Why no Uniforms in MCPS ?

[Anonymous]

My DD is in 5th at a Catholic school and has been wearing the same jumpers for three years. We've resewed the hems so they fit her every year. We've saved a ton of money I am sure of that.

[Anonymous]

Uniforms are not cheaper. You can find cheap ways to do it but if you used the same frugal skills for non-uniforms, it would still be cheaper. Many people get clothes from donations and thrift stores. Its hard to find khaki pants and plain polo shirts. The school would need fund uniforms for families below a certain income.

I don't think it has any impact on bullying. It would be great to get rid of the tacky teen clothes but that's about the only benefit.

[Anonymous]

DD wears khaki pants and polos by choice daily. It's not that hard to find, and after a few years, you get a few go-to stores that carry what you need and you're good. Kinda fun to have a "uniform", even if it's a bit weird.

[Anonymous]

Our school has a used uniform sale 2x a year. I purchased 2 lands end jumpers, 5 polo shirts, a sweatshirt, and a PE outfit for $60. I used a 40% off coupon to get 2 more jumpers for $48 total and free shipping. She wore all of these clothes for 3 years. It does not get any cheaper than that. Oh wait, we purchased one pair of Mary Janes a year at ll bean. $40 each year. So basically it cost about $70 a year to dress my child for school.

Every private has uniform sales. Publics could do the same.
Also, at my daughter's private, girls 6th grade and under can not wear nail polish, make-up, jewelry (except for plain studs) and required shoes. So the comments about accessories is not until high school. And even then most girls wear uggs with their skirts but no one wears jewelry, brings purses and rarely does anyone have make-up on. But it is an all girls school so the rationale to compete in clothes/accessories is just not there, which is just another plus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms also create a feeling of being part of an organization or institution ...think Hogwarts.

Uniforms in public school also imply more government interference in our private lives. Something about it makes me uncomfortable with the idea. I would rather see my kids express their individuality through their clothing choices rather than see them all look the same as everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a teacher I would love to see HS students in uniforms- it would make life much less awkward. Currently we see a lot of exposed butt cracks, bra straps, midriffs, boobs, piercings in places other than ears, and tattoos.

lol!

HS teacher, too, seeing the same things!

[Anonymous]

I just like the OP mentions unfiorms because they wear them in India. Indian schools are known for a lot of other great methods of discipline, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms also create a feeling of being part of an organization or institution ...think Hogwarts.

Uniforms in public school also imply more government interference in our private lives. Something about it makes me uncomfortable with the idea. I would rather see my kids express their individuality through their clothing choices rather than see them all look the same as everyone else.

Have you seen inside a MCPS HS? Pants down to thighs, underwear exposed. Thongs showing above the low cut skinny jeans. Sports bras worn as tops. Ass cheeks hanging out of short shorts. Bullying and segregation based on what you wear? Yes letting teens choose to wear these clothes makes so much sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms are not cheaper. You can find cheap ways to do it but if you used the same frugal skills for non-uniforms, it would still be cheaper. Many people get clothes from donations and thrift stores. Its hard to find khaki pants and plain polo shirts. The school would need fund uniforms for families below a certain income.

I don't think it has any impact on bullying. It would be great to get rid of the tacky teen clothes but that's about the only benefit.

Unique Thrift almost consistently has kids' khaki bottoms and plain polos. As well as a variety of plaid and solid color jumpers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms also create a feeling of being part of an organization or institution ...think Hogwarts.

Uniforms in public school also imply more government interference in our private lives. Something about it makes me uncomfortable with the idea. I would rather see my kids express their individuality through their clothing choices rather than see them all look the same as everyone else.

Have you seen inside a MCPS HS? Pants down to thighs, underwear exposed. Thongs showing above the low cut skinny jeans. Sports bras worn as tops. Ass cheeks hanging out of short shorts. Bullying and segregation based on what you wear? Yes letting teens choose to wear these clothes makes so much sense.

Probably those kids also hang out on your lawn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms also create a feeling of being part of an organization or institution ...think Hogwarts.

Uniforms in public school also imply more government interference in our private lives. Something about it makes me uncomfortable with the idea. I would rather see my kids express their individuality through their clothing choices rather than see them all look the same as everyone else.

Have you seen inside a MCPS HS? Pants down to thighs, underwear exposed. Thongs showing above the low cut skinny jeans. Sports bras worn as tops. Ass cheeks hanging out of short shorts. Bullying and segregation based on what you wear? Yes letting teens choose to wear these clothes makes so much sense.

Probably those kids also hang out on your lawn.

huh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms also create a feeling of being part of an organization or institution ...think Hogwarts.

Uniforms in public school also imply more government interference in our private lives. Something about it makes me uncomfortable with the idea. I would rather see my kids express their individuality through their clothing choices rather than see them all look the same as everyone else.

Must be an awfully fragile individuality to be crushed by a little khaki or plaid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a British colony, India adopted uniforms from the Brits- which has become embedded in the culture in both places.

Here in the US few school children outside of Catholic schools wore uniforms until only 10-15 years ago. Now many schools are adopting them if they think they will help their students learn in some way. But it is a big shift for most places, and something that only happens when a school is new or the school and/or parents really advocate that it will improve outcomes.

Districts like MCPS, which have been historically very good, have yet to see a need to shift over to uniforms.

(But please feel free to start the movement! I would get behind it!!)

Same in the West Indies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happens to the children who can't afford school uniforms? A lot of kids get second hand clothes. I personally don't care either way. I think it's up to the parents and staff to help stop bullying and teasing. Sure they won't bully about clothes but they still would bully about other things.

There can be second hand uniforms too.

And uniforms are not name brand apparel. A light blue shirt and gray trousers can be the uniform, as much as a white t and blue jeans. As long as it is not name brand, and everyone wears them.

[Anonymous]

Some one start a petition already!

I am 100 % behind it!