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BPS Parent School Council STUDENT UNIFORMS – SURVEY FORM
April 13, 2012 BACKGROUND At the February 16th School Council Meeting, the matter of school uniforms was briefly discussed. Protocol on this issue is spelt out in Peel District School Board policy which requires a 66% positive response rate from all Parents prior to any discussion taking place. Should this threshold be reached, an information session could be held to further discuss the matter. 80% approval in a final vote is then required to confirm the adoption of a uniform policy within the school. REQUIRED ACTION It is requested that you review the double‐sided attachment which provides some information on school uniforms, indicate your vote below and return it to the school on or before Friday, April 20th, 2012. The results of the survey and any necessary follow‐up actions are intended to be documented in the May Newsletter which is sent home to all Parents. We appreciate your feedback on this matter and wish parents to vote of their own accord as Council, who represent the BPS Parent Community, is not endorsing any position on this matter. Parent’s Name ___________________________________________
VOTE YES VOTE NO
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE SCHOOL BY FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH, 2012.
BPS Parent School Council STUDENT UNIFORMS – SURVEY FORM
April 13, 2012 BACKGROUND At the February 16th School Council Meeting, the matter of school uniforms was briefly discussed. Protocol on this issue is spelt out in Peel District School Board policy which requires a 66% positive response rate from all Parents prior to any discussion taking place. Should this threshold be reached, an information session could be held to further discuss the matter. 80% approval in a final vote is then required to confirm the adoption of a uniform policy within the school. REQUIRED ACTION It is requested that you review the double‐sided attachment which provides some information on school uniforms, indicate your vote below and return it to the school on or before Friday, April 20th, 2012. The results of the survey and any necessary follow‐up actions are intended to be documented in the May Newsletter which is sent home to all Parents. We appreciate your feedback on this matter and wish parents to vote of their own accord as Council, who represent the BPS Parent Community, is not endorsing any position on this matter. Parent’s Name ___________________________________________
VOTE YES VOTE NO
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE SCHOOL BY FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH, 2012.
SCHOOL UNIFORM – BACKGROUND INFO
1
Proponents of school uniforms point to the following facts to balance concerns of costs, expression and religious accommodation:
Reduction in gang activity
Reduction in school bullying
Increased sense of belonging and school pride
Safer school environment
No more keeping up appearances with designer labels
Peace of mind for parents knowing what to dress their kids in Toronto School board and Catholic boards are working with Wal‐Mart and other suppliers to reduce the cost of school uniforms and make it cost effective for all parents. Gone are the formal blazers and multi coloured sweaters. In are navy’s, whites and khaki tops and bottoms. Any religious concerns can be accommodated and children will no longer have to worry who’s wearing what and feel they have to keep up appearances so they can focus on school work. The decision about whether a school decides to go full out tie, blazer and pants or polo shirt, pants and sweater can be discussed by you, the parent, should detailed discussions proceed on the matter if an initial 66% approval is reached. The average cost of tops or bottoms for boys and girls range from $6‐16. For example, khaki pants, 3 polo shirts, 2 turtle necks and one sweater could cost the parent less than $90. The pants, polo’s and turtle necks can be used after school and weekends with jeans and any other hoodie or sweater they may have. Another point brought up is what if it’s my child’s last year it might be too costly to purchase uniform for only one year as they won’t get the benefit of two or more years use. Children in the last year at the school will not be asked to wear uniforms unless they want to but parents still need to vote yes if they believe this direction.
Additional Resources School Dress Codes: A Pro/Con Issue, Barbara C. Cruz. Enslow Publishers, 2001.
http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:School_Uniform_(JUNIOR)
SCHOOL UNIFORM – BACKGROUND INFO
2
Opponents of school uniforms contend that uniforms:
Violate a student's right to freedom of expression
Are a financial burden as they ultimately cost more
Are an unfair additional expense for parents who pay taxes for a free public education
Children will still ask for designer labels to wear outside of school
Uniforms teach children that in order to get along everyone must conform to the same standards
Are difficult to enforce in public schools
The most common argument against school uniforms is that they limit personal expression. Kids use the way they dress to express themselves and to identify with certain social groups. Many students who are against school uniforms argue that they lose their self identity when they lose their right to express themselves through fashion. Kids are very specific about what they are comfortable wearing. Some kids are sensitive to certain materials while others are opposed to buttons, zippers and restrictive clothing. Some children are also uncomfortable wearing certain styles of clothing. Many girls, for example, do not like to wear skirts or dresses, which most girls' uniforms require. No uniform can suit all children. Schools whose students wear uniforms can find themselves battling dress code violations just as much as those without uniforms. School administrators may find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time doling out discipline slips to those who insist on pushing the envelope or not adhering to the uniform requirements. "Why bother?" is possibly the most common argument against school uniforms is. Many educators and parents just don't see the point in switching over to uniforms, especially in public schools where uniforms seem to still be the exception and not the rule.
Additional Resources http://www.canadianparents.com/article/school‐uniforms