The School Uniform Review

School Dress Codes Worth the Work?

2005-10-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

Garland Independent School District in Dallas, Texas, is battling students and parents over the enforcement of a new dress code. Some feel that new policies are not being applied equally to the students. Administrators are wondering if it’s worth the work.

The school fielded questions from parents and students, and most concerns centered on how confusing the new policy was. One girl was sent to the reassignment center (RAC) for wearing spaghetti straps, but the next day another girl wore spaghetti straps and nothing happened. Officials said, “It’s like speeding. We’re not going to catch everyone out there, but when we see it, we’re going to call you on it.”

Principal Wendell Brown placed much of the responsibility with parents. "We as adults have allowed this to get out of hand," he said. "Very few of those kids ... purchase their own clothes. They should never, ever have clothes at home that are inappropriate to wear."

Dress Code Violators Wise Up

2005-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

It’s been said before and I’ll say it again- kids are smart. Whenever you place restrictions on them, they know exactly how far they can push the envelope without getting caught. And now, it seems, they’ve even come up with a back up plan.

A Toledo, Ohio school recently moved to a stricter dress code. Students were employing their right to express themselves, but to the school it was just too tight, too baggy, or not enough coverage. Many of the students were wearing t-shirts that promoted alcohol, cigarettes, or sex, and school officials grew concerned.

"This is school, not the mall," one official explained. "This is an educational institution, and it's not a social event. The expectations are that you dress accordingly."

Now, when a student wears a shirt considered to be inappropriate, there is a consequence- the bright yellow “dress code violator” t-shirt. Of course, it wasn’t long before the students wised-up. Students know when their pushing it, and “90 percent of them "miraculously" have something else to wear in their locker,” said the principal.

School Uniforms Counter Gang Activity

2005-10-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Reports continue to come in from schools who thank school uniforms for a drop in gang related activity. The uniformity puts students on a level playing field, eliminating the competition that comes from fashion and social status.

A Clarksdale, Mississippi, school has been striving for just that. Principal Olenza McBride said she and her staff are doing their part to disrupt gangs, and have achieved what they call, a “gang neutral territory.”

Assistant Principal Jesse Murphree, a former football coach now in charge of school discipline, runs a tight ship. There were six fights last year, but non of them were gang related.

"It's a lot about choices," he said. "We don't give them any. They don't need choices. They need instruction."

Read

Baggy Clothes a Threat?

2005-10-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

A member of a Florida school board is concerned that baggy clothing could be a threat. After watching a video on school security, he was astonished to see how many weapons a person could conceal in a large shirt or pants.

The Florida school adopted a strict dress code in 2000, but loosened it a year later. The board is now proposing to re-examine the code in light of the potential threat. School officials are having trouble enforcing the code, and the board is now convinced that if parents were aware of the threat of baggy clothing, they would be lining up to request a more strict policy.

Other concerns include provocative clothing, and an over-emphasis on style. One board member stated that if they could not enforce the dress code, they would push for school uniforms.

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The Right Way to Adopt a School Uniform Policy

2005-10-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Whenever a school considers adopting a school uniform policy, the question, “How do we go about it?” always comes up. A Roselle Park, New Jersey, school district got the ball rolling with a series of public hearings. State law actually requires public schools to hold a hearing when considering a uniform policy.

The hearing proved an excellent way to approach the subject. Parents were able to come and give input and hear what others were thinking. For those opposed to the introduction of a school uniform policy, concerns ranged from the cost of the uniforms to the issue of whether school uniform policy, now adopted mostly by inner city school districts, is appropriate for a middle-income town like Roselle Park.

Among other reasons, parents who favored school uniforms said uniforms help instill discipline and level the playing field for all students. It was difficult to gauge from reactions at the hearing which side in the debate had overwhelming support, but a survey of parents showed more people supported the introduction of uniforms than those opposed to it.

An important element of the discussion was a review of other districts that have adopted uniform policies, what their reasons were, and what their experience has been. Getting parents involved from the start and learning from other schools are two elements that always ease the process.

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Schools Report on Benefits of School Uniform Policy

2005-10-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Normandy School District in St. Louis, Missouri, joins a trend in public schools that is sweeping across the nation with their new mandatory uniform policy. The number of U.S. public schools with some sort of uniform policy rose from 3 percent in 1997 to 12 percent in 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Another survey is coming in 2006.

The effect of uniforms on academic achievement is not easy to measure. For Principal Joanne Clay of Johnson-Wabash Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the difference lies in attitudes. Her school has a voluntary uniform policy with about 50 percent participation."There seems to be more focus on education rather than fashion," Clay said. "It really decreases the negativity on fashion."

The feedback from parents at Arrowpoint Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District has been positive, said Principal Sue Fields."The parents are supportive, and it's easier on the pocketbook," she said.

Senior Nadia Dragges, 17, of Normandy, likes the convenience of uniforms."Now I know what I'm going to wear in the morning," she said. "I believe that the idea will spread with other school districts."

Junior Kevin Eaton, 17, thinks the public views Normandy's students in a different way."

Parents compliment us on how we look," he said. "I've had no problem with it, because I went to some Christian schools before I came here, and they had uniforms."

And there is still room for individuality, even while wearing a uniform."

I'll wear different earrings and rings," sophomore Blockton said. "You want to stand out a bit."

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The Trouble with School Dress Code Exemptions

2005-10-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Many schools offer school dress code exemptions and many do not. Those that do not offer exemptions can tell you that most of the complaints don’t come from students, but parents. Now many parents have good reason for seeking exemptions, but in some cases, as with Tasha M. Gascon-Smith of Palm Beach, Florida, they go too far.

"My husband, he wishes I'd spend my time better, but he knows I'm on the right track," she says. For more than a year now, Gascon-Smith, mother of three, has been waging a war against her kid’s dress code policies. She keeps a folder with all of the correspondence she has had on the issue.

Right about then any one of us would have pulled our kid aside and given them the talk about how sometimes we have to do things that we don’t want to do. But not Gascon-Smith.

After a year of battle, she won’t give in- even though her thirteen year old son spent the last nine weeks of his seventh grade year serving “in-school suspension” for insubordination over his clothes. His mom says it’s the same this year. “He’s probably only been in his regular classes seven to ten days.”

School officials aren’t caving. That’s the trouble with school dress code exemptions. “If we approve one exemption, we have to approve them all.”

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Parent Involvement

2005-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

It’s a known fact that parent involvement is essential to the life of a school, and one particular area where that is true is with school uniforms. Many schools need volunteer help because of their budget, but with school uniforms, its more than just money.

Especially for schools who are considering a uniform policy for the first time, parent involvement is essential. When a school switches to uniforms, everyone is affected. Parents are often forced out of their shopping comfort zones when a trip to the local department store doesn’t do the trick. Back to school becomes new adventure that often involves tricky sizing problems and online ordering.

The only solution is to have parents involved from the start- defining the uniform, choosing the vendor, and understanding how the process works. Keeping parents updated on these steps will help them understand how to get what they need when its time to buy.

If your school has gone through these steps and still met with frustration, consider an on-site uniform store. Here again, parent involvement is essential, but it brings the uniform process closer to home.

The Wrong Trousers

2005-10-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

You may think you or your kid’s headmaster is strict, but unless your children have been stripped to their knickers and sent home for wearing the wrong uniform trousers, you may want to think again. A headmaster in Mbizo, Kwekwe, allegedly stripped five boys of their pants and shoes last week for not wearing the proper uniform.

Manunure High School headmaster Mr. Charles Nzvenge allegedly locked up the trousers and shoes in his office and ordered the boys to go back home and return dressed in the right uniform. The boys were able to cover themselves in their long shirts, but endured the taunts and jeers of their fellow students, until concerned residents in the neighborhood provided the boys with pants to wear home.

Mr. Nzvenge declined to comment yesterday, referring all questions to the Ministry of Education. But Midlands district education officer Ms. Envas Gudo confirmed receiving a report and said they had subsequently set up a team to investigate the allegations. "The team, which included one psychologist and four other officials, confirmed the report and the ministry is currently working out the course of action to be taken," said Ms Gudo.

Needless to say, parents took their own course of action, besieging the headmaster’s office, forcing him to make a hasty escape.

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Donate a School Uniform

2005-10-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

If you have extra blue or khaki pants, shorts, skorts, jumpers and blue or white blouses and shirts, consider donating them to one of the many areas along the southern gulf coast. Here is one such example. One child in Jackson, Mississippi, managed to salvage two goldfish. Most kids didn’t even save an extra pair of clothes, let alone a school uniform.

JPS’ Partners in Education office is one organization to consider donating to. They are coordinating the collection of book bags, school supplies, and uniforms. Many schools have a used uniform closet available for their students. If you know of such a school, consider soliciting them for a uniform donation. Individuals can also donate uniforms or money to buy uniforms by calling Partner’s in Education at (601) 960-8905. Keep in mind that children in need will require three to five sets.

Brand Name Uniforms?

2005-10-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Many parents have to listen to their kids complain about their school uniform, because they aren’t trendy or fashionable. It is difficult to deal with the complaining, but at the same time, parents are thankful they don’t have to foot the bill for name-brand clothing. Is there such a thing as a name brand school uniform?

You won’t believe it, but in Sydney, Australia, parents are dishing out as much as $1500 for a school uniform. However, much of the cost isn’t the uniform itself, its dry cleaning.

Students from kindergarten to sixth grade are being decked out in fashionable outfits, designed by the likes of Jodie Boffa, Robert Burton, and Jonathan Ward. Not surprisingly, some parents are complaining that prices are too high, with dry clean only instructions leading to a yearly cleaning bill of $700. What’s the deal?

NSW Parents and Citizens Association president Sharryn Brownlee said uniforms were big business for the designers and the schools. "Some schools make tens of thousands of dollars from school uniform contracts," Ms Brownlee said. "For the designers it is lucrative and is about stamping their brand name on a younger generation.”

Many thought that school uniforms would eliminate brand names, and at most uniformed American schools, they have. Is it only a matter of time before brand names are back?

Read

Students Model School Uniforms

2005-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Some schools will try anything to get kids excited about school uniforms. Willow Elementary in San Ysidro, California, hosted a fashion show to display the children’s new uniforms. But maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea. After a ten minute choreographed walk down the catwalk, 42 kindergartens through sixth graders were met with cheers and applause by parents. Interviews with students afterward showed the event did a lot to increase the students’ appreciation for their school uniforms.

Itzel Dunn, an 11 year old sixth grader, added a blue beret to her jumper and blouse ensemble commenting, “It’s pretty and it looks nice.” Other students wore sweatshirts, windbreakers, polo shirts and slacks, and one student model even twirled an umbrella.

The message that the principal wanted to communicate was that there’s room for individuality even when you have to dress like everyone else. Convincing parents and students of the value of school uniforms wasn’t easy. Parents began to warm up to the idea after they witnessed certain benefits, such as affordability and simplicity. Students were a tougher sell, but the fashion show certainly peaked their interest.

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School Uniforms the Trend

2005-10-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Despite the continuing controversy surrounding school uniforms, over a quarter of the student population found themselves in uniform as they went to school this year, which works out to roughly 12 million kids. Many parents find themselves asking, “Why?”

Educators and other proponents are turning to uniforms for a concrete and visible means of restoring order to the classroom. While scientific research has not yet confirmed a link between the two, most schools just find that they work. Uniforms help eliminate symbols of class, cliques and gangs, making everyone feel more a part of a team.

Other advantages include low cost ($100-$150 per student) and programs that help those who can’t afford them. An average uniform includes:

* 4 tops: Short- and long-sleeved knit or woven shirts
* 4 bottoms: Shorts, skirts, skorts, pants, or jumpers
* 2 sweaters
* 4 pairs of socks/tights
* 2 pairs of shoes
While typical connotations of the classic blue blazer uniform still exist, most schools are going with a more relaxed look to suit the times.

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Representative Bruce Antone of Orlando on School Uniforms

2005-10-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

During his last legislative session, Antone sponsored a bill requiring Orange County Public Schools to implement a mandatory district-wide school uniform policy. While the legislation failed, the Orange County Blue Ribbon Panel on Education felt it was a sound policy recommendation.

Antone states that he firmly believes that uniforms can help restore order and discipline to public schools and eliminate inappropriate clothing. “Our kids”, he says, “know no boundaries with regard to dress, and it is time to re-establish some boundaries for our children.” He sees the problem as short skirts, revealing shirts, and pants down past the buttocks.

Some have been overzealous in stating the school uniforms are the answer to all of the problems in the public school system, but Antone believes they are not a “cure all”. Rather, they are the beginning of an arduous process to bring the focus of schools back onto education.

The bottom line, he says, is that the community cares about the children, and so the bar of excellence and expectations must be continually raised. A district wide mandatory uniform policy would bring financial relief for parents and set a an example for children that says “achievement and success are not measured by what you wear but what you learn.”

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The School “Fitting Day” Program

2005-09-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

We have heard from a number of schools recently who are all running into the same problem: it is difficult to find a uniform supplier who will carry their plaid if they don’t buy from them exclusively. More and more schools are running into this problem. In Utah, for example, charter schools are required by state law to offer more than one supplier to parents. What’s to be done?
First of all, you have to understand the problem. Generally speaking, uniform suppliers can only carry a school’s plaid if the school buys from them exclusively because they need to be able to gauge the amount of inventory to stock. When a school offers their parents more than one option, suppliers don’t know how many uniforms they will sell and so it becomes difficult to know how many to stock.
If you have run into this difficulty, ask your supplier if they can set up a school “fitting day” program. Here’s how it works: your supplier will bring in one of each size of every item in your dress code. Towards the end of the school year in June, they send the items out to your school. Your school will advertise the fitting day to parents so that they can have their kids try on the items that they are interested in. When they know what size they need, they can place an order with the school. The school then gives the orders to the supplier so that they can order the exact items from the manufacturer.
Why does this help? It helps because kids are able to try items on to find their exact size, and because they place their orders in June, suppliers can order the exact sizes from manufacturers. The result is that students don’t have to worry about returning items because they don’t fit. Uniform suppliers don’t have to worry about how much to stock. And schools can get any plaid, in any style, and still have two suppliers.

Model School Uniform Policies

2005-09-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

States and local school districts must decide how they will ensure a safe and disciplined learning environment. Below are some examples of school districts that have adopted school uniforms as part of their strategy.

Long Beach, CaliforniaType: Uniforms are mandatory in all elementary and
middle schools. Each school in the district
determines the uniform its students will wear.
Opt-out: Yes, with parental consent
Size of program: 58,500 elementary and middle school students
Implementation date: 1994

Support for disadvantaged students: Each school must develop an assistance plan for families that cannot afford to buy uniforms. In most cases, graduating students either donate or sell used uniforms to needy families.

Results: District officials found that in the year following implementation of the school uniform policy, overall school crime decreased 36 percent, fights decreased 51 percent, sex offenses decreased 74 percent, weapons offenses decreased 50 percent, assault and battery offenses decreased 34 percent, and vandalism decreased 18 percent. Fewer than one percent of the students have elected to opt out of the uniform policy.

Dick Van Der Laan of the Long Beach Unified School District explained, "We can't attribute the improvement exclusively to school uniforms, but we think it's more than coincidental." According to Long Beach police chief William Ellis, "Schools have fewer reasons to call the police. There's less conflict among students. Students concentrate more on education, not on who's wearing $100 shoes or gang attire."

Seattle, WashingtonType: Mandatory uniform policy at South Shore Middle School
Opt-out: Yes, with parental consent. Students who opt out
must attend another middle school in the district.
Size of program: 900 middle school students
implementation date: 1995

Support for disadvantaged students: South Shore works with local businesses that contribute financial support to the uniform program. In addition, the administration at South Shore found that the average cost of clothing a child in a school with a prescribed wardrobe is less than in schools without such a program, sometimes 80 percent less. School officials believe that durability, reusability and year-to-year consistency also increase the economy of the school's plan.

Results: The principal of South Shore, Dr. John German, reports that "this year the demeanor in the school has improved 98 percent, truancy and tardies are down, and we have not had one reported incident of theft." Dr. German explains that he began the uniform program because his students were "draggin', saggin' and laggin'. I needed to keep them on an academic focus. My kids were really into what others were wearing." Only five students have elected to attend another public school.

Richmond, VirginiaType: Voluntary uniform policy at Maymont Elementary
School for the Arts and Humanities
Opt-out: Uniforms are voluntary.
Size of program: 262 elementary school students
Implementation date: 1994

Support for disadvantaged students>: Responding to parent concerns about the cost of uniforms, the school sought community financial support for the uniform program. Largely as a result of financial donations from businesses and other community leaders, the percentage of students wearing uniforms rose from 30 percent in 1994-95, the first year of the program, to 85 percent during the current year.

Results: Maymont principal Sylvia Richardson identifies many benefits of the uniform program, including improved behavior, an increase in attendance rates and higher student achievement.

Kansas City, MissouriType: Mandatory uniform policy at George Washington
Carver Elementary School
Opt-out: None. Carver is a magnet school to which parents
and students apply knowing about the uniform
policy.
Size of program: 320 elementary school students
Implementation date: 1990

Support for disadvantaged students: Students receive their uniforms at no cost to them. The state and school district pay for the uniforms primarily with magnet school funding.

Results: Philomina Harshaw, the principal for all six years that Carver has had uniforms, observed a new sense of calmness throughout the school after students began wearing uniforms. "The children feel good about themselves as school uniforms build a sense of pride. It forces adults to know a child."

Memphis, TennesseeType: Voluntary uniform policy at Douglas
Elementary School
Opt-out: Uniforms are voluntary.
Size of program: 532 elementary school students
Implementation date: 1993

Support for disadvantaged students: Douglas has business partners in Memphis that have contributed financial support to purchase uniforms for needy families.

Results: According to Guidance Counselor Sharon Carter, "The tone of the school is different. There's not the competitiveness, especially in grades, 4, 5, and 6, about who's wearing what." Ninety percent of the students have elected to wear uniforms on school uniform days, Monday through Thursday. Fridays are "casual" days during which none of the students wear uniforms.

Baltimore, Maryland Type: Voluntary uniform policy at Mt. Royal
Elementary/Middle School
Opt-out: Uniforms are voluntary.
Size of program: 950 elementary and middle school students
Implementation date: 1989

Support for disadvantaged students: Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School keeps a store of uniforms that are provided free to students who cannot afford the $35.00 to purchase them. Ninety-eight percent of graduating eighth graders donate their uniforms to the school.

Results: According to Mt. Royal's assistant principal, Rhonda Thompson, the uniform policy "has enhanced the tone and climate of our building. It brings about a sense of seriousness about work." All of the students have elected to participate in the uniform program.

Norfolk, VirginiaType: Mandatory uniform policy at Ruffner Middle School
Opt-out: None. Students who come to school without a
uniform are subject to in-school detention.
Size of program: 977 middle school students
Implementation date: 1995

Support for disadvantaged students: The school provides uniforms for students who cannot afford them.

Results: Using U.S. Department of Education software to track discipline data, Ruffner has noted improvements in students' behavior. Leaving class without permission is down 47 percent, throwing objects is down 68 percent and fighting has decreased by 38 percent. Staff attribute these changes in part to the uniform code.

Phoenix, ArizonaType: Mandatory uniform policy at Phoenix
Preparatory Academy
Opt-out: Yes, with parental consent. Students who opt
out must attend another middle school in the
district.
Size of program: 1,174 middle school students
Implementation date: 1995

Support for disadvantaged students: A grant from a local foundation covers the $25 to $30 cost of uniforms for families that cannot afford to buy them.

Results: According to the principal, Ramon Leyba, "The main result is an overall improvement in the school climate and a greater focus on positive behavior. A big portion of that is from uniforms."

Users' Guide to Adopting a School Uniform Policy

2005-09-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

The decision whether to adopt a uniform policy is made by states, local school districts, and schools. For uniforms to be a success, as with all other school initiatives, parents must be involved. The following information is provided to assist parents, teachers, and school leaders in determining whether to adopt a school uniform policy.
Get parents involved from the beginning
Parental support of a uniform policy is critical for success. Indeed, the strongest push for school uniforms in recent years has come from parent groups who want better discipline in their children's schools. Parent groups have actively lobbied schools to create uniform policies and have often led school task forces that have drawn up uniform guidelines. Many schools that have successfully created a uniform policy survey parents first to gauge support for school uniform requirements and then seek parental input in designing the uniform. Parent support is also essential in encouraging students to wear the uniform.
Protect students' religious expression
A school uniform policy must accommodate students whose religious beliefs are substantially burdened by a uniform requirement. As U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley stated in Religious Expression in Public Schools, a guide he sent to superintendents throughout the nation on August 10, 1995:
Students may display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent that they are permitted to display other comparable messages. Religious messages may not be singled out for suppression, but rather are subject to the same rules as generally apply to comparable messages. When wearing particular attire, such as yarmulkes and head scarves, during the school day is part of students' religious practice, under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act schools generally may not prohibit the wearing of such items.
Protect students' other rights of expression
A uniform policy may not prohibit students from wearing or displaying expressive items -- for example, a button that supports a political candidate - so long as such items do not independently contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others. Thus, for example, a uniform policy may prohibit students from wearing a button bearing a gang insignia. A uniform policy may also prohibit items that undermine the integrity of the uniform, notwithstanding their expressive nature, such as a sweatshirt that bears a political message but also covers or replaces the type of shirt required by the uniform policy.
Determine whether to have a voluntary or mandatory school uniform policy
Some schools have adopted wholly voluntary school uniform policies which permit students freely to choose whether and under what circumstances they will wear the school uniform. Alternatively, some schools have determined that it is both warranted and more effective to adopt a mandatory uniform policy.
When a mandatory school uniform policy is adopted, determine whether to have an "opt out" provision
In most cases, school districts with mandatory policies allow students, normally with parental consent, to "opt out" of the school uniform requirements.
Some schools have determined, however, that a mandatory policy with no "opt out" provision is necessary to address a disruptive atmosphere. A Phoenix, Arizona school, for example, adopted a mandatory policy requiring students to wear school uniforms, or in the alternative attend another public school. That Phoenix school uniform policy was recently upheld by a state trial court in Arizona. Note that in the absence of a finding that disruption of the learning environment has reached a point that other lesser measures have been or would be ineffective, a mandatory school uniform policy without an "opt out" provision could be vulnerable to legal challenge.
Do not require students to wear a message
Schools should not impose a form of expression on students by requiring them to wear uniforms bearing a substantive message, such as a political message.
Assist families that need financial help
In many cases, school uniforms are less expensive than the clothing that students typically wear to school. Nonetheless, the cost of purchasing a uniform may be a burden on some families. School districts with uniform policies should make provisions for students whose families are unable to afford uniforms. Many have done so. Examples of the types of assistance include: (a) the school district provides uniforms to students who cannot afford to purchase them; (b) community and business leaders provide uniforms or contribute financial support for uniforms; (c) school parents work together to make uniforms available for economically disadvantaged students; and (d) used uniforms from graduates are made available to incoming students.
Treat school uniforms as part of an overall safety program
Uniforms by themselves cannot solve all of the problems of school discipline, but they can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety. Other initiatives that many schools have used in conjunction with uniforms to address specific problems in their community include aggressive truancy reduction initiatives, drug prevention efforts, student-athlete drug testing, community efforts to limit gangs, a zero tolerance policy for weapons, character education classes, and conflict resolution programs. Working with parents, teachers, students, and principals can make a uniform policy part of a strong overall safety program, one that is broadly supported in the community.

School Uniforms: Where They Are and Why They Work

2005-09-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

A safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good school. Young people who are safe and secure, who learn basic American values and the essentials of good citizenship, are better students. In response to growing levels of violence in our schools, many parents, teachers, and school officials have come to see school uniforms as one positive and creative way to reduce discipline problems and increase school safety.
They observed that the adoption of school uniform policies can promote school safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. The potential benefits of school uniforms include:
decreasing violence and theft -- even life-threatening situations -- among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers;
helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school;
instilling students with discipline;
helping parents and students resist peer pressure;
helping students concentrate on their school work; and
helping school officials recognize intruders who come to the school.
As a result, many local communities are deciding to adopt school uniform policies as part of an overall program to improve school safety and discipline. California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia have enacted school uniform regulations. Many large public school systems -- including Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dayton, Detroit, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Miami, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis -- have schools with either voluntary or mandatory uniform policies, mostly in elementary and middle schools. In addition, many private and parochial schools have required uniforms for a number of years. Still other schools have implemented dress codes to encourage a safe environment by, for example, prohibiting clothes with certain language or gang colors.

Campus Wear

2005-09-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

In response to an unending debate over uniforms, many schools are turning to Campus Wear. The most controversial aspects of the Uniform Debate have been summarized. Most fear school uniforms prohibit individuality. Campus Wear helps schools monitor the student’s clothing, but gives students the flexibility they need.
Male students could wear a short sleeved oxford, long sleeved polo, or turtleneck, etc. in any combination of colors with shorts or pants in varying styles and colors. Maybe throw in a sweater vest or a cardigan.
Female students can choose from any number of blouses and shirts in varying styles and colors, different lengths and styles of skirts, skorts, culottes and pants with the popular mid and low rise styles. The possible combinations go on and on. Consider coordinating with your school colors. Campus Wear can be tailored to fit your school and your students. Parents, students, and schools all benefit.

A Ladies School Uniform

2005-09-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Many of the people who oppose school uniforms criticise the lack of originality they afford. There, of course, is an element of truth to this. But they also don't realize how many options there actually are. So what are some of the elements of a ladies school uniform? Here is a start:

The Blazer. A Classic.
Navy with gold buttons and patch pockets.

Pullover. Cardigan. Sweater Vest.
Youth, Adult, Big and Tall.
Acrylic, Cotton, or Fine Guage- Navy, Wine, or Tan.

Knit Shirt.
Polo Shirt. Turtleneck.

Blouse.
Camp Shirt. Peter Pan. Pointed Collar. Oxford.

Plaid.
J umper. Skirt. Cullote. Skort. Short.

Slacks.
Plain Front. Pleated. Mid-Rise. Classic.

Hurricane Katrina Relief

2005-09-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hall Closet School Uniforms is offering 40% OFF all in-stock items to families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of students and families have been displaced as a result of the disaster, and have been forced to find new schools at the start of the school year. If you are in need of new school uniforms as a result of the disaster, or know someone who does, call toll free 877-275-7903 and speak to one of our staff, or email us.

About Hall Closet Uniforms & Apparel

2005-09-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hall Closet Uniforms & Apparel is committed to providing quality uniforms and apparel to schools and families across the country. We have brought together products from manufacturers such as School Apparel, Royal Park Uniforms, Elderwear, Executive Apparel, Ee Dee Trim and Classroom Uniforms and made them available at prices you can afford. Through the convenience of our secure e-commerce website, new catalog and friendly, helpful staff in Moscow, ID – you’re just a click, email or phone call away from beautiful, tasteful apparel.
Nestled in the midst of the rolling wheat fields known as the Palouse, from which the Appaloosa horse derives its name, Hall Closet Uniforms is located in Moscow, Idaho – also home to New St. Andrews College, Logos School, the Association of Classical & Christian Schools and the University of Idaho. Though our horses don’t talk, the Palouse is a wonderful place to live, not so unlike the land that Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund encountered in the wardrobe of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. In this closet, though, you will find quality school uniforms and the friendly folks that bring you the great customer service you are looking for. You’ll also find a wide selection, great prices and a partner you can trust. Thanks for visiting Hall Closet Uniforms & Apparel – where your satisfaction is our highest goal.
By leveraging today's technology we are able to deliver excellent quality school uniforms without having to pass on the cost of expensive overhead. Parents, schools and kids all benefit.
Thank you for considering us for a mutually beneficial partnership with your school. Please consider the following services and programs.
~Toll free phone service for questions, orders and advice
~Same day email response to all inquiries
~Customized section on web-site for your school
~On-site "Fitting Day" program for your school
~Investment rebate of up to 8% of sales for your school
~Interactive web-site for questions, orders and research
~Custom embroidery, screen printing and heat-press service with name or logo
~Flexible return/exchange program
~Low-cost shipping charges