For the two previous years, students were asked to wear their uniform each Wednesday and for all field trips or school functions. Mosley said participation was about 40 percent in the 1998-99 school year, and she expects a higher rate this year. The daily uniforms will complement a new reading program being instituted this year. The dress code at Witherspoon is navy blue and white. Girls can wear either a white polo shirt or white blouse with peter pan collar with their khaki blue shorts, skirts, pants or jumper dress.
Boys can wear a white polo shirt or white button down with the navy pants or shorts.
Students can also wear a white polo shirt with the Witherspoon emblem on the chest. Since no brand is required, parents can shop around for the best prices. Sonia Hancock, Rankin County home economist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said there are many sides to the school uniform issue. This allows children to wear colors or styles that flatter them, and allows greater freedom to switch out clothes if an item is stained or torn one day. Across the state arguments are made both for and against school uniforms.