Editor’s Note: The next several post are exerpts from the Wonter 2012 issue of The Brave Times, Octorara High School student Newspaper:
By Emily Solomon & Brooke King
How would you like it if all the students of Octorara dressed exactly the same? Do you think that uniforms would be a good idea? Do you think uniforms would help students concentrate?
Many school districts a crossed the nation are moving towards enforcing a dress code by making students wear school uniforms. Here are some of the results from the student/teacher survey conducted at Octorara Junior High School. As you will read many people have different ideas concerning this issue.
Students and teachers were surveyed to get a feel for whether or not school uniforms were a good or bad idea. Some of the teachers think it would be a good idea because it would “eliminate dress code violations” and it would “create a sense of unity”. Teachers also think it would “help with discipline and that it would
promote a sense of sanity”. The final reason voiced by teachers was “because it will lessen the distractions and bullying.”
All of these reasons expressed how school uniforms would improve our school environment. Surprisingly, most individuals when asked about uniforms thought it would be a good idea.
The survey also asked, “What would the school uniforms look like?” Some responded and said that they would like to wear “red, blue, and white uniforms to represent the school colors.” Others said they would like to wear a more casual uniform of “jeans and a sweatshirt.” Many students believed requiring uniforms would put an end to the pressure students feel about having to look a certain way or the need to belong.
Although some agreed to have uniforms, others most certainly did NOT. They said, “Clothing is an expression of individuality.” Many students believe their dress provides them the opportunity to express themselves in an original and unique fashion. They also said, “Uniforms are boring and you won’t have any character.”
A reoccurring statement believed by many students was, “With uniforms you wouldn’t be able to wear any new clothes.” Many students take pride in wearing the latest styles and dress. Many people have different opinions on wearing school uniforms to school. Some people are for school uniforms because it will help students concentrate and eliminate pressure to fit in. Other students said they didn’t want uniforms because they wouldn’t be able to express themselves ifthey wear uniforms. As a student body we need to work together and respect opinions of others.
Regardless of whether Octorara moves towards school uniforms, our survey identified a number of opinions related to the topic. Thanks to all of the people that gave us HONEST answers.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” -Winston Churchill
Well I think it would really suck (sorry) if I was a student there! It wasn’t until I was in 10th grade that they allowed girls to wear pants! I think they should all be free to express themselves in a proper fashion of course. That’s part of the fun of being in high school I think. And just because they wear uniforms doesn’t mean there won’t be any bullying. That will happen anyway. It’s just how kids are unfortunately, and goes with the territory. Kids have to learn how to get along in the world and dressing them alike isn’t going to make any difference that I can see. Just my opinion.
Go for it. Octoraro as a Catholic school system, maybe the test grades compared to the state could rise.
I happen to know that school uniforms make a huge difference. I went to elementary school in a very violent section of Brooklyn NY. Violent enough to take the lives of 2 of my uncles within 15 months. Needless to say the school I attended reflected the culture of the streets. It was chaotic. Fighting and unruly behavior was expected and accepted. Many parents spent more time and money dressing their kids up than educating them. My family was very poor and I could only wear hand me downs. I got into fights mainly to defend myself from students making fun of me. This all ended when the school went to uniforms. Today this school is one of the best in NYC. I work with poor kids and one of the main stresses in their lives is how they look. Some of the girls can’t afford expensive clothes so they wear revealing clothes to feel better about themselves. Some of the guys like many of my friends growing up are tempted with dealing drugs so that they can wear expensive sneakers. Octorara may not have all the issues my school in NYC had but uniforms will help and not hurt. Students do not go to school to express their individuality they go there to learn.