School uniforms, once the exclusive province of private and parochial schools, have moved into the public domain.

In our neighborhood, at least nine elementary schools have joined the experiment by adopting a uniform policy. Although a few DISD schools have taken the steps necessary to make wearing uniforms mandatory, our neighborhood elementaries have so far made wearing uniforms optional.

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Mount Auburn Elementary is well into its second year in uniform. Principal Olga McAdams says giving the students incentives to “suit up” makes a difference. The uniform consists of navy  slacks, shorts or jumpers with a white shirt or blouse.

“We’ve used different ways of encouraging them to wear their uniforms, and the majority comply. Monday through Thursday they’re supposed to come to school in uniform, and Friday is a free day.”

McAdams says parents who objected initially to the switch generally did so for two reasons: concerns about cost and dislike of the “private school” look.

“In actuality parents have to spend a whole lot more money for regular clothes than for uniforms,” she says. And the unforms do produce results, she says.

“For some reason, it seems to help with discipline.  The children seem to feel different in uniform, and it brings more order to the classroom.”

Some schools have only begun to explore the uniform option. At Stonewall Jackson Elementary, discussions of a uniform policy haven’t generated a strong response, says principal Olivia Henderson.

“We’ve toyed with the idea. Our staff seems pro-uniform, but the PTA board has not been interested in pursuing it.

Henderson herself in neutral on the subject. “It would be nice for students who can’t afford the expensive brand-name blue jeans and things, but we just haven’t had a lot of support for it.

“Our neighborhood is diverse, and we have a lot of non-traditional parents who are not into conformity.”