This year, Stapleton’s middle schools introduced uniforms for its students. Educators have long seen the benefits of kids wearing uniforms, from better behavior through conformity and most recently, a lack of bullying do to socioeconomic disparity. The schools support individuality, but believe the uniforms are a good idea.
“We have read the studies and know this will benefit the kids and the school,” says Principal Halsor at Bill Roberts Middle School. “Myself and Principal Vogel (McAuliffe Middle School) got together and agreed we would both be using uniforms, but also wanted to allow some individuality. That is when we came up with the patch idea.”
The schools have agreed upon a system where designated patches mean certain things. The kids have to earn these patches through their reputation or their work in the classroom. For example, poor kids will receive a certain patch, and rich kids will receive a patch as well. “Although we don’t want the kids flaunting expensive clothing, we still think the wealthy kids should be recognized,” says Principal Halsor. “Same thing for the poor kids. We don’t want their character to be shaped differently because they are not getting treated so much differently than if we didn’t have uniforms.”
Patches go beyond socioeconomic differences. “We have patches for the popular kids, the good athletes, the smart kids, the uncoordinated kids, the awkward kids, the attractive kids, and so on,” says Halsor. “There are a lot of different ways to get recognized.” Kids can lose patches as well. “If a child falls out of the popular group, or starts performing poorly on tests, we have the right to take those patches back.” The popularity patches will certainly fluctuate throughout the school year.
“So far, the patches are working well in maintaining the awkward, insecure middle school environment, but at the same time, keeping it grounded with the uniforms,” says Halsor. “We will evaluate it at the end of the year and make the decision for next year.” ]]>