Memphis City School Uniform Policy

The School Uniform Policy School uniforms range from the formal to the informal. Some schools that have implemented school uniforms have chosen what one usually thinks of in connection to private schools: nice pants and white shirts for boys, jumpers and white shirts for girls. However, most public schools are turning to something more casual and more acceptable to parents and students: khakis or jeans and knit shirts of varying colors. The latter appear to be more affordable too because they can be used outside of school. Many school districts that have implemented school uniforms have provided some sort of financial assistance for families that cannot afford the extra expense. In the U.S. today different schools have enforced uniform policies throughout the country. It is said that uniforms promote a sense of professionalism and safety throughout the school system, In fact according to Dr. Alan Hilfer, senior psychologist in the Children's and Adolescent Unit at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn says, "Uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure, and assaults perpetrated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. Several say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies. Now from my experience form having two school aged kids, I love that they wear uniforms, it gives them a sense of direction and it teaches them about order and professionalism. Uniforms in the school system also decrease school system violence. Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions. I believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This distracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on homework. Uniforms provide students with school uniqueness. Students will stand out in field trips and other school activities feeling a sense of belonging. A bond will then forms and unite more students together. In the Memphis tri-city area uniforms were implemented in 2003 and since the violence in the school system has dropped, in fact according to the STANDARD SCHOOL ATTIRE: RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS there a negligible increase in attendance with standard uniform policy. With that being said I agree that The city uniform policy kelps prevent gang colors, etc. in schools, decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes, Instilling self control among students, reducing need for administrators and teachers to be 'clothes police' (for example, determining whether shorts are too short, etc.) Reducing distractions for students, instilling a sense of community, helping schools recognize those who do not belong on campus. I have attached a link to The City of Memphis school dress code policy. http://web.commercialappeal.com/ed/memphis_dresscode.pdf