The Lake Center uniform had choices between gray shorts or pant with several shirt options for boys. Girls could wear the same pants or plaid culottes or skirt. Both could accent the uniform with vests or sweaters. Our first attempt at uniforms was a voluntary program. This was not the success we had hoped.
Voluntary uniforms place a great deal of pressure on the parents of middle schoolers.
During these critical years, the relationship between parents and teens becomes more strained. There are so many more critical issues which arise at this period, parents are understandably less inclined to make a big issue of a school uniform when it is not required. A mandatory program takes the issue of permission out of the control of both parents and children and it becomes a non-issue. During this last year, Lake Center's uniform program was mandatory. Of the 12 students who did not, Only about 6 of the parents requested exemptions.