Staff report
Hays CISD’s new middle school will implement uniforms next school year after parents who took part in a survey voted in favor of them.
In a press release, McCormick Middle School principal Thad Gittens said it was “clear” most parents wanted children to wear uniforms after analyzing survey data.
According to survey results, 52 percent of all parents surveyed, which was 158 out of 304 total parents, voted yes for school uniforms.
According to the release, of the parents who stated why they approved of uniforms, 38 parents did so because they believe it would “reduce incidents of bullying and ridicule.”
Twenty-five parents believed it will help learners “focus more on education,” while 20 parents said it would be more economical.
On the opposite end, 38 percent, or 113 parents, voted against having uniforms. Of that number, 54 parents voted no because they wanted their children to be “able to have some choice and/or be able to express themselves through their clothing.”
Fourteen parents voted no because they felt their children would be less conformable in a uniform. Eleven percent of parents surveyed were neutral on the subject.
“We recognize that there are many of you who are passionate about not wanting your children to wear uniforms,” Gittens said in the release. “While we understand your perspective, we have to consider the safety and security of our learners when making a decision of this nature.”
Gittens added safety pertained to not only physical safety but also students’ social and emotional safety.
He said that has to be “our utmost priority.”
“We believe uniforms will help in our efforts to foster a safe and secure environment,” Gittens said in the release.
Gittens said for those concerned about learners not able to express their individuality, the school’s aim is to create a learning environment where they can “exhibit their creativity and individuality in the way that they learn, the work products they create and the activities in which they will be engaged.
“There will be times during the year for learners to earn opportunities to wear attire out of the standard dress code,” Gittens said.
