Having attended schools which have strict uniform guidelines, I do have to say I am all in favor of having a standardized dress code. Limiting the dress code to a few styles, colors, and presentations, not only make it easier for your child to dress themselves, but it promotes equallity among the students. Children will not be recognized for what logo's are on their shirt, what styles or fashions they wear, the new colors...etc.. Instead, fashion will cease to be a distraction in a place of learning. Students are set apart, not because of what they wear, but by what they do, how they act, and what they can achieve. A uniformed dress code allows our children to focus on the things that matter more. Our children have enough stress in their lives, clothing should be the least of that stress. I am all for a more uniformed dress code. 

I have attended schools with varying dress codes from "dresses only" for girls to what ever you can get away with.  A neat clean appearance is important for optimum learning.  Logos, words, pictures, and immodest clothing can be distracting.  As students get older they need to learn to express their personal style in appropriate ways and should be given the freedom to choose colors and patterns that represents their personality in a respectful way.

I think that the older kids should be a little dressier than the younger ones. I think that the younger (k-5) kids are going to be a little more active and need to have a little more casual attire. However, I think that the older kids, as they learn that business professionals don't really wear denim or shorts, should need to dress up a little bit more. I think that the 5-8 kids should transition to dressier shirts and pants only. And I don't think that any of the kids should be allowed flip-flops or sandals at any time.

Melodie Anne Jett     I think the dress code should be kept simple.  My choice would be:tan/beige dockers (or heavy beige cotton skirt) with a  navy blue polo shirt  or Navy blue dockers (or heavy navy cotton skirt)  with a  white/ school colored (red, maroon, green, gold- Whatever the school colors are)  polo shirt. Fridays should be dress-up day.  Boys would wear dress shirts and ties, and girls would wear blouses in either white, cream or primary colors. (solid) Students  would keep a pair/set of "grubby" clothes at school  to wear for  dirty activities, such as gardening or painting. Thoughts on footwear? 

The poll was originally scheduled to end today. However, we still have parents voting and leaving comments. I've extended the poll another two weeks in order to make sure everyone has the opportunity to give their opinion.

I agree with keeping it simple. It would be difficult for the younger children to always wear dress pants. I don't think we should be too limiting on colors or styles but agree that a nice standard is necessary. I don't know that everyone needs to look exactly alike to promote a healthy learning environment.

To start I'll link some research articles. For: http://eric.uoregon.edu/publications/roundup/Summer_2002.html Stating basically that dress codes are preferred by students and administrators as well as most parents and seem to show immediate behavioral shifts, though nothing could be found definitively. Against: http://sociology.missouri.edu/New%20Website%20WWW/Faculty%20and%20Staff/Assets/David%20Brunsma/Examining%20the%20Effects%20of%20Students%20Uniforms%20on%20Attendance.pdf Stating, "The findings indicate that student uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance." I'll say for myself, I don't usually care for the idea.  I've heard many things about them that make sense but from what I've seen as far as progress, it seems to be momentary at best and kids always find a way of self-expression, even within strict dress code/ uniform policies.  Granted, given a can opener someone will open that can of worms a bit quicker, but even with a rock that can will be opened.  The effects of uniform policies seem limited with success to those schools that have been in effect and had significant gang and/or status issues within the school.  The changes seem to show that immediately after the code, behavioral problems decrease, but within a fairly short timeframe it all goes back to how it had been.  It's really not about the dress, it's about the attitude which is therefore about what parents and teachers encourage as far as accepting differences and how we treat one another.  It's, as one of the studies mentioned, really just applying a fresh coat of paint to an already tarnished surface; superficial at best and simply not a solvent of any sort. All that said, I'm not particularly against uniform policies but they all smack of communist/socialist regiemes meant to homogenize.  I'd much rather my child be able to express their creativity in whatever areas they'd like, including dress.

I think that full Uniform is not the way to go. Keeping it simple is wise. I know the charter school is St. George has khaki pants and navy blue polo shirts. That is simple enough for me & my kids. Although I think we should be somewhat different then the St. George school. My vote would be khaki pants/shorts (for warmer months) and dark green shirts. If the shirts had the schools logo on them that would be cool. I also think the kids should be allowed a free dress day on Early out Fridays.

Just want to clarify because of someone's question that dresses are acceptable in a manner similar to skirts.

I agree with everything except the no jewelry law.  I think within reason and taste little girls should be able to wear stud earings or little tiny hoops.  that's what seperates them from the boys.  And are hair ribbons out of the question too? 

2008-07-17I found that my children are more happy about the dress code because it takes away the presures of dressing in clothing that some times can be distrating because they will all share a commen dress code. They fill equal to the other students and that is great !!so they have more reson to pay attention to why there in school in the first place . It takes the disteactin down in the class room and adds respect that our children will fill for there selfs and the other students and teachers.Are family fills the dress code is a great idea.