Why no Uniforms in MCPS ?

[Anonymous]

Slightly OT, but if you want to see some of the posh private UK school uniforms, check these out:

http://www.harrods.com/brand/school-uniforms-home

[Anonymous]

I kind of like the Hill House sweater. Maybe in a different color, though. Oh, and not for my kid to wear to school everyday.

http://www.harrods.com/product/pullover/hill-house/b12-0606-162-HLH-039?cat1=bc-school-uniforms-home&cat2=bn-school-hill-house

[Anonymous]

I love uniforms. Kids dress like crap to school.

[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.

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

Exactly!

Plus, can't those kids 'express their individuality' after school and during weekends/holidays?

[Anonymous]

the girls should wear brown pladd skirts that are about an inch above knee a brown plad button down strap crop top with white t shirt underneath boys should wear brown plad pants with white button down t shirt all students should wear white sneakers on formal occasions wear formal things of your choice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I went to poor urban school district that had uniforms. For females, that meant very tight polo shirts and blouses (for older kids). It also meant tight tan “jeggings” from American Eagle. Google it and you’ll see what I mean. We were hardly modest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
I studied in India and we had school uniforms - private or public school.
Now that my daugter started K, I'm wondering whats the reason behind not having uniforms in MCPS schools ?
It would instill so much discipline and equality. Save me some money too ;o).

Please educate me whats so good about not having uniforms ...

In the US people value their ability to express their indivdualism.

[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.

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

Exactly!

Plus, can't those kids 'express their individuality' after school and during weekends/holidays?

+2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be great if they had uniforms, IMO. It puts everyone on a mostly level ground, and takes away the worry of impressing others.
Montgomery County isn't poor enough to do it yet. Maybe in 20 years.

+1 For some reason in the U.S., only the richest and the poorest wear uniforms. OP for the reasons you cited, I would love to see MCPS adopt uniforms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son goes to a private school that requires uniforms. I like them, but feel they are more expensive than just using regular clothes. At least in elementary school. If there were a uniform subsidy for lower-income kids to buy the uniforms, or a really good used uniform swap, I think it would be a great idea.

Are the uniforms from a specific supplier and/or include insignia?

Most PS uniforms can be purchased at almost any kids store this time of year. Wal-Mart, Target etc., carry them.

But how would this resolve the "have everyone at same level in terms of clothing - rich/poor/middle" problem, if the poor kids got their uniforms used or from WalMart, and the more affluent kids got their uniforms from Lands End, and the rich kids got their uniforms from [I have no idea, but surely there are stores that sell school uniforms for rich kids]? Or (for girls) the poor kids had two pairs of pants, one to wear and one to wash, and the rich kids had multiple pairs of pants, skorts, skirts, leggings, tights, etc.?

We make $300k a year and if MCPS had uniforms I would buy from Walmart. Why not? Good quality, they get pen marks and grass stains anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son goes to a private school that requires uniforms. I like them, but feel they are more expensive than just using regular clothes. At least in elementary school. If there were a uniform subsidy for lower-income kids to buy the uniforms, or a really good used uniform swap, I think it would be a great idea.

Are the uniforms from a specific supplier and/or include insignia?

Most PS uniforms can be purchased at almost any kids store this time of year. Wal-Mart, Target etc., carry them.

But how would this resolve the "have everyone at same level in terms of clothing - rich/poor/middle" problem, if the poor kids got their uniforms used or from WalMart, and the more affluent kids got their uniforms from Lands End, and the rich kids got their uniforms from [I have no idea, but surely there are stores that sell school uniforms for rich kids]? Or (for girls) the poor kids had two pairs of pants, one to wear and one to wash, and the rich kids had multiple pairs of pants, skorts, skirts, leggings, tights, etc.?

We make $300k a year and if MCPS had uniforms I would buy from Walmart. Why not? Good quality, they get pen marks and grass stains anyway.

I like some Walmart clothing and prefer it to Land's End. My kids dont care so why but expensive stuff when they'd rather have other stuff with the same money.

[Anonymous]

Where are all these schools in MCPS where kids are obsessed with fashion? My kids are now in MS and HS on the eastern side of the county. They don't seem particularly brand aware and I've never heard them say they want something because someone else has it. Their friends don't seem fashion-obsessed and bullying over clothing does not appear to be an issue (of course, it's possible I don't know about it).

If this is a real problem is wealthier parts of the county, I think there are probably issues that would not be resolved by school uniforms. Uniforms will not 100% obscure disparate access to resources. Kids will pick up on something to make fun of.

[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.

At my child’s private school most people sell their uniforms back to the school for other students to buy second hand.

[Anonymous]

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.

I teach in Baltimore City which requires "uniforms." It's more like a dress code. Ours is a red top and khaki bottoms. It can be any bottoms- pants, skirts, shorts, jumpers, etc. The top isn't supposed to have writing on it but kids never get in trouble for not wearing the uniform. Many students never wear one. We have a uniform closet where parents can get items from.

[Anonymous]

I wish we had uniforms. Makes getting ready for school easier