Thank you so much for taking the time to read this petition. To make it clear this petition is to bring school uniforms in to the Nixa schools. It appears to me that there are issues starting in our schools and I am not sure if parents have been made aware of. From my understanding students are no longer allowed to wear certain brands, tank tops, bro-tanks, holes in jeans and so on. I like many of you have my opinion as to what goes on in the schools however this I do not agree with and do not see how it can be enforced when it is not printed in the student hand book. I have researched some of the pros and cons on school uniforms and listed below.

Pros:

1. School uniforms would save parents money. The upfront cost of a uniform would be much less than a new wardrobe of the new "coolest" styles.

2. School uniforms would save time for both parents and their children. Children would not have to think about what to wear in the morning and parents save time taking children shopping and waiting for them to get ready.

 3. Children who come from a less fortunate economic background would not appear to be "lacking" or made fun of because their parents could not afford to buy them the newest trendy garment. As children are very often harassed or embarrassed because of their clothes.

4. Any sort of gang related identity or markings would not be an issue. In addition baggy clothing to use to hide weapons, drugs or pregnancy would make the lives of teens more transparent and less hidden from adults.

5. At the end of the day school is primarily a place of learning. The garments worn should be reflective of that. Clothing should be respectful and conservative falling in the lines of the schools dress code.

6. Uniforms make identification of children who belong to the school and those that don't easy.

7. Children will be that much less focused on appearance and more on learning. Appearance can be very distracting for pre-teens and teens.

Cons:

1. School Uniforms are an upfront expense for families who live off of hand-me-downs and used clothing. Programs to recycle used uniforms and funding to provide poor children with no cost or reduced cost uniforms would needed.

2. School uniforms will restrict the outward expression of a child's unique individuality. School's primary function is to educate, but secondarily is a platform for socialization where clothing can play a role.

3. In the rare event of an emergency (such as a natural disaster) identification of students by their parents could be difficult if all children are wearing the same exact things.

    School uniforms are not what some students think they are with girls wearing plaid skirts and button up blouses. The can be as simple as a pair of khaki pant, knee length short or skirt along with a polo shirt of any color that is tucked in with a belt would be acceptable. This would put all students in the same acceptable attire while still having the freedom to choose their own colors. If you would like to see this happen in our schools please sign the petition and even if you are against it a comment of your opinion would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to add this petition is not only for parents of the Nixa area but students comments are also welcome.