We just read The Aegis editorial about school uniforms. The editors predict, and we agree with them, that after a series of pointless meetings (if you remember, pointless meetings about this were already held last year), hearing from committees, dissenters, etc., the ultimate approval on school uniforms would lay with HCPS' Executive Director David Volrath.
Unlike The Aegis, we don't have a problem with the school system deciding on this issue. If they really think it's a safety issue and it might help thwart gangs or just stop poorer children being made fun of, we're for it. But decide already and focus your attention on REALLY important issues. Because with the middle school situation in Abingdon, most of the kids are wearing uniforms anyway -- when they attend St. Margaret's, Trinity, St. Paul's, etc.
We spent the summer searching in vain for a store that did not have Hannah Montana or High School Musical clothing. We dare you to try to find a non-boutique store without these. We would have gladly bought some khakis and a white polo shirt instead of searching in vain for something without a Disney-fied Lolita adorning it.
And we here at TAA are not worried about students not being able to express themselves by how they dress. For those students whining about the lack of self-expression, here's an idea: write about it! Discuss! Is wearing a shirt that says how much you hate your sister really effective after the 1,000th wearing?
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8 comments:
I couldn't agree more.
I have a highschooler who is a boy and so far we have never had any clothing issues with him. (or with my other child who is now a college student)
The current dress code is a joke. I see people wearing flip flops, tank tops, etc. all the time in the school.
My oldest wore the khaki pants/polo shirt uniform everyday in Baltimore county middle school and survived just fine. My youngest also wore a uniform when he attended parochial school. Again, there were no problems, but high school is a little different. Choosing how to dress is a form of self-expression and as long as your child stays within the limits AND the school enforces the dress code, I see no need for uniforms.
I suppose if I had a boy who insisted upon wearing baggy jeans or a girl who wanted to wear short skirts, I might feel differently.
-AroundHarfordCounty
Frankly, I think the fact that dress does define children of teen age IS a problem. We aren't talking about a blue polo vs. a red one or khaki pants vs. jeans. It's wonderful if when a child chooses to dress within the code. But, just because your child leaves the house looking one way doesn't mean he/she will spend the day that way.
Kids can express themselves with their clothing after school, at the mall or in the home. There is absolutely no need to have ANYONE wearing short shorts, or athletic pants with words written across their butts. No one needs to have their pants under the butt cheeks either with their boxers sticking out.
School administrator do not always enforce the rules for all students. And, I know of this from personal experience. If you want a dress code without uniforms, then, the dress code has to be enforced each and every time. That would mean having the students go home to change or have their parents bring new clothes each and every time. And, the student would have to be responsible for all work missed. That's the perfect scenario. The problem is that it is somewhat impossible to police each and every student. Teens sneak, it's how they roll. Also, some people interpret the dress code in different ways. And, some parents get all militant and say it's a form of expression and they should be able to wear whatever they want.
Some things are simply inappropriate and sometimes dangerous, not to mention distracting. School is to learn. There's already enough pent up frustration going on. There are much more constructive ways to express oneself than having HOTTIE across their cheeks or sporting a WAY overpriced Hollister tee.
I agree 100% with Hilda. Well said.
I wanted to express myself by wearing my pajamas to work today but my husband said to find another way.
Giggle
This uniform thing is just another way for the schools to militarize our kids. I'm still not liking it.
I am TOTALLY against a school uniform for my middle school son and all Harford County Public School children. I grew up going to Fallston schools and YES there were T-Shirts and such that were worn that should not have been. Once it was brought to the parent’s attention the problem rarely persisted. The school system is trying to teach our kids that they are all equal. Unfortunately they are not. I was originally very displeased with the fact the my son's elementary school did not let them play "competitive" sports in gym. When I questioned that, I was told "some children may be made fun of if they are not as good as others." Now wait a minute, if I am correct, people are different and even though they may not be good at sports, they excel in other things. Why are we trying to teach our kids that everyone is equal when they are not? If that is how life was, then why would we need to interview for colleges and "compete" to get into those colleges with grades, community services, musical talents and sports talents? It started with this in grade school, now they want uniforms. What is next? Are we going to tell our kids how their hair should be cut and the length of it? The kids should have the choice of what to wear as long as it meets the dress code and their parents. The true problem is parents that do not take the time to discipline their children. A guarantee that most of the parents that vote for these uniforms want them because it will make it easier on themselves without really thinking that it takes another thing away from our kids.
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