"Are you Kidding me??????>:-( As a kid, I definetley disagree!!! A kid's clothes are about free expression! I think you're trying to tell our parents what to buy for young children and pre-teens. I'm a pre-teen(almost teenager) and I don't like what you're saying because, like i said before, clothes are about free expression. But, if you want to try to turn today's kids into fashion-don'ts, then be my guest!!! >:-P"

"Uniforms don't change the way kids learn. Trust me. I used to go to a public school with uniforms and they were dropped in favor of the dress code before I went to the seventh grade. If you people think that seventh graders that were in my school last year are rowdy because of no uniforms go take a hard long look at yourself.....(hormones kicking). If uniforms did work they would have been in HS (they weren't in my county before uniforms in all grades were dropped). They are hard to enforce and got real leniant before they decided to drop it."

"My kids went to a private school this past year where they wore uniforms. I don't like buying the uniforms because I can not get them on sale like I can the regular clothes. We are suposed to go to a certain uniform store but the kids have been getting them from Aeropostale ,etc to get around that. My daughter does not like the pants that come up to the belly button so that makes it hard to find pants plus I have to hem the pants for my son and daughter so that is an added expense of $5 for each pair of pants. Next year they will be going to a public school where they dont require uniforms! I work in a different public school system that does require uniforms and it does not make a bit of difference regarding the gangs. The gangs are still in the school. They will find some way to show what gang they are in no matter what you do and I am from a small town so we have it here too."

"This is a very helpful site"

"First and far most I want to say uniforms are a waste. They take away individuality because me myself I like to be odd and wear skulls and stuff. so uniforms should just be banished."

"I'd like to say that uniforms take away our freedom. How do you exsoect children to express themselfs while having to wear things that aen't their style ? I'm a fourtee year old and I like to express myself in the things I wear. If you were to make me wear khacki and only 3 colors of polos, how can I become an indivisual ? They can be good if you live in plces like China, whre they are in school constantly. But here in America, I'd like to say we have the freedom to wear what we want."

"I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT TO MAKE KIDS WEAE UNIFORMS. SCHOOLS CLOSE TO US DON'T WEAR UNIFORMS, WHY DO WE? THIS IS AMERICA SUPPOSEDLY NOT RUSSIA OR CATHOLIC SCHOOL, WE ARE PUBLIC SCHOOLS."

"I believe for the African American community, I can only speak from my experience. I want my child to have uniform due to it assist in giving them a different mind-set of being a 'gentleman'. I gives them no options of 'how should I dress' according to what others think of me. If my parents can not afford to purchase certain items for me, than I don't have to worry about staying in with the 'crowd'. Majority of kids are being bullied and talked about ;in which caused majority of the fights amongst our youth today. By them utilizing the uniform system, it helps to alleviate any of the above issues with the youth. We are all wearing the same thing."

"Uniforms should be required in all public schools,it does hepl the students to focus in the class and not in the clothes other kids wear. "

"Uniforms should be in all schools. they do not have to worry about who has this and I need to go get the same shirt or shoes. School is for learning not competing with others on your wardrobe we need to focus on learning not fashion."

"Uniforms are a great idea! It discourages teasing. We have plenty of time outside of school to express ourselves. School is for learning, it is not a fashion show."

"All school should go to uniforms ,it takes all the fuss out of what to wear and Iam better dressed them her or him. & the teachers won,t have to worry about gang colors. 2 of my 4 granddaughters wear school umiforms and are very happy and look very cute ."

"I like my kids to be able to xpress themselves through there clothes.I want them to wear what they are confident and comfotable in and what makes them feel like they are grown up enough to make the right choices on what is appropriate to wear. If it is not; then we as parents help them pick something that is. Not everyone should suffer for those that do not have boundries with there clothes. You can come to school with something trendy affordable and respectful if you try. I am tired of buying two sets of clothes, Shirts and pants for school and clothes they can wear every where else too. Look: with out a uniform or request for collar shirts only, The people that want there kids to look like nerds can drees there kids like that, and the ones that want there kids to wear clothes that tell who they think they are can. We should have a choice. This is PUBLIC SCHOOL, RIGHT?"

"Good information, great resources and ideas."

"All elementary school should has uniforms. It help the parents and keep the kids focus on class work and not their clothes."

"I have children in K, 9th and 12th this year! I am a budget, sales and clearance shopper. I also shop on ebay for wonderful deals on clothes---new ones! It is not the clothing that gets to me----it is the lack of efforts by the schools (teachers, administration, etc..)--for the extra efforts to 'teach' our children. In Kindergarten, the child is already supposed to know all the basic's. If a teacher has to help a child tie or god-forbid help the child learn to tie his/her shoes---then the teacher should just do it acceptingly--without complaint or 'deep sighs of agony'!! This is their job to teach development as well!! If a student is having a problem in understanding English, Math or whatever, then they should go the extra mile, ON THEIR OWN, to help the student. It is a teachers, schools job to want ALL their students to pass, not fail, so they might have to put their corriculum asside for 10 minutes or so to reveiw something previously taught! (another God forbid!) Clothi! ng should cover a students body, pack-backs should not be too heavy or a rolling book bag should be allowed. Students do not have enough time to go to their lockers in some cases, so they have to carry a heavy load for many hours. Something can be done about that too!!! Thinking about it, what is the difference in college or high school when it comes to book bags? College students can carry their backpacks to make it easier on them, why not high school students? It is just another way to deter us parents from focusing on the real issues at hand, 'How well are you going to educate my child?' and to what extent will you 'act' like you care enough too? "

"omg for the person with the injury to her son's collar bone>>>>>>> I would Speak to the school board and tell them that it is there fault that this is a problem today someone should have been watching the students at all times. Tell them that he will be using a roller tote or you will find other schooling arangements and you will be speaking about this incident live and publicly. SPeak up parents. Stand for something or fall hard for anything....."

"If a child needs a rolling back pack, why can't they use a small luggage bag on wheels. I am a school bus driver and i have seen the children use these before.You can get the light weight but sturdy ones for a reasonable price. Texas allows them. I don't know about other states. And as for having to tie shoes, for the little ones, buy the sneakers that velcro.I am a mom of 3 grown children and i know where some of these moms are coming from. Its not easy now days to outfit children when the schools are so particular.Good luck to all the new moms starting out."

"For all readers.... Let us not forget that when all is said and done YOU ARE THE PARENT!!!! YOU MUST DO WHAT IS IN THE BEST ITNEREST OF YOUR CHILD ALWAYS. If that means they will have an obejection to your decision, then so be it. Keep in mind that you were once a child too and did not agree with your parents methods, but in most cases when you grew up and had your own you respected the ways of your parent and understood their reasoning. So when it comes to the rules and regs of course you must follow them. However if the rules and regs conflict with your parental responsibilties then as a parent you must seek out the right environment for your child. Our children are our future. Children are children for a purpose, because children need parents to teach them the way. The first schooling begins in the home. You should never rely on someone else to teach your child. They learn best from you. Be an example. For the young woman with the son with injuries to the collar bone.(7-27-07) IF THE SCHOOLS NEGLIGENCE ALLOWED SOMETING THAT SERIOUS TO HAPPEN, WHICH MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON HIS ENTIRE LIFE, THE LAEST THEY CAN DO IS LET HIM ROLL HIS BELONGINGS WITH HIM. THE FACT THAT THEY REFUSE TO ACCOMMADATE HIM IS A KEY FACTOR THAT THEY ARE CLEARLY NOT CONCERNED ABOUT HIS WELL BEING. MOM DONT BACK DOWN. THEY ONLY GET AWAY WITH IT BECAUSE WE LET THEM. THAT IS A INJURY THAT WILL NEVER HEAL COMPLETELY IF ITS IN CONSTANT STRAIN. PARENT LETS STAND UP AN TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND MAKE THESE SCHOOL SYSTEMS REFORM THIER WAYS AND DO RIGHT BY THEM. "

"I've experienced ten years of classroom teaching with Kindergarten and first grade. Children are happy when they come to school dressed comfortably. Some ask me to tie their shoes for them. I simply don't have the time to do this. So, it helps if you can purchase shoes that children don't have to tie their shoelaces, but are still comfortable, if they are unable to tie they shoe laces. Test your child for this. If he/she can tie his/her own shoe, then let them pick out their own shoes as a reward for a job well done!"

"we are from an area in the united states where kids could be kids and not look like mini adults and the debate was about how school work is going not worrying about how much a school will charge a student and there parents if they forget a belt or the fact that they would like to be individuals and my girls dont have to look her brother or my husband without a tie when did kids stop being aloud to be kids in this world and when did education discussion take a back seat to having debates about clothes and honestly why do we need people telling parents how to teach our children how to dress at the age of six do we really need another adult who usually dont have children how to chose our kids clothes"

"Both of my kids are in uniform - I love it and they have 'gotten over it' Daily choice for us short or long sleeve blue or white shirt. Do and out the door!"

"I operate a uniform business in Lakewood Colorado. We have just started to carry inventory for school uniforms. This year most of our public schools are reforming to uniform dress codes. Of course I'm excited for my business, on the other hand I am a mother of 4 kids and am seeing the tremendous financial resposibility that goes along with this change in our schools. I have reduced our pricing considerably for back to school and will continue to maintain a low price on our school uniforms. I welcome all parents across th usa to visit my website www.topshelfuniforms.com. or visit our showroom in lakewood .please compare pricing with your local stores, target, jcpenny, etc. we will offer low price , great quality, and quick shipping time. I hope this information is helpfull to your readers. Have a great 2008 school year and God Bless. Rebecca Loving Managing Member"

"READING THE COMMENTS ON THE CLOTHES FOR THE KIDS TODAY MAKES ME WANT TO ASK FOR THOSE THAT CAN DO THIS ANYWAY, EVER THOUGHT ABOUT TEACHING YOUR CHILD HOW TO SEW OR EVEN LEARN HOW TO YOURSELF? IT ALLOWS THEM TO BE CREATIVE WITH THEIR OWN STYLE AND CAN BE CHEAPER NOT TO MENTION SOMETHIHING TO DO DURING SCHOOL BREAKS. I WORK WITH A 13 YEAR OLD NOW DOING THIS AND SHE'S VERY GOOD! I WILL WORKING WITH IONE OF MY 11 YEAR OLD THIS FALL AND MY 7 YR OLD NEXT FALL. I STARTED SEWIND AT 7. I HAVE MY STYLE WOULD REQUIRE OPRAH'S WEALTH BUT I LIVE ON RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATE PAY. HAVING THIS KNOWLEDGE UNDER BELT HAS HELPED ME GREATLY WHEN MY KIDS WERE BABIES TOO. TRY TO FIND LOCAL SEWING INSTRUCTORS IN YOUR AREA. I KNOW THERE IS A KIDS SEWING PROGRAM ON FT.JACKSON. THIS IS A GREAT REWARD TO ONES SELF. "

"Used uniforms can sometimes be found in the children's section of thrift & consignment shops. Having (5) children, I almost never shop in department stores. My pre-teens, and teenagers get almost all their clothes this way. I look for cool stitching on jeans, pockets with gators, bull dogs, skull heads, etc. Salvation Army stores, in my city, are pretty good. Consignment shops only take nearly new, but are much lower priced than retail. And of course, Ebay. With Ebay, pay close attention to the item descriptions. Clothes can appear larger than they are in photo's. Jacksonville, FL "

"How can we as parents get our state to declare tax free days in our state...California?"

"I think as parents we should find some way of getting our kids to focus on other kids personality instead of what their wearing and how much it cost, kids are really mean to each other these days and I think alot of that falls back on us as parents."

"does anyone sell used uniforms? is it allowed? thanks"

"My daughter is 9+ and likes to dress stylish and classy but it is impossble to find decent clothing for her unless we pay up to the nose which we can't afford. The skirts, t-shirts and shorts are too short, befitting a streetwalker, pants are ghetto or tacky looking and nearly all closed-toe shoes are tennies, making her look like a Yeti. Shopping for school clothing is very frustrating and an almost futile endevour because the manufacturers are turning out only cheap and 'trendy' looking stuff. What happened with being stylish yet classy? Why did it become outre not to be hip-hop?"

"Hi, I live in upstate New York,Im 15, almost 16,(sophomore) and in my district, you are not allowed to dye your hair. I want to dye my hair raven black, and its not a 'natural color' so its not allowed. its part of the dress code. I understand not allowing the rainbow, but black is different. I think that if you dye your hair, as long as its not the rainbow, (colores not dark, or light) it should be alowed. you should be alowed to dye black, or that blue that looks black, or if you are crazy enugh, white. you arent allowed to. And with clothes, the school is too picky. In gym classes, you are supposed to wear those 'mini' shorts that are maybe nine inches from the waist to the bottom of the leg, and I wouldnt be caught dead in those. I wont wear shorts, I prefer a skirt. And I think that you should be allowed a skirt in gym, as long as it is above your knees. mine is anyhow. I bought it so I could run in it. lol. you should be allowed to wear anything,as long as it covers you, and what happened to wearing clothes that allow oxigen to get to the skin, to let the sweat disolve, to cool you? you are told to wear tight fit to gym now, wont you over heat? (rhetorical) um, but you really should be allowed to wear somthing other than tight mini shorts. lol. and some people dont like changing in public, so you should be allowed to go to the restroom stalls, but your not. and on the backpack subject, what happened to putting your books in a belt, and your supplys in your bag? a belt would be a good thing to use again, to carry books. it saves space, and if you cant fit your books in your bag, or dont want to use a belt, then why not get one of those backpacks that look like breifcases? you can carry that in your hand. and when someone dosnt have enugh money to buy the new supplys, or get new clothes, then they have to use the old clothes. I still have clothes from two years ago! lol. they fit just fine, and shoes, well, I replace every six months, i wear them out to fast, thats why i think that in the summer, you! should go barefoot, if you have a good yard with no glass in it, so you can save your shoes. lol. um, but thats my oppinion, some people may understand what i just said, and agree, like the other teens. lol. "