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School uniforms improve school climate in Connecticut

This week, the Forest School in West Haven, CT announced that nearly all of their students have participated in their school uniform pilot program, and the program is paying dividends.  In addition to a decrease in negative behaviors, school administration is experiencing an increase in academic performance and an increasingly more positive school climate.

School Principal Thomas Hunt makes a very important point regarding the implementation of a school uniform policy when he states, “Uniforms don’t make anybody nicer, and they don’t make anybody smarter, but they are a key component to improving school climate if you put other initiatives into place as well.”

A school uniform policy has the best chance to be successful when implemented as a part of a larger school reform initiative.  A school uniform policy can truly set the table and allow for school board members and administrators to promote an agenda for total school reform in their district.

The importance of consistent parental engagement and listening

Once a school uniform policy is adopted in a school district, the work of that school’s leadership and administrative team is far from over.  Parent groups as well as individual parents that raise concerns over the dress code must continue to be engaged by the district to help make the policy a complete success.

In the Guilford County School District in Greensboro, NC, the district is hearing from parents upset over the district’s standardized dress code. From the sounds of it, these parents will continue to voice their frustrations until the policy is changed.  This is not an issue that is exclusive to Guilford County Schools, however.

To prevent conflicts like the one in Guilford County from occurring in your district, we suggest mandating an annual review of your uniform dress code policy with your district’s administrative team and parent groups.  This will provide a way for parents to voice their concerns through an orderly process as well as give your building administrators a forum to suggest any changes that they see fit.

Recent US school violence inspires the creation of bulletproof school uniforms and backpacks

Recent violent attacks at American schools has spawned a Colombian fashion designer to extend his adult bulletproof line of apparel to children.

In addition to his already existing line of bulletproof backpacks, Miguel Caballero has recently added bulletproof clothing and vests to his company’s offerings.  Mr. Caballero designed these items to cater specifically to the U.S. market.

According to sources, there have been over 2,000 sales inquiries for the bulletproof backpacks, and a sizable waiting list now exists.  Other companies in the United States are also beginning to produce smaller bulletproof vests for inclusion in classrooms as well as portable classroom white boards capable of withstanding gunfire.

Very sobering thoughts, indeed.