Uniform rant

[lockey32]

Some time last year my kids school had a vote on uniforms and it passed. The only problem is they only let people who wanted them vote.Ok we don't like them ,my kids or me.(i have five)So i try talking to the school board.I tell them they can't spend the money out of my pocket.They say they can and will.I tell them it's a parents right . They say no it's not and that we don't matter.I said that it was a slap to the face of everyone who has fought for our rights as US citizens.What did they have to say ? One word "SO".The wife and i talked about it and sent our kids to school how they want to dress after we told them what would happen.They got ISS like we thought,but we are all ok with this.Kids get more book time right? NOPE they had my kids cleaning the school.That was today.Uniforms are safer,it helps them spot people that don't belong right?The school lost my dauther for over an hour last month with out a uniform on in the office.I can't spank my kids with anything other than my hand but they can use a 2 foot 1by4.I get so mad because i can't do any thing about it.My kids tell me the uniforms make them feel like they've done something bad and there scaired of there principal.What am i supose to tell them ?Anyway i hope i got this in the right place and that i didn't offened anyone.I know there are parents out there that want uniforms and thats there right and i do not want to take that away from them or fight the schools but might don't make right.Any ideas ?

 

[mlukich]

Re: Uniform rant

My kids tell me the uniforms make them feel like they've done something bad

You didn't say how old your kids are... what age are we talking about?

Overall, I'm pretty neutral on the school uniform thing... but I do think that you (as a parent) have a huge impact on what your kids think about things... ie - you don't like the idea of uniforms, so naturally your kids don't either. If you had treated the uniform idea in a positive manner in the first place, I'm willing to bet your kids would have been OK with them. (Probably too late now to change their minds... They's see right through you if you tried.)

In the end, you have to decide what is best for your kids... is the distraction/alienation of fighting the uniforms worth it in the long run. Or are you hampering their education by fighting something YOU disagree with solely to disagree? You didn't state WHY you are against uniforms - other than you feel it against your RIGHT to dress your kids as you wish. Is there any other reason for not wanting uniforms? (Health, safety, etc)

Mark

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Uniform rant

There are some major benefits to school uniforms, for both the kids and the parents concerned.
I say this respectfully Lockey, but do you think you may be imposing your dislike of something on to your kids.
My 3 kids have never worried what would happen when they were young...they just accepted the decisions I made as being in their best interests I suppose.
Here everybody wears a school uniform....been going probably since the 1st school opened.

The benefits are pretty good.

There is never any decision to be made as to what the kid is wearing tomorrow.
The kids take one hull of a pride in their uniform, which relats directly to their school.
My oldest boy is 38, and to this day refers to himself as a "xxxxx old boy", and still has the school tie.
The cost savings is pretty big too....the initial outlay for my youngest (14yrs) was high, but he looks after his uniform, and when he grows out of it, back it goes to the uniform shop and is sold 2nd hand, and his Mum will buy him 2nd hand items.

He never watches TV at night before making sure he has ironed 'properly' a fresh shirt, and when he peels his shorts (surge wool) off after school, he always folds them up neatly. He wears his hat properly, his socks are always pulled up, shoes are always polished and his blazer 'never' has a mark on it.

Dunaruna from this board visited a little while ago. When his friend collected him, he met Hayden coming home from school, and commented "that's the same tie as xxxx school" (opposite end of the country). Only difference is, Haydens had St xxxx motto on the reverse it, the other had St yyyy motto on the reverse . They all know...its called the "old school-boy network".
This might sound stupid, but it is very powerful....for ever.

So may I suggest, respectfully, that you take another look at the idea, give it a trial for a few years, and see if there arn't some major benefits for all concerned.
May not be as bad as you think.

This photo is 18mths old so Hayden has gone up 6" and filled out a bit.
It is the summer formal.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Uniform rant

Very quick note.
Look to the upper left of the photo.
That girl in the white blouse and skirt is wearing a uniform from another school.
Cheers
Phillip

 

[seven up]

Re: Uniform rant

lockey

With five kids I would be screaming that the uniforms are creating a strain on the household budget, as you indicated in your post.

I don't know your options after the fact now that the resolution has passed.

Guess this is not a public school.

Alot of the uniforms end up looking like a sales ad for the school with patches and embroidered school names and particular color combinations.

Could you just tell them to stick the uniform idea up their azzes send everybody to a different school ?



Enjoy

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Uniform rant

You first have to decide if you want your kid to learn that school is for socializing or learning. Some of the attire creates distractions from the purpose of them being there.

Schools in my area had a NO uniform policy. Drop out rates, bad test scores, and a major discipline problem. The state put the schools on academic emergency. NOW they have gone to the uniforms for the past 3 years. There isn't the fighting going on to have them or not. For the overall outcome, the uniforms made a big difference on the attitude of the kids. Test scores are up, and a lot less trouble going on.

There is programs available for those who cannot afford the uniforms. Now that the program has been in place for several years, uniforms can be found in like new condition at yard sales.

BTW, I'm in my 50's and I still wear a uniform for work. Get them use to it now because eventually when they are on the job, they will be required to wear proper attire to suit the job.

 

[lockey32]

Re: Uniform rant

There ages are 5 " 7" {twins} 9" and 11" It is a public school and i have been trying to trarnsfer to a defrent school.It dose cost more,now we have to buy two sets of close and the thing is my kids found out about the uniforms before my wife and i did and didn't not like them.They say say it's better at school because of them.Of corse it has nothing to do with the dozen camras they put in or there is now 7 cops there at all times.With all of the children now looking alike if one of them dose something wrong and they don't know who did it they don't report it.Kids don't pick of fight as much, right kids are going to be kids,if it's not about what you ware then it will be about size or color.My aunt teaches at the same school.This about our freedom to chose and as parents it's our right.The school's are not the problem it's us parents

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Uniform rant

I find it hard to understant that this a "all of a sudden" new rule. As a parent you are responsible to keep up with these rules and changes.

Uniforms are cheaper than regular clothes.

No worry on what is in fashion...... stops the competition of who has better clothes and places students on one level.

I am amazed that there are 7 cops there at all times. Where is this school? The uniform regulation sounds as if it is being used to make it safer for the students.

Stop being so resistant to the rules. Yes as a parent you have rights in your home however once a student crosses the school doorway..... the students must go by the institutional rules. If a stranger was to walk into your house and light up a cigarette or start drinking alcohol out of a bottle..... you might say as a responsible parent...... Please not in my home.... not infront of my children..... those are our house rules.

The sky is not falling......... embrace the quality of the education the children will obtain......

 

[mthieme]

Re: Uniform rant

I feel your pain. Uniforms do nothing except drain the wallet.
I've been on both sides of the coin for three generations now. I could create my own forum discussing decades of topics.
Anyone who thinks that uniforms are a panacea for academic issues needs to remove their head from their rectal area.
just my 2 cents worth

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Uniform rant

I feel your pain. Uniforms do nothing except drain the wallet.
I've been on both sides of the coin for three generations now. I could create my own forum discussing decades of topics.
Anyone who thinks that uniforms are a panacea for academic issues needs to remove their head from their rectal area.
just my 2 cents worth

It is not an acedemic issue or a solution to one...... it appears based on the original post that there are "other" issues that have an adverse impact on the learning environment.

I bet this was already studied and not just a pipe dream. I was the Army Recruiter when Joe Clark took over East Side High School in Patterson NJ (look up the movie Lean on Me) and the addition of a dress code had a profound impact on the students. This entire uniform policy might be to help the students.

I wore a uniform for 20 years...... I still have a bunch and they were work clothes...... I don't have any play clothes that lasted that long.

I see you 2 cents worth and raise you a nickle!

 

[modernrocketry]

Re: Uniform rant

Interesting perspective. I have never thought of the School Uniform policy in the way your describe.

My son attends a school that requires uniforms. The rules are very simple: White collared shirt -- no logos, navy blue shorts or pants - no logos
I buy shirts from LL Bean and pants\shorts from Lands End. I never leave home.

It's interesting to me how my 9 year old will "individualize" his uniform. He wears those rubber bracelets that support various causes on his wrist and ankle. He has a necklace that a friend made that is a monkeys fist. His shoes are laced differently.
I don't stop him, he needs an way to express himself.

Realistically, Uniforms don't level the playground on economics. I can tell which kids are more fortunate than others and so can my son.

I don't disagree with you, but I also don't agree. As long as he is being taught and not baby-sat, I'm okay with it. But I do wonder if the world will have as many free-spirits and free-thinkers as our generation

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Uniform rant

I hate to say it, but you get what you pay for. 10 uniforms is cheaper that private school.

You can follow along with the rules or get elected to the school board and change things that way.

Personally I can't stand it when some jack a@@ assumes that since they were elected their answers and solutions are always the right one. They KNOW how to raise MY/YOUR child/ren better than you or I. Makes me want to puke!

 

[salty87]

Re: Uniform rant

had to wear uniforms at school from the 3rd grade until high school graduation. very much like kiwi phil described.

imo, uniforms are way easier and cheaper too after the initial cost. you won't have to buy as many street clothes throughout the year. you'll be able to pass small clothes to the younger kids in a few years. no messing around with who's wearing what clothes in the morning. clothes shopping is pretty simple for back to school. lots more...

do your kids not like them because kids from other schools don't wear them?

can you explain what you said about only those who wanted uniforms getting to vote? how did that happen?

 

[mthieme]

Re: Uniform rant

I have to go to one of two stores, the nearest of which is 18 miles away to get shirts, sweaters, and polos with a logo that run $22.00-$24.00 each. Pants and shoes are not logoed and I can get those about $10-$15 cheaper at any other store. Never mind the usual fiasco that causes me to go back an average of three times to get things right.
When the youngun' comes home he changes so as not to wear out the school clothes while out playing. He's a 9 y.o. boy. They climb trees, play in puddles, roll in dirt, etc.
Two sets of clothes.
Oh, since kids grow, this is an ongoing process...usually two or three purchases throughout the school year.
Someone wanna tell me how I'm saving money ?


Bob_VT
"I wore a uniform for 20 years...... I still have a bunch and they were work clothes...... I don't have any play clothes that lasted that long."

We're talking younger school kids here...I'd be tickled if anything lasted 20 months work, play or otherwise.

"I see you 2 cents worth and raise you a nickle! "
that's good, hope you don't mind if I use that one!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Uniform rant

Some time last year my kids school had a vote on uniforms and it passed. The only problem is they only let people who wanted them vote.....

Uhhh, yeah, right. You didn't vote and now you are complaining that something got passed by the parents who care enough to go vote. Next time make sure you know what is going on in your school and go vote. Until then get used to the uniforms.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Uniform rant

Cloths should not be used as a status tool. Uniforms prevent this because peer status isnt inportant in that way. Peer status by making good grades is.Now if they would just take away the cell phones it would be great, Phones are a high status symbol with no place in a school.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Uniform rant

At least your kids are young. Wait until they are teens and have to have all the name brand fads. My wife and I have raised our kids and we both hated when school began. When they were little like yours, it wasn't so bad. They wore what we got them. Their choice of clothes at that age was not up to them but us as the parents. Then came the teen years,,,,,,,oh boy oh boy. No more $10 to $15 for pants or shirts, no more $10 to $20 for a pair of shoes, it got to be out of control. Finally we made a deal that we had "X" amount to spend on school clothes. Anything special that they wanted, they had to work that summer to offset the cost of their extra expense. No work, you get what we get ya, so don't complain.

I would say it is good to get them use to uniforms. Many jobs require them, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys, KFC, Krogers, and even some of the factories around here require them.

When the local public school in my town was just talking about uniforms, there was a whole lot of squabbling gone on. Lots of negative talk, threats, and people pulling their kids out. Now that it has been in place,,,,,,there is nothing but good things that are being said about the turnaround the school board had done. Just think about it being a positive thing for you in the future. Believe me, when the kids get older,,,,,,,it gets a whole lot more expensive. BTDT, we are now empty nesters and I actually can keep cash in my wallet........Something I was never able to do while the kids were at home..........SS

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Uniform rant

Good discussion.
SS Mayfloat has an important point.
Uniforms are a part of everyday life....just that when you leave school they are called corporate wardrobes...in all our councils, banks, retail stores, etc people irrespective of position wear a uniform. Tradesmen even wear one, usually with the name of their business on it.
You should also remember the majority of countries in the world have school uniforms....Asia, Africa, India, Europe etc, so it is not effecting too many peoples development etc.
As a suggestion, if the school does not have a uniform shop then you instigate one.
My wife does voluntary work in our uniform shop for 2hrs (morning) per month. They sell uniforms but also take in uniforms that the kids have grown out of and re-sell them at a much reduced cost...asked her this morning how it worked....the used stuff dosn't last long.
Cheers
Phillip

 

[mthieme]

Re: Uniform rant

Yup, can't wait for mine to get his career kick started complete with uniforms at on of the aforementioned employers.

 

[lockey32]

Re: Uniform rant

Ok i've been talking with 40 or 50 other parents from our school and have found only 1 that knew there was a vote.SO it seams that the school only told people about it that would vote there way.P.T.A maybe ?Anyway how can you have a vote on something and control it as well.There needs to be a third party to over see it.We got a list of stores from the school that had the uniforms. We got what we were told now there wrong and we have to get more.Girls get 12 outfits the boys get 5.That sounds fair.The school board has said they need 70% of parents to show up and vote and for 5 years haven't been able to get more than 50% of that to vote yes.I bought my house here because of the school and the no uniforms.Some of yall are right about work uniforms kfc tacobell ...ect but wate those company's suplies them.Every ware i have worked has been that way, even now as a painter i have a dress code not a uniform .As long as it's white it's cool.My boss hate my red convers but lets me ware them.Face it the only place's you HAVE to ware a uniform is the miltary or prison.Last year one of my twins made A honor role and was very up set he didn't make the prinipal's list, this year he is scaired of the man.Here is a link i found.It's old .http://www.geocities.com/school_uniforms/abstract98.html