We were the first public school in our state to adopt a uniform policy. We had a severe gang issue until we got uniforms and the policy worked wonders on hallway behavior and the number of fights.

Unfortunately, when there was a leadership change, there also was a shift in policy. The new principal didn't enforce the code as strictly and our gang issues and fights returned.

We have a large population of free/reduced lunch and the lack of a clean uniforms was impacting attendance. Our school got a washer and dryer, but it didn't help. We had a stock of donated used uniforms but that stock ran out quickly because the admin. would loan those uniforms out when a child came improperly dressed or spilled at lunch. 99 times out of 100 the uniform would not get returned.

We work closely with retailers in town to get out the word about where affordable uniform shirts and slacks can be bought, but the best deals are at used clothing stores and on auction sites like eBay.

Here's an example: Long sleeved polo-style shirts are hard to find in stores and when they are found, they're usually in the 15-20 dollar range. This uniform shirt is only a dollar plus $5.00 shipping which means it's only six dollars. Contrary to common opinion, uniforms do not end the class distinctions unless everyone has to wear the same brand. Designers like Ralph Lauren make school uniforms now and those can be purchased much cheaper and in lots like these jumpers They're selling six size 12 Ralph Lauren jumpers for 9 dollars.

Since the most needy students probably don't have parents with internet connections and eBay accounts, it might make sense for the PTA in uniform schools to have a uniform procurement person with internet access to buy the uniforms. Schools can't buy on auction sites, but PTAs can.

Any thoughts on this? I'm thinking of suggesting this at our first PTA meeting.

I have two teenagers. The difference is probably that we live in a small town.
We hear plenty of compliments on our students' dress, too.

Originally posted by AJ Flanagan:
I think the "belly shirts" and low-rise/high-cut clothing is a big part of what our school district is trying to get rid of with its strict dress code. Body piercings, "do-rags", wallet chains, hoodies, unnatural hair color, un-tucked shirts, flipflops, and clothing with inappropriate sayings are among other outlawed items.
I have never been aware of students being shunned because of their lack of brand-name footwear, but I see that it could be a problem. I'm just not sure that saying that if everyone can't afford to wear certain clothing, that no one is allowed to wear it is the answer.

Forgive me AJ but you need to hang out with some teenagers some time....shoot I even overheard seven year old girls mocking another little girls as she was wearing last years shoes! Most of our school's concerns came to light due to gang activity and to protect our students from near by high school students that were "stopping by" on our closed campus. (we are K-12)

Everything you have listed is not permitted at our school and it does work. We think we have the best looking kids in the district!

Our school has had uniforms for over seven years now and I hear both sides of the debate. Our "have-nots" are able to get uniforms through our PTO recycle uniforms, sure we like to trade (in a perfect situation) but often we are helping the family with a couple pairs of pants, a couple shirts and sweatshirts. Now the "haves" help with the program and they are noticable even in navy blue pants and plain navy blue or white polo shirts ( I can't tell them to NOT shop at the Gap or Dillards or Macys) but these moms are very generous with the items their children have out grown. We even have moms that will purchase cleance items ($2!) for the PTO to give to these families. We are not a high number of free lunches but most of our families come from a lower income, many of the moms talk about what day is better than others to shop at Goodwill/Savers/VA/Arc for their uniforms!

I like knowing I spend more or less $100 for three students back to school clothes (my teen is starting to cost me more ) but there are afordable clothes/uniforms. I like knowing too that my boys won't be distracted by that little girl's lack of skirt or the History lesson for my teen won't be upstaged by how many peircings and new tatoo some kid got over the weekend. Yes I am conservative, but this is my choice too for my fabulous five!

My best advise- research ALL retailers that offer uniforms to see what kind of expense families will be incuring and select a couple favorites that hit a range in price points. THat's what my goal is this year to "clean up " our policy. Best of luck!

I think the "belly shirts" and low-rise/high-cut clothing is a big part of what our school district is trying to get rid of with its strict dress code. Body piercings, "do-rags", wallet chains, hoodies, unnatural hair color, un-tucked shirts, flipflops, and clothing with inappropriate sayings are among other outlawed items.
I have never been aware of students being shunned because of their lack of brand-name footwear, but I see that it could be a problem. I'm just not sure that saying that if everyone can't afford to wear certain clothing, that no one is allowed to wear it is the answer.

I totally see your point AJ that kids should see themselves for what they and learn from children who do or dont have things. That being said though we do live in a different generation and when kids are fighting or being outcasted because they dont have certain sneakers or clothes to me is just wrong. And it is up to us parents to protect them and if means implementing a dress code so be it.
We are also looking into this at our school one of the main reasons for it is the outcasting and the girls the clothes they have been wearing have been ridiculous they're practically half naked skirts where there butt checks are practically hanging out.
I do go to private school wear we wore the typical jumpers and shirts now my kids are in public school and I have to say I dont buy my kids all that designer stuff and my school clothing bill can get hefty.

I think helping the student out with a clothes closet for the kids needing uniforms would be great. We had one for our school when I was younger and it helps the parnents and the school.

Good Luck

Sorry to rant!!!!

Cindy