Back to school - Uniform mandate

[PassionDiva_NY]

So we're completely back to school FINALLY! My son is in first grade - public school - and of course I felt as if he was already off to college. It sure was an interesting and exciting couple of weeks but I am glad to be back on some sort of schedule.

I was surprised on the first day of school to learn that my district mandated uniforms. At first I had mixed feelings [and was upset cause I didn't know so he was the only kid without a uniform] but after actually buying the uniforms and seeing all the kids neatly dressed - I LOVE IT! It not only creates a nice and neat uniformed look on all the children, it takes a lot of hassle out of the school shopping process and the 'who has better what' from the kids’ attitudes.

I heard some parents in the district were actually against it and fighting the board for mandating uniforms and I am not quite sure why. The shirts and pants are pretty inexpensive in comparison to buying name brand apparel for the kids. And it makes for a little less stress in the morning [in my house at least] when trying to help the kids decide what to wear.

My only gripe is that they haven't decided on a gym uniform yet and they want the kids to wear shoes. I have my son in black sneakers at the moment and they seem to be okay with that.

Anyone else out there in the public school system and mandated to wear uniforms? Like it? Hate it?

[Lb128f]

Sep. 19, 2009 at 12:40 PM

No uniforms here (this year)...although, when my DD went to school they wore uniforms. You are right...there are pros and cons to wearing uniforms. I'm sure you will see both sides on this post! :-)

[ARmom]

Sep. 20, 2009 at 8:45 PM

I'm on the fence about it.  Our district doesn't have mandated uniforms.  I can see the pros and cons also.