Public Schools & Uniforms

[Lizzy Bordon]

Our public school is now requiring that all kids are to wear uniforms. I am really ticked off about the issue and am actually thinking of home schooling. What are your thoughts. Why should my child suffer because you have a bunch of thugs who have their asses hanging out, wimpy gang t-shirts and colors, hat on sideways, sun glasses and dog chains for jewelry.

Question..........if there is a shooter or knife wielding child at school what do you use for a description. Blue shirt, Tan pants with white sneakers............DAH.........that eliminates the girls wearing skirts.

My neighbor gave me the big la de dah speech her daughter gets made fun of, she can not afford the clothes, blah blah blah. I explained to her that she needs to shop for bargains, things she can resell on ebay or check out the second hand store and buy $50.00 jeans for $5.00. I never spent a ton on clothes just used my head. Made money on everything after she out grew it on ebay. Make her try them on at the store and dont be so lazy if they do not fit right take them back. Lazy is more the problem.

Ironically my neighbors daughter is slightly on the heavy side and has to buy shirts to fit her middle than they are too long. Now the poor kid is forced to tuck them in with higher waisted pants so she can look like Urkel. She informed her mom last week that she will not be returning from her summer visit from seeing her Dad in Florida because she is so devastated over the dress code. Her mother never spent the time to get her clothes that fit.

My neighbor is devastated. I told her you voted for the dress code. Did you ever stop to think about your kids feelings. I do not blame her one bit for staying in Florida.

I ordered stuff on line today. I would not be caught dead wearing it. Most of the pants look like mechanics pants or a waiter. The shirts look like a dweeb librarian. My daughter liked her John Deere shirts, Horse's on the front or even Tony Romo Jersey, she liked her denim jeans and boots. Remember your best day at school getting to show off your new sneakers......yeah we have all been there. Imagine wearing nurse's white sneakers at the age of 10.

Why not penalize the kids who dress like gang members, thugs or sleazebags. Send them home to their sad ass parents.

I am not feeling my daughter is going to be any safer. How do you identify the bad kids when they are all dressed alike.

I would never let my daughter go to school looking like something off 42nd street. Parents need to wise up and not traumatize the kids for scum bags.

I manage girls softball, I make them take off their Gothic bracelets, spit out the wads of gum, untie the uniform shirt its not a mid drift. They do not like it they can find another team your not good enough for mine. Oh and they can not wear their softball jerseys, hockey or team football jerseys to school anymore you may hurt a druggies feelings.

Hmmmmmm:mad::mad::mad::mad::

[LINCRW]

If the only objection you have to uniforms is that you can't tell a bad kid from a good kid, you've got nothing to worry about. How do you tell a bad cop from a good cop; bad soldier from a good soldier; bad lineman from a good lineman (assuming they are working for a company with uniforms); etc. If they all wore baggy pants or designer clothes, how would you describe them? The kid wearing baggy pants or the dog chain jewelry? Hopefully you get my point.

If all the kids in the school are wearing the same thing, who cares??? I could think of more important things to consider about my child's school than the uniform. Quality education, extracurricular activities, perverted teachers wanting to handle the kids, opportunity for advanced education, cooperative programs with employers in the area, are a few.

I'm not in favor of, nor against uniforms. I'm simply saying you should feel fortunate if the uniform is the only thing you have to worry about with your child's school/education.

[thegirlfriend]

let the students have their individuality, more than likely they're gonna have jobs the rest of their lives requiring that they look like everybody else. let em be teenagers. i'm 21 and it hasn't been too long since i've been out of high school. i think the only reason they are going to uniforms is because they don't demand enough authority. its the easy way out. at my school hats, sunglasses, facial jewelry, etc weren't allowed. you couldn't have your pants hanging halfway off your ass. you couldn't wear midrift bearing shirts or tank tops. or skirts or shorts that were shorter than your hands at your sides. if you got caught with any of that stuff you got a warning resulting in detention if it was a repeat offense. or you had to go change into your P.E. uniform (which was too embarrassing for any of the kids to risk) so they followed the rules. if you want your kid to wear uniforms send them to a private school. if you can't afford a private school, make them go to school in decent clothing! your the parent, be one!! if your worried about kids OTHER than yours, forget it. raise your own and let their parents raise them (even if they are doing a horrible job, its not your problem) well...thats what i think anyway...

[brokenxarm]

With the social pressures and stress placed on kids today, many may feel inferior to others if they don't wear the clothes that are the latest. With uniforms, everyone is the same in that department. With the girls, they don't have to wonder what to wear. For the boys, they don't much give a **** on way or the other. Just my thoughts.

[LostArt]

It's only been mentioned around here when we have students that abuse the dress code. And then you have the cheerleading squad that cheers at games with barely anything on. It's a contradiction!

I've had parents come and bring their girls more clothes to wear and then talk about why the others are not reported. And then went on to say how expensive her child's clothes were and can't wear them. AND said she was missing her work time to bring clothes. She started with the "YOU" to me, like it was my fault. Well, that doesn't set well with me, but I understand that she means "you" as our "school staff"

So, I say, "Well, we can't catch them all. Most of us are trying to teach or carrying on a regular school day. You are right, not all of them are caught or even reprimanded, but if we stopped school for such violations, we would never get around to actually educating. It's really pretty simple and I did this over 10 yrs ago---nothing changes, even with my children,-----don't let your children purchase clothes that they can't wear to school. My children also knew how much my worktime meant to me and I better not be called because of a dress code violation. But, that's me. Not everyone is me. Now, would you like to speak to the principal or dean about your complaint?"

Dress codes? I have little patience for it. I'm in the education field----I think parents need to do some education at home----like setting down some rules. But, that's just me. I'm a parent and I work in the school system, I've just about seen and heard it all.

[duckhunter]

There are pros and cons obviously. If a uniform stifles individuality, you don't have much individuality to begin with. Certainly there needs to be standards at school, let's face it there are a whole lot of places to work that require uniforms and/or dress codes. It is much easier for the administration to enforce a uniform than a dress code. Some of you ladies probably had to needs in Mother Superior's office to show that your skirt was long enough. (I kind of like the naughty schoolgirl look)

I was on our local school board for 8 years. We had a "no hats in school" policy. We actually had a parent come to a board meeting and tell us his child had a "Constitutional Right to Wear a hat." I missed that language in the constitution.

Remember you have a right to the "pursuit of happines", you don't have a right to happiness.

[LostArt]

I wish we had uniforms for us! I envy the Boss his getting up and knowing what he is going to wear to work everyday! :D

It's not going to happen at our school district on uniforms. It would be nice for a change though. But, it ain't happenin'. Maybe one day, but no time soon.

There were no dress codes back when I was in school. I look back and think how did I get by wearing hip hugger bellbottoms? I think I wore them in 8th grade. When I got to high school, I was a little more modest. But, then....I didn't start shaving my legs until my 8th grade year. And I had to BEG to do that! I think I was 17 yrs old before my mother would let me pierce my ears! My ace in the hole was my grandmother(my mom's mom). She had hers pierced and told my mother to get into the right century! LOL! After I had mine pierced my mother went and had hers done. It was a riot.

But, everything starts earlier in age now. Children grow up waaaay too fast! But, my daughter was in the 7th grade when I let her shave her legs. Yeah, I was a meanie too! LOL!

[duckhunter]

My mom still says I shouldn't shave my legs. I guess she's a little old fashion.

[LostArt]

My mom still says I shouldn't shave my legs. I guess she's a little old fashion.

You are the one that's old fashioned DH. Hadn't heard of waxing? If you feel really frisky, go see the lazer tech!

:D

[electriklady]

There are pros and cons obviously. If a uniform stifles individuality, you don't have much individuality to begin with. Certainly there needs to be standards at school, let's face it there are a whole lot of places to work that require uniforms and/or dress codes.............



I agree, duckhunter, a uniform stifling ones individuality, means one's individuality is based souly on one's appearance. Ridiculous notion! Each morning most of us get up and choose which piece of fr clothing we will wear today, it doesnt stifle my individuality....it stifles my ability to move freely, it enhances my ability to sweat, and it inhibits my ability to look like a female, but my individuality is intact. A uniform of sorts. Look at waitresses, airplane pilots, the Armed forces, mechanics, it goes on and on....I dont think their individuality is in jeapordy. It just might instill a subtle "code of conduct" in a person, while wearing it. Individuality comes from that thing sitting on top of your neck!

When my daughters were school age, they began in Catholic school, with the whole plaid uniform jumper thing....white or pastel oxford shirts etc...no big deal(I still have pictures of them in the uniform, they were so cute) It was the schools requirement so they wore them........When they began to go to public school, that is when "MOM" taught them what was appropriate to wear to school. I taught them from the beginning so it never became an issue.....they knew better. Unfortunately either many parents dont care, or they are off to work before school starts, after they leave the kid runs upstairs and changes into "a teenage freakshow contestant." It shouldnt be the schools job to police these kids attire, but............if it "ain't" coming from home....someone should do it.

[LostArt]

if it "ain't" coming from home....someone should do it.

And "that" is why most schools, state, and government have come into play!

If parents aren't raising their kids, the state comes in. If parents need the help because they have many children and can't seem to find a job, the government comes in.

It's called plain sorriness, if you ask me. I'm not talking about single parents that have 2 jobs and are raising kids----believe it or not-----some of them aren't the ones complaining. But, there are some that make excuses for their problems, and those are the ones I'm talking about.

Did I just make this a political issue???? I mean ...here in the Ladies Lounge???http://www.avowners.com/forum/smileys/doh354.gif

[duckhunter]

I was told if I waxed off I'd go blind.



So I just did it till I needed glasses.

Wait, wrong kind of waxing.

[LostArt]

I was told if I waxed off I'd go blind.



So I just did it till I needed glasses.

Wait, wrong kind of waxing.

LOL!

Oh boy.

Sometimes......nevermind. You guys MEAN to do this, I know you do! :p

[tramp67]

LOL!

Oh boy.

Sometimes......nevermind. You guys MEAN to do this, I know you do! :p

I enjoy doing that kind of thing! And washing with soap as fast as I want to....

Wow, now if I was as flexible as a dog or a gymnast.....:rolleyes:

[Lizzy Bordon]

Well it was well planned as usual. No uniforms to be found 2 weeks before school. I tried to order on line JCpenny did not fit needs slim fit. Tried Kohls, backordered, Jc penny back ordered, Sears, out of them, Childrens place gone. So far I got 2 pairs of long shorts. My daughter is crying home school me please. I would feel like a clone walking around at school. She will have to go temporarily and see what happens. They want to control what type belt can be worn, total white sneakers or black (head banger boots). The pants look like mechanics pants and have the slit docker pocket. I can honestly say I would not feel comfy or secure in those clothes. The clothes are butt ugly, you cant modify anything and jewlery is out. What if you have to go somewhere after school like riding lessons or softball practice. Ok change quick, dont rip the pants, got it.

Clothes express who you are. Dont take it away from them. Control the kids with dressing issues. I have seen the self esteem in my daughters eyes when she got a new outfit and wanted to express herself in school. Wow have a fun day in your black mechanics pants, nurse sneaker and pee wee herman collar shirt. Kind of like FR clothes get the picture. The uniforms are really bad. I will be doing a lot of altering to make the jeans fit. They did not have a slim and expect you to pull the waist in on elastic buttons like 2 year old kids grew up with. What the heck.

[Lizzy Bordon]

First two days of school is unreal. They have people checking the kids getting off the school bus and putting them right in detention for being off on the dress code. My friend called and said her daughter was in detention two days in a row. 1st day had tiny rivets by the coin pocket on cotton pants and second day wore a jumper they said was too short. Her daughter is terrified to go to school. She is extreemly tall for a 5th grader. Would you want you kid to sit in detention all day.

My daughter said they were walking around the cafeteria removing kids while they were EATING and put in detention. She said they have not been outside her bus yet. The kids are scared. I hope someone sues them.

[LostArt]

Sounds a little overboard to me Lizzy. I'll be honest with you, I think we have become immune to most of the dress codes. What I mean, is as long as you aren't to the extreme, we just TEACH.

Btw, our school has been an "A" school for TWO years in a row. We also have a large enrollment this year by about 30....which is a huge turnaround for us.

On the banner outside the front of the school we have a welcome sign stating we are an "A" school. Not mentioning it's the second year, but to the side it says, "....where we just TEACH." I like that statement.

Two in a row-----we are going for THREE! Hopefully, we can still keep on "just teaching"

[Lizzy Bordon]

My daughter wants to wear the same safe outfit everyday. She is afraid her shirt might be too long or they may see the tiny Nike swoosh on her socks. She said she is more afraid of what I will do at school if they put her in detention.

I told her I would make them so miserable they would rather deal with gang members, Gothics and sleazy street walkers.

The school board is lying to the news papers. I think some parents are stepping forward. Its a joke. My daughter looks like something from a preppy add and really has lost some of her individuality. One mom said her daughter likes mixing gray sweaters with a white color shirt. What are you crazy??? A sweater on a farm. I would be picking hay out of it forever.

They can only wear a sweater or fleece blue collar jacket. Some parents are using a sharpie and trying to color out the logos on the front of shirts that are really tiny. It is insane.

[LostArt]

This totally sounds bazzar Lizzy. I'm surprised a bunch of you mothers haven't already got together and rushed their county offices up there. That's what they would do down here. :D

[Lizzy Bordon]

Went past the H.S. the other day and across the street there was a bunch of kids dressed like skate board kids and worse. Trying to make a statement in a store parking lot. School buses were still leaving. My first thought was what a bunch of a$$holes they were part of the problem. They either dropped out, graduated came back to laugh at the kids in uniform or took off the uniforms to act like jerks. They really were dressed like a bunch of jerks and jumping around with the yo yo brother two finger thing. Wow how cool is that looser enjoy your uniform.

I feel bad for the good kids. What the hell are the parents doing!! I was reading some of the threads posted to the local news paper and obviously the teachers are scared of the kids. One teacher was mentioning kids bringing chunks of glass to work to pass the metal detectors. She worked in NJ but lives in our school district and her kids go there. She was all for the dress code.

Question: Now that they are all dressed a like doesn't it make it a little harder to spot the bad kids by the way they dress. I tell my daughter just spend time with the kids you know and be really really careful with the other kids.

This sucks your kid should not be afraid to go to school. Our school district is good compared to the surrounding school districts. I have looked into private schools not sure if I want to go that route.

Anyone home school?

[LostArt]

I usually try not to promote homeschool, but in this instance.....check into your vitural school. We now have virtural county school. It's monitored by our county office. You stay home and take the class online. Teachers are online....but you can call them by phone.

Two of our best teachers left a few years back to teach FLVS (Florida Virtual School) so they could be home with their small child.

I think a child--student should have a little bit of social life outside the home and some actually come in and particiapate in a couple of classes and take sports. But, those students are there to learn.

Check into it Liz. And with your county school board office.