School uniforms in DCPS or DC Charters -

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uniform influenced why we selected a school other than AppleTree.

I could not imagine getting my child who wore a skirt over a dress into a uniform daily.

Appletree has uniforms? I had no idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms in public schools are a passe gimmick, a throwback to the early 1990s era of tough love, all-male classes and late night basketball leagues to turn around tough, ungovernable urban schools. I don't think that uniforms help much, but if folks feel they're necessary, then the question is what other issues are going on beneath the surface. In the Hardy case, new and prospective parents see the uniforms as a vestige of the "old" polarized Hardy that rose up against Michelle Rhee, and want to move on.

So says the completely out-of-touch with DC Ward 3 resident.

I beg to differ. With a Kindergartner in a Title I school, we're grateful that uniforms remove at least one of the SES dynamics/indicators, and since this is S2S, it is perhaps one of the most important.

I googled "S2S" and still don't know what it stands for in this context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering why all the hate on school uniforms (a la the Hardy threads). My kids (elementary and middle) go to charters that don't have uniforms but I wouldn't object if they did.

I think uniforms are necessary in some contexts (police) but in general I don't like conformity imposed on people for no good reason, especially at such a young age. I also don't like it when fast food restaurants impose uniform policies, or any other workplace where there isn't a strong rationale. I don't see the reason to limit people's expression and style. Where and when I grew up, uniforms were very rare in public schools, and it always seems odd to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering why all the hate on school uniforms (a la the Hardy threads). My kids (elementary and middle) go to charters that don't have uniforms but I wouldn't object if they did.

I think uniforms are necessary in some contexts (police) but in general I don't like conformity imposed on people for no good reason, especially at such a young age. I also don't like it when fast food restaurants impose uniform policies, or any other workplace where there isn't a strong rationale. I don't see the reason to limit people's expression and style. Where and when I grew up, uniforms were very rare in public schools, and it always seems odd to me.

I should add, I am ok with loose dress codes in schools and workplaces to address those people or parents who have no judgement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms in public schools are a passe gimmick, a throwback to the early 1990s era of tough love, all-male classes and late night basketball leagues to turn around tough, ungovernable urban schools. I don't think that uniforms help much, but if folks feel they're necessary, then the question is what other issues are going on beneath the surface. In the Hardy case, new and prospective parents see the uniforms as a vestige of the "old" polarized Hardy that rose up against Michelle Rhee, and want to move on.

So says the completely out-of-touch with DC Ward 3 resident.

I beg to differ. With a Kindergartner in a Title I school, we're grateful that uniforms remove at least one of the SES dynamics/indicators, and since this is S2S, it is perhaps one of the most important.

Who's "out of touch"""? Ward 3 residents stay away in droves from Hardy MS, the one DPCS in the area that requires uniforms. It's not just a distaste for uniforms themselves, but what they represent -- which clearly is not what most WOTP families want in a school. I would say that Hardy is out of touch with its surrounding uniforms.

[Anonymous]

typo in PP: meant to type that "Hardy is out of touch with its surrounding community on uniforms."

[Anonymous]

I'm from Berkeley originally, so I am not a fan of uniforms. I don't understand why some state entity gets to tell me how to dress my kid. The light colored pants stain easily and frequently have to be washed multiple times. The pants also aren't warm, and it's hard to layer pants. I'd really like to be able to use fleece pants or jeans.

That said, I really like the academics, faculty, and other families at my kid's school, so uniforms are not the hill I'm going to die on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniform influenced why we selected a school other than AppleTree.

I could not imagine getting my child who wore a skirt over a dress into a uniform daily.

Appletree has uniforms? I had no idea.

Yes, but it is just white or light blue polo tops and brown or blue bottoms. You can pick up either in many stores (heck some like Gap Kids even have a school uniform section of their webpage).

[Anonymous]

I love uniforms! I was a free spirit hippy-hip hop-punk rock girl as a kid. I would have hated uniforms as a kid . But man, as a parent I love it. Easy togbfet ready in the morning. Self expression comes from seething other than clothes. When the class is outside you can tell right away what school they are from- easier to keep track of everyone. It also as kids get older I would guess level the playing field across economics.

[Anonymous]

I think uniforms are a great idea for middle school, not so much for elementary and I am not sure for HS. (maybe uniform early HS, none in later?)

[Anonymous]

Public school uniforms kind of shout tough urban school IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Public school uniforms kind of shout tough urban school IMHO.

I bet my alma mater, Holton-Arms, would beg to differ. Uniforms are fine. All the TMNT shirts can become a distraction.

[Anonymous]

You most definitely cannot find many uniform compliant clothes in smaller sizes at the thrift store. I've tried! If your kid is size 6-12, you're probably all set.

[Anonymous]

You are shopping at the wrong thrift store. I have found tons of pk4 stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public school uniforms kind of shout tough urban school IMHO.

I bet my alma mater, Holton-Arms, would beg to differ. Uniforms are fine. All the TMNT shirts can become a distraction.

Polyester khaki pants and navy polyester polo uniforms announce "inner city public school." Call us when a charter or dcps requires a coat and tie every day.