At the next District Advisory Council Meeting on Thursday, April 7th, the MPS parent representatives will be having a discussion on the pros and cons of MPS implementing a school uniform requirement. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Robin, 604-7384. If you just have an opinion to share, I encourage you to email me, Ms. Robin, or print out the attachment , DAC Uniform Discussion, and send it back to school with your student.
Potential Benefits: Many school administrators and families believe that uniforms are a positive addition to a school. Some of the commonly cited benefits of uniforms include:
- Uniforms improve learning by reducing distraction and making the school a more serious environment
- Increase the self-esteem of students because they don’t have to compete with others to look good.
- Reduces tardiness, skipped classes, suspensions and discipline referrals.
- Helps identify outsiders in the building which increases safety.
- Can save money for families due to only needing a simple outfit.
- Uniforms increase school pride,
- Reduce the prevalence of violence in schools.
Potential Negatives: However, there are many that see using school uniforms in public schools as a negative addition. Some of the common concerns about uniforms include:
- Uniforms limit a student’s ability to express themselves.
- They cost too much for families.
- Limits a student’s ability to develop confidence and independence in their self-identity.
- Cause a student to express themselves in a negative way since they can no longer do it through clothing choice.
- Using uniforms takes attention away from larger issues that need to be addressed.
- Students may oppose uniforms, particularly as they get older.
Thank you so much!!