled in that one month from all the laundry I was doing.
I think it's a parents job to make sure their child dresses appropriate. That starts with what a parent buys a child. A child dresses inappropriately because a parent allows it. We all get the handbook that states that middrifts, daisy dukes, colorful statements and offensive clothing are not allowed but it still walks out the front door. There will always be that conflict of better clothes as to who has money and who doesn't just by how crisp a uniform looks, how a child comes to school. A uniform doesn't hide much. Children can be cruel and they are taught by the best.
My son picks his own clothes every morning but I know what is in his closet. Walmart shoes jeans and shirts. One week he wore the same color shirt every day. Each had a different disney character. That was his choice of individuality. If he will just stop growing so fast they might make a school year.

I like the idea - I support the idea.
While my kindergardener isn't too concerned
with who is wearing what, I wouldn't have
to fight with him every morning to decide
what shirt he wants to wear today - yes, some
kids start this young (although not all of
them). In addition, getting picked on starts
at an early age - I remember being picked on
as far back as 2nd grade because of something
I was wearing. As for affording it - most
of the districts were talking about clothes
you can find at Wal-Mart or Target. In
addition, I'm sure that the Salvation Army
and other second hand stores carry the items.
Maybe the community can hold a clothing drive or monetary drive for those who cannot
afford the clothes. The school district may even offer funding as well for those who cannot afford it either.

KP

I am all for uniforms. You can complain complain complain about "cost" but 2 or 3 pairs of kahkis and a half dozen polo shirts are not going to break the bank. A pair of pants can be worn 2 or 3 times unless it gets really stained. Go to Kohls, thats where I do all my shopping, $8-$10 for a polo shirt and $25ish for a pair of kahkis. So, for say $100 or so you can have all the clothes the kid needs. I believe that if everybody wears uniforms in public schools that it cuts down on distractions and the kids pay better attention toi the teacher and not each other. And the kids look more professional which is a way to better prepair them for their future.

It does break the bank when that is all you have is a $100. No way can I afford to spend $25 on a pair of pants. I got his uniforms at Walmart. It cost $100 for the 2 shirts, 2 pants, black socks and oh yeah, the gym wear. Good thing I still had my son's dress shoes or else that would've been another $15.

Oh I forgot, we borrowed my neighbors tie as they were $15 at Walmart. It all adds up and really quick.

It may seem like a lot to someone who
is on a tight budget.But,in the long run
it's cheaper plan ahead if you can. I
know with all the higher UI,gas,etc.it's
not easy.
But,I do think it's better for the kids
to wear uniforms. Not necessarily do they
need to be in ties but,a pair of kahkis
and a polo I think is fine.

Personally,I don't think it should be up
to anyone to decide it should be the
school who says were changing the dress
code to be uniforms.
One reason why these kids today think
they can do whatever they want if
something doesn't go their way they'll
find some way to try and change it so
they get what they want.

I think there should be a dress code that still allows the child to express themselves. I mean a list of acceptable items the student can wear. Jeans with no holes, shirts with no logos, no ripped clothing, no thin straps on shirts for young ladies...etc....If a dress code is in place it needs to be enforced. Clothing, even "uniform" attire can be expensive so allowing parents to purchase clothing within their budget and also withinn the dress code requirements is I believe is a happy medium.

I'm a little confused..

Uniforms would be INSTEAD OF regular clothes, not in ADDITION TO...

I have two school-aged girls, and every fall we do the dreaded school-shopping.

I'm thinking a few khakis and logo-less shirts are going to be MUCH cheaper than what kids normally want to wear!

I wish District 4 would vote in uniforms!

I am only saying that a strict dress code would allow parents to purchase clothes that the child still likes to wear without forcing them to have to buy certain clothes. I am not saying .."in additon.." to a uniform. I am saying a list of clothing that is acceptable.

School uniforms should be used throughout this tri-state area, "of which CT is a part of."

They take children's minds off of who is dressed a certain way and it keeps their minds concentrated on school and not things. I am not aware of the goings on up in the New England sector of the state, in this case New Britain, but, but In what I would consider more urban places such as Bridgeport and New Haven, it should work better. I would also save parents a lot of money and put the kid's minds into thinking in a professional manor. When they dress like the streets in school, that is what they are thinking. It would also make them feel more important.

I am not sure of what type of town New Britain is, but it should not hurt and should be applied all over.

Uhhh, you would still have to buy your child regular clothes to wear "in addition" to the uniforms as you wouldn't want your child playing in their uniform when they get home from school. Now some schools have enacted a nice polo shirt as their uniform that could be used outside of school, but I know New Haven schools that asked for the uniforms wanted dress blue button downs, tie, dress pants and dress shoes. They even stated that sneakers were not acceptable except during gym.

I see both sides, but as a parent I am definatly all for a uniform- as long as it is something simple-khakis and a nice polo shirt. that you can get at Khols- My daughter is 8 and fashion is such a big deal at this age- it would eliminate alot of the teasing that goes on and also i also think it is cheaper. -I wish Wallingford would consider this!

I think it should be for the HIGH SCHOOL kids. The way they dress, they really need uniforms. I've seen girls with very little on and boys with pants falling off of them. So they are the ones that really need it.

I'm torn. On one hand, I think it would be a great idea and since we're a family of 5, I do laundry most every night anyway. There would be no question of what to wear in the morning or no "I don't like that shirt anymore".

However, I have 2 reasons for not liking it. One is that people need to express their individuality. Children are people too and everyone is different and they need to accept that everyone is different, even with something so small and insignificant as clothing. Sure, some people can afford $100 sneakers, but others can't. I'd love an Armani suit, but can't afford it so I shop at Walmart. Sometimes you just have to deal with it. The world isn't always fair and kids need to learn that. They're going to be working someday and there isn't a soul out there in the business world who is going to protect them for the sake of not hurting their feelings or bruising their ego.

Second, and a purely selfish thing, is that one of my children is a "husky" size. It's very hard to find things that are comfortable for him and fit properly. A standard "uniform" pant is going to have to be significantly altered in order to be comfortable and fit him well. Therefore, instead of buying a pair of $10 Starter Athletic pants at Walmart, I'd have to purchase a more expensive pair of pants, then take them to a tailor (I can't sew - even my HS home ec teacher said I was hopeless). That adds up when you consider he'd at least have to have 2-3 pairs of pants.

Laurie:

"Regular" clothes are an option. A child's main function until 18 is to go to school. After 18, they can go to a college and dress however they like. In college, the students do not care about dressing up or worrying if someone's clothes are 'up to standards.

A polo shirt is something that regular people wear. A full suit uniform is what is needed. It does not make you pay attention to one's clothes and keeps you mind focused totally on school. I went to a Catholic school so I can tell you first hand that you do not have clothes on your mind, only school.

Your twisted thinking is why some people are better off making choices for the people. If it were up to you, drugs and murder would be legal.

I wish they had uniforms when my girls were in school. It would have saved a lot of arguments. Now I see my Granddaughter going through the fashion thing. It's a shame that starts in Kindergarten. I am all for uniforms, and would even pay for my grandchildrens!

Stephie:

Children can express themselves individually outside of school. We are talking school. If you are truly concerned about you children's education, you would not be concerned about them having the 'hottest gear.' School is for learning how to function in society(Not how to think!) and not for a fashion show.

I agree with you, REAL James..
When they're on their own, buying their own stuff, I couldn't care less what they wear VS what's "in".

And I can't speak for everyone, Laurie, but my kids already change out of their school clothes when they get home.. and go straight into T-shirts, shorts, sweats, or PJ bottoms etc. All of which can be (and usually is!) purchased at TJ Maxx or Marshalls for a few dollars.

I still say, purchasing uniforms AND after-school clothes would save me a fortune. And in case you're wondering, there's no Abercrombie or Hollister in my house!

School uniforms should not only be looked on as a bad thing -- as in infringement on personal expression. They are used not only so the kids can "group" themselves, but so they are not distracting to other students & to give the kids self-esteem because of the nice way that they look. I wore a uniform to school for 14 years and never complained -- I never needed to spend hours picking out what I needed to wear in the morning, I just got nicely dressed & went out the door. This is a good thing -- It definately should be given a chance.

If a 12 year old wants "personal expression", let them join an after school sports team..... or how about "express"ing themselves on their next creative writing assignment?? Not by what label they're wearing.

I guess I'm old school. I've taught my girls that nobody is better than they are, and they aren't any better than anyone else. Kids are awful to each other, I'd smile to see the bullys wearing khakis and ties!

I am against uniforms in Public Schools.
Notice I said PUBLIC - as in government
run, fully funded by our tax dollars.

How could anyone be in favor of the
government forcing children in these
United States to all wear the same thing day in, day out? This isn't Nazi Germany -
our kids aren't Hitler youth, they are
Americans and should be able to wear
what they want within the reasonability
of decorum. No legalize drug shirts, no
gang shirts, nothing with foul language
or obscene images, and nothing obscenely
revealing.

If a kid wants to wear a pair of jeans
and a t-shirt, WHY should the government
force them into wearing khaki's and polo
shirts? There is no reason, and its
un-Constitutional in our Public schools.

Look at what other governments force(d)
kids to where uniforms in PUBLIC school.
Do Hitler, Stalin, Castro, and Chavez
ring any bells?

My issue is with PUBLIC schools.
I'm Catholic, and have no problem with
kids wearing uniforms to PRIVATE Catholic
schools. There, it is a matter of them
teaching kids to look presentable.
The schools are private - and you
can maintain what you do and don't want
on your private property.

The government and school boards should
keep their dirty mits out of people's
personal choices. We're teaching our kids
that they have to all be the same. Dress
the same, think the same, be the same.
Heaven forbid some kid should want to be
independent and different..oh he must be
an anarchist because he thinks for himself and wears what he wants. Nobody thinks for themselves anymore - our government has
to raise kids for us too, now?

Sorry folks, the US is not a democracy.
Democracy in its purest form is Communism.
And now we have kids being taught not to
think for themselves, being taught to go
along and be the same, and now all dress
the same. Its Communism and it disgusts me.

I just read some more of the comments
now that I put my two cents in..

All of you in favor of uniforms are
not preparing these kids on "how to
function in society" (James). You're
not teaching them how to think for
themselves. You're not teaching them
whats appropriate and whats not, you're
just flat out controlling them.

What's going to happen when they enter
real society? They're out of school now,
no more uniforms in public. Now they're in the
real world and its not "kumbaya" or
"oh isn't self esteem great, we all
dress the same". The real world is work
your butt off, and make ends meet. The
real world is be YOURSELF and do things
to the BEST OF YOUR ABILITY. Not dumbing
yourself down to make other people feel
better about their deficiency. If you're
smart, if you work, you'll have money.
If you have money, you'll wear what you
want, drive what you want, and live where
you want. Or are we supposed to dumb
down and be good "comrades", and not hurt
anyone's feelings because I have a nice
car and nice clothes?

This vile liberal "feel good" mentality
is driving the Republic of the United
States of America into the ground. Its
getting so lame - soon it will be the People's
Commonwealth of the United States at the
rate we're going..

I taught my kids early on that there is a time and place for everything. With that in mind, I see no problem with school uniforms. There SHOULD be structure and discipline; IT'S SCHOOL. Public or private (I and my kids attended both), there are a multitude of opportunities for self-expression -- art class, English comp., recess, sports -- the list goes on. School is a learning center. It prepares us for the world. Offices have dress codes. Restaurants have health codes. Look at our public service people. We live in a democracy. We can dress however we please when our time is our own. As has been my experience, private schools do include "dress down days". These were something a class earned for excelling at a certain task or achievement (most blue ribbons at field day, selling the most fund-raisers). I see uniforms as more good than harm -- a time and place for everything.

I like the idea of uniforms but not like the cathloic kind. There is nothing wrong sending the kids to school in good clothes and having play clothes for after school. I intend to send my five year to school in collard or polo shirts and neat jeans or dress pants. Clothes that fit not hanging off where that should not be. The cost is the same as buying the regular clothes.

Annie,

There used to be STRUCTURE and DISCIPLINE
in school - that died with the overall
degrading of our society. My parents and
grandparents never wore uniforms to school
and there was discipline. It was called the principles office or detention.
And when the kids parents heard about it,
they didn't get upset that the school
punished the kids, they wanted to know
what the kid did wrong and handed out
more punishment!

This is not about expressing anything, its about freedom and individuality in goverment
run, public places. It is no comparison, bringing up state/local employees, health codes, or even office dress codes. You have a choice where you work - and I know my office doesn't have a dress code; I don't know where
you work.

We do not live in a Democracy. Anyone
who went to school, should know the US
is a Represenative Republic. In Public,
the Constitution is the rule of law. In Private
you make the rules. Public schools,
are public (obviously) - if teachers DID
THEIR JOBS and TAUGHT the kids we wouldn't
be having this conversation. If PARENTS
DID THEIR JOBS and RAISED THEIR KIDS, we
wouldn't be having this conversation. It
should not be up to the school or government
to raise our kids, tell them how to dress,
and what to think.

Kids go to school to LEARN. Teachers should
TEACH. Making the kids dress the same
won't make them learn anything or get
their minds off clothes nor is it any kind
of discipline. Until parents and teachers
do their jobs, the kids will give back talk,
act up, and cause trouble no matter the
clothes on their backs.

I'm in favor of uniforms or a decent
dress code. The kids come to school
looking terrible. They wear really
short shorts and tank tops cut in half.
This is not proper attire for school.
They should be learning how to dress
appropriately for when they get out of
school. Shorts/skirts with your butt
out and shirts with your belly out do
not belong in the classroom. Also,
pants that hang way down below the
butt where your BVD's are showing is
also extremely inappropriate. It's
time someone started teaching our
children what is the right way to do
things, and how to dress.

A lot of people say that you'll take
away their individuality. Balogna!
There's nothing individual about it.
They all dress and look the same. I'm
tired of seeing young boys/men walking
around with their crotch down to their
knees and their underwear showing. I
can't believe their parents allow
them to leave the house looking like
this. Well if the parents can't teach
their children how to dress respectfully,
then I guess the school has to.

James, My thinking is not twisted. It is thoughts from a stay at home mom who works her ass off making sure my children are disclined and well behaved. They dress appropriately without wearing Sunday Best. I actually read the parent handbook of what is and isn't allowed in school. I have to explain to my son that even though other parents let their child do things that are not allowed, he will not.I do my best to make sure my son understands that drugs kill and that he better not touch them or if he sees a gun in school to quietly walk away and tell a teacher.
This uniform thing is a way of the system telling me how to parent. How to dress my child. It's usually the few that follow the rules that suffer. They are putting this uniform motion into business because other parents can't follow the rules and stick to a freaking dress code. And about your statement that children should be in suits in school... 1)you don't take into account that they are CHILDREN 2) I couldn't afford to put my son into a suit on Easter. You want me to put him in one every single day? My husbands job doesn't even require a suit. I nice shirt and jeans are acceptable and comfortable to work in.
I know my son would learn better if he was comfortable, not starched to the neck.

I THINK SCHOOL UNIFORMS ARE A GOOD IDEA FOR THE KIDS AT SCHOOL. THEN THEY WOULD HAVE TO WEAR THE UNIFORMS INSTEAD OF THEIR CLOTHES.

Uniforms would do away with downright "sloppy" dress, "gang dress" etc, and give everyone a more "ready to get down to business" look. Hopefully, this would make kids pay more attention to their classwork, instead of "Johnny's new duds".

Laurie:

Hows is the system telling you how to be a parent by making your child dress appropriately? That makes no sense. Using your logic, the system is already telling you that you had better bring them to school and follow their rules. The system makes you wake up every morning to get them ready for school. I don't see you fighting that system, but you want to fight over foolishness.

I think that we have a case with you that you want your kids to stand out from others with their clothing and you would be pissed if such an experience showing off were suddenly gone. You make your kids look good after school is over. It is not a fashion show.

Get back to me when you have changed the way the system makes you bring your kids to school and obey that handbook!

Stop making excuses...

As a teacher and a mother of 5, I am in favor of uniforms. I have one who is a pre-k in New Haven who currently wears a uniform, and two who attend schools in Hamden. I am hoping that Hamden will follow other districts that have a uniform policy. There are less worries about who is wearing what and there more times than none, less behavioral incidents within the schools where the students (and in some instances even the teachers) wear uniforms

Having been born and raised in New Britain (with family still in the school system as both students and teachers, and myself a graduate of less than a decade ago) I'd simply like to point out that contrary to what many people seem to be posting, the schools DO have a dress code. Shirts with obscenities, the referred "tank tops cut in half" (tank tops at all, for that matter) and pants at the knees, among other things, are NOT tolerated in class. Of course I remember seeing low pants with boxers hanging out while students were walking to school (and immediately after the bell rang for the day) but once in the building, the clothing rules are pretty well-enforced (I remember SEVERAL occasions where students were sent home for inappropriate dress). I'm not saying one way or another whether or not uniforms will improve anything in the school system (or any school system, for that matter)--I'd just like to point out that it's not currently as a dire a situation as many people are making it out to be. What you see on youth outside a school building does not necessarily reflect what they wear in class.

This is our second year in New London
with uniforms for grades k-5 and IT IS
THE BEST! Next year the Middle School
will start. YES - it is much cheaper
than traditional school shopping. My
daughter's uniforms are from Old Navy
and the sale prices were 12.50 for the
pants and 8.00 for the shirts. If parents
are going to complain about those prices
they shouldn't have chosen to be parents
in the first place. As far as limiting
self expression - it gives an opportunity
for the children to impress their friends
with their MINDS - not their clothes.
It also makes field trip outings safer
as it is easier to identify the students.
The policy has been a complete success
and there is also a uniform closet for
out grown uniforms that parents who are
really strapped can go and get a set for
no cost. Here they wear blue pants, shorts,
skirts, jumpers and a white or light
blue collared shirt and a Navy cardigan
for the chilly months. The disiplinary
policy is good too - a letter home for
the first offense, no recess for the nexxt,
and an extended recess suspension for
further violations. If parents love their
kids, they will respect the uniform
policy and teach their children that
same respect. How about when these kids
are working age and have a job which
requires a uniform???? I am proud of
NL schools, kids, and faculty for being
a leader in this policy.

I am all for uniforms - and I think they should encompass all grades - K-12. ESPECIALLY 9-12. The way kids dress now is shameful. On my drive each morning, I pass the kids waiting for the bus, and I am disheartened and disgusted by what I see - most of the girls look like they buy their clothes from "HookersRUs". NOTHING is left to the imagination anymore, and you can't tell me that the 16 year old boy in her geometry class is learning anything except what color bra she's got on (that is, if she's actually got one on). And boys are no better - most of them dress like gangsters. Clothing now is a MAJOR distraction. And while I hear lots of people say "that's the only choices out there", it's not true. There are places that still sell decent clothing. The problem now is that parents don't want to be parents and actually make their children do the right thing. It's easier to give in.

As for those who complain about the cost, well, Wal-Mart sells uniforms, and they're hardly expensive. As for additional "play clothes", if they're wearing uniforms for the better part of the day, 5 days a week, they don't really need all that many play clothes. Besides, in our society of consumptive consumerism, I'd hardly think that would matter to too many people anymore. Kids have too much now, anyway.

Please, please, bring uniforms to my district. I'd be one happy Mom...

I agree with DTT...I am not in favor of anyone telling me how to dress my children.

That said, I have boys. My oldest loves khaki cargos and hoodies. My middle one wears athletic pants and tshirts, and my little one wears anything with Star Wars or Power Rangers on it. They don't dress in "what's hot"...I buy most of their stuff used at Goodwill or the Salvation Army and what's new comes from Walmart or sometimes we "splurge" and go to Target. They prefer comfort over anything else.

I guess my opinion is different because I don't have girls and never had to worry about tanks or short skirts.

And fortunately, the boys are not at the age yet where they're getting distracted by tanks and short skirts...LOL..ask me again in a few years when my oldest can't concentrate because of what the girl at the next desk is wearing!

I just can't believe all this uproar over uniforms for school children. Next someone will be telling us what air we can breathe and what air we can't. My children are grown, BUT I was always in control of what they wore to school--it was my decision, not theirs--I was the mother and made the decisions. The problem today is parents don't want any responsibility. My daughter was never allowed to wear slacks to school--she was a girl and was going to look like a girl. She had her first pair of jeans at age 13--nice ones with leather trim--BUT was never allowed to wear them to school. It is the parents fault today that these kids wear the clothes they wear. It is sometimes tough, but you have to put your foot down so they know who is boss. Keep uniforms out of public schools.

School uniforms would solve SO many problems! I'm all in favor of the idea. They are much cheaper, simpler, and eliminate a major distraction factor in a place too full of them already.

School uniforms are an excellent idea... one that should have been incorporated decades ago.

Far as the naysayers who take the stance that uniforms would hinder a child's expression or somehow turn them into state controlled zombies... pfft... that is a load of donkey manure. Kids are creative by nature and have plenty of ways to express themselves as individuals.

But their creativity is being smothered too...I read about some schools either eliminating recess or having it be "structured play" because they didn't want any kids getting hurt playing tag or left out because they didn't get picked for jumprope. So basically it turns into just another gym class. Years and years and years have gone by and people learned how to deal with hurt feelings...WHY are we protecting them? You think their boss at McDonald's when they get their first job at 16 and they continually make errors is going to not discipline them? I always thought school was about getting kids ready for the real world?

In my kids' schools, they are not allowed to talk in the hallways or at lunchtime. Hmmm...mindless zombies...dressing alike, no talking to each other, structured play...sounds kinda like a zombie to me.

Marilyn...

Your theory sounds great...

but I bet as soon as your kid got to school, she changed into whatever the heck she felt like wearing lol

You can say NOOOO not my daughter, and I'll just laugh at you lol

Yet, when you enter the workforce and in some professions, you have to either wear a uniform (Doctor's/Nurses, Fast Food employee, Football players,etc.) or comply to a dress code (offices - no jeans, shirt and tie) there are no complaints. You have to wear it - end of story. When not working, you can wear what you want..

I am all in favor of uniforms. I have 2 girls who have gone from Catholic School to Public School and even they miss the uniforms and they are 9 and 12! I believe that simple khakis and a polo for all kids in all grades would be fine. You can buy these items anywhere so they are not that expensive. When my children wore uniforms, my clothing bills actually went down! They only needed 2 pairs of pants and a few tops as these "play clothes" were only worn a few hours each day so they remained clean.

Kids are so concerned with clothing these days. Part of the problem is that kids think they should be allowed to do/wear what they wish. Kids are kids, not mini-adults. We, as adults, need to teach them how to function properly in society. Kids get a shock when they go to work and they can't say/wear what they want to.

Make uniforms mandatory from kindegarten through High School!!!

Not to smoke
What to eat
What not to eat
What to say
What not to say
What to wear

By reading most of the above comments
it seems to me that our form of government
is not so popular after 200 years.

And everyone just takes it laying down.

I am all for school uniforms. My daughter has wears a uniform at her public elementary school and it has made life so much easier and cheaper for us. The kids have a choice of two colors of pants and choice of style of pants (dress or sweats) and three choice of color for tops with two different styles of shirts (t's or polos). As far as the price goes, I purchase most of my daughters uniform pants from either walmart, target, or sears and never pay more than $10-$15 for them. I also think the uniforms promote a sense of professionalism which in turn makes the kids kids be a little more serious about their work. That is the same reason we dress professionally as adults at our jobs, why should it be any different for them. They can express their individualality in the evenings and weekends, but at school, I'm all for the uniforms.

Children are in school to learn and that should be first. Having concerns about wardrobe puts the focus on the wrong thing. School is not the place to "express yourself

I went to catholic school (elementary and high school) in Philadelphia and didn't mind the uniforms. You don't have to worry about what you're going to wear and you're not going to feel uncool, because you're not wearing whatever brand name is out now.

The only problem I found, was the cost of the uniforms. There were only a hand full of places "authorized" to sell the uniform and they charged you an arm and a leg. If the school board is going to insist on uniforms (and they have every right to) then they need to find cost effective options for clothing manufacturers. it's just a pair of pants and a polo, how expensive does that have to be.

People want to complain about individuality and uniforms making everyone the same. To that: individuality comes from within. If your child needs expensive, clothes to be an individual then i suppose he/she probably doesn't have much to offer in the way of personality. We should be teaching our kids to judge each other on substance not labels.

I went to catholic school (elementary and high school) in Philadelphia and didn't mind the uniforms. You don't have to worry about what you're going to wear and you're not going to feel uncool, because you're not wearing whatever brand name is out now.

The only problem I found, was the cost of the uniforms. There were only a hand full of places "authorized" to sell the uniform and they charged you an arm and a leg. If the school board is going to insist on uniforms (and they have every right to) then they need to find cost effective options for clothing manufacturers. it's just a pair of pants and a polo, how expensive does that have to be.

People want to complain about individuality and uniforms making everyone the same. To that i say: individuality comes from within. If your child needs expensive, clothes to be an individual then i suppose he/she probably doesn't have much to offer in the way of personal identity. We should be teaching our kids to stand on substance not labels.

I think uniforms are horrible. I think that kids need to learn what is NOT appropriate
for school-wear but forcing everyone to
either dress the same or have 'uniforms'
is ridiculous.

I work a lot of hours and if I had to
worry about uniforms for my kids, I would
be in even a worse predicament.

My kids pick out what they wear by themselves and they do a good job.

Maybe uniforms in college would be a good
idea, because that *might* teach those
useless 20-somethings some responsibility, but
beyond that, I don't think they have a place
in school.

Uniforms in public schools?
Doesn't anyone remember Nazi Germany?
Dress code, yes!!!
Uniforms? NO WAY!

I went to a private school for 12 years of my education and I found that dealing with uniforms was the best way to go. My parents spent about $100 a year to dress me and I didn't have to worry about what I was going to wear from day to day. True once in awhile there was a panic due to ill planning with the laundry but I stilled fared well! We all looked the same and it was easier to deal with others because of that fact. Nobody had to worry about who had the most expensive outfits or $200 sneakers.

After seeing what is being worn in public schools I am all for uniforms.

I am always amazed when I go to my sons school and see the girls with bared midriffs or pajama bottoms and slippers - did they think they were going to a slumber party when they woke up? His school does have a dress code (I checked the hand book) but obviously it is not being enforced.

I remember once having to have my mother bring me a shirt to school because the shoulder straps on the one I had on were less than an inch wide!

To compare school uniforms to Nazi
Germany is WAY OFF base! The parents
not for this policy are presenting a
bad example for their children by not
wishing to comply. Uniforms, as I said
before, have been a complete success
here in NL and have I have personally
seen a sense of community unfold before
my eyes. I also clothed my child for
about $100 for a complete wardrobe
including a pair of sneaks and Mary Janes
from Payless. It lessens the burden
that parents have to face each year
when school shopping approaches.
The fashion show is not for school, learing
is.... It all comes down to respect. If
folks are so concerned about what's
going on in their kids' schools, I
suggest they start showing up at the
monthly PTO meetings and GET INVOLVED!
The most important thing a parent can
do for their children is to support the
schools, not fight them.

I guess now with all these wild kids running around with guns and weapons I think it is a wonderful idea!!!!! Forget about peer pressure and maybe some school violence will supress! Plus all those teenage girls walk around like hoochies and the guys forget it, they can never seem to keep their pants on (literly). So bring on the uniforms..gives parents a lot less to worry about!

Oh by the way just a simple dress code doesnt work!!! Been there done that...I had a dress code when i went to middle and high school and what did we all do? walked around in daisy dukes and tube tops! and if someone said anything all you have to do was throw a little lace shirt over your shoulders and it would be okay!! now we all know whats the purpose of a lace shirt? you can see through it...doesnt matter! nothing was ever inforced! Also another trick was when you get sent to the office for your skirt or shorts being to short (middle school only-high school didnt bother) then you just pulled them down and wore a sweater to cover your belly for the walk to the office!!! Kids do anything just to do what they want so dresscodes are a bunch of BS! Time for uniforms!

i went to a catholic school in middle school were you had to wear uniforms and you know people still got bullied. kids still said my shirt is from this designer or that designer. kids still judged each other. girls still rolled up their skirts and boys still had their pant dropped low... its the same cr*p

very very smile :) thanks

i hate uniforms

that is so so so so so so so so so so so true

school uniforms suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they are to plain we need fashion.