"The response from parents was overwhelmingly in favor of students wearing uniforms," says Lee Roland, principal at Tulakes. "Our students are looking and conducting themselves like young professionals. We are experiencing no negatives so far."

In previous years, students were frequently in the office waiting for a principal to deal with their dress code issues. With approximately 98 percent of students wearing uniforms this year, Roland said the image, focus and espirit de corps of the school has been enhanced while the behavior and dress code problems have been markedly reduced.

Principals and teachers found in the past that when students dressed in the "sag and drag" manner – pants too long and too big for the student – it was difficult for students to keep their trousers up during PE, recess time and even class time, particularly when movement was required. Administrators found that valuable student time-on-task was being lost to time spent tying up student pants with plastic ties.

"Sag and drag used to be the way to look cool at school, but now students are finding they can dress appropriately and still look and be cool," Roland says.

The new uniforms include a variety of attire, including shorts, pants, polo shirts, skirts and jumpers. Several students have chosen to wear dress shirts and ties.

Prices are affordable for most with shirts costing only five dollars. If parents have hardships or are unable to purchase the uniform, the school will provide some clothing free of charge. Some parents return the favor by volunteering for jobs such as running copies in the school office or popping popcorn on special days.

The new uniforms also create new learning opportunities for some students. Tulakes teachers are incorporating the uniforms into their lesson plans by having students do activities such as charting graphs by color and type of clothing.

The school plans to encourage parents throughout the school year to provide feedback about the change to school uniforms.

"They're good because we look neat at school."
— Jefferson, grade 3

"I think uniforms this year look splendid on us! It feels different because you don't get to choose your regular clothes, but I think we all look superb!"
— Davion, grade 4

"I like them but I don't like to tuck my shirt in."
— Alex, grade 3

"They're nice because you have to tuck your shirt in."
— Lexi, grade 3

"The reason why I like school uniforms is because it makes me look smart. Nobody can talk about anybody and everybody looks good in uniforms."
— Jalil, grade 5

"I like them because no one thinks they're better than anyone else."
— Kristina, grade 3

"I was upset when I first heard about uniforms this summer because I wanted to wear what I had. And I feel fine now because nobody can talk about me."
— Ashley, grade 4

"I like uniforms at Tulakes this year because my mom doesn't have to worry about buying lots of different clothes for me."
— Jennie, grade 4

"People do the right thing when they wear uniforms."
— Arien, grade 3

"They're good because you don't get your regular clothes dirty."
— Cecilio, grade 3

"They're great. I like them! I like the color and the way they look."
— Travion, grade 3

"I didn't think uniforms would start out good, but the girls look pretty and the boys look handsome."
— Camry, grade 4