Survey seeks opinions on MES uniform dress code
Families with children attending Marion Elementary School next year will be asked for their opinion on uniforms for children — and maybe teachers.
Building Improvement Team members presented the request Monday to Marion-Florence Unified School District.
Board members said they were not opposed to the survey and would consider a request for uniforms, if presented. They did not vote to require uniforms.
Principal Terry Slattery, who has worked at schools with uniform policies, said parents first raised the issue a year ago, and it had gained strength as they shopped for spring clothes. Parents said popular styles, even for elementary school children, are shorter and tighter than the current dress code allows.
"This creates distractions and disrupts learning time when children, teachers, and administrators are spending time deciding if clothing is suitable," she said.
Benefits shown
Members of the improvement team researched the issue. Most research shows uniforms reduce peer pressure by eliminating differences in style, increases pride in school and themselves, helps create a safer learning environment, and improves discipline, they said.
Also, most school uniform companies design clothing for durability and adaptability, making them cost-effective.
"One of my daughters wore the same uniform skirt all four years of high school," said Slattery. This wouldn't be possible for a student wanting to keep up with changing fashion trends.
Improvement team member Chris Sprowls said the main negative issue was that students lost a means of self-expression through clothing styles, but he felt that argument wasn't sufficient.
"There are a lot of ways they can direct their individuality," he said. "If wearing khaki slacks or whatever improves education, that's a pretty minimal thing to do."
No decisions on colors or styles have been made. Choices could include pants, shorts, skirts, jumpers, and a variety of tops.
Clothing could be ordered from a school-uniform company, but often major retailers and catalogs carry clothing that meet uniform codes.
Used clothes an option
Also, families often trade uniforms as their children grow. Slattery said a parent in Atchison actually started a business, selling used uniforms. The school also could have a uniform "bank" for children who may not have access to uniforms.
Parent Laura Baldwin said many adults wear uniforms at their jobs.
"We can instill in our children, through how they dress, that their job is to learn," she said.
Board members said they weren't opposed to the surveys, which were mailed Tuesday and must be returned by Monday. Parents who oppose uniforms are asked to list reasons why.
"Does the logic we use for uniforms at K-6 also apply to 7-12?" asked member Doug Sharp.
The team emphasized that they were considering uniforms only at the elementary school. MHS Principal Ken Arnhold and MMS Principal Tod Gordon said they were not requesting them.
However, both said they deal with dress code issues daily.
Gordon said he recently had to schedule a meeting to warn students that if they didn't start wearing more modest shorts, he would ban all styles.
"It's gotten better since then, but we still see a lot of bellies," he said.
Counselor Phoebe Janzen said she warned one high schooler wearing a skimpy top that if the trend continued, the board might require uniforms.
"She said that would sure make her life easier," Janzen said.
Board member Gene Bowers asked if teachers would wear uniforms, too.
"Some of them think that would be just fine," Slattery said. Custodians wear uniforms, and food service employees wear matching shirts.
The board will review survey results at their May meeting. Member Keith Collett asked that if a change is to be made, it happen so it can be announced before children leave school for the summer, so parents know what styles to buy when they go shopping next year.
