Submit Article

If you would like to submit an article, click the button below.

Navigation

<-- Back to Current Category

Schools Report on Benefits of School Uniform Policy

By: Isaac Grauke, Sat Dec 10th, 2005 12:40:38 AM

Normandy School District in St. Louis, Missouri, joins a trend in public schools that is sweeping across the nation with their new mandatory uniform policy. The number of U.S. public schools with some sort of uniform policy rose from 3 percent in 1997 to 12 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Another survey is coming in 2006. The effect of uniforms on academic achievement is not easy to measure. For Principal Joanne Clay of Johnson-Wabash Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the difference lies in attitudes. Her school has a voluntary uniform policy with about 50 percent participation.

"There seems to be more focus on education rather than fashion," Clay said. "It really decreases the negativity on fashion."

The feedback from parents at Arrowpoint Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District has been positive, said Principal Sue Fields.

"The parents are supportive, and it's easier on the pocketbook," she said.

Senior Nadia Dragges, 17, of Normandy, likes the convenience of uniforms.

"Now I know what I'm going to wear in the morning," she said. "I believe that the idea will spread with other school districts."

Junior Kevin Eaton, 17, thinks the public views Normandy's students in a different way.

"Parents compliment us on how we look," he said. "I've had no problem with it, because I went to some Christian schools before I came here, and they had uniforms."

And there is still room for individuality, even while wearing a uniform.

"I'll wear different earrings and rings," sophomore Blockton said. "You want to stand out a bit."

About the author: Isaac Grauke is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Hall Closet Uniforms and Apparel, http://www.hallclosetuniforms.com

Sign In