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School uniforms here to stay

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  School uniforms were smoothly implemented for children in Department of Defense Education Activity schools on Guam during the 2007-2008 school year, and according to Andersen Middle School principal, William Hall, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

All DoDEA schools on Guam adopted a district-wide uniform policy for the 2007-2008 school year to provide additional opportunities for increased school safety, to encourage students, to experience a greater sense of school identity, to encourage improvement in student behavior, to reduce clothing costs and to improve academic excellence.

"Since the uniforms were made mandatory Jan. 7, 2008, it has been one of the best things that have happened to the school," Mr. Hall said. "Students are no longer worried about who has the best clothes and are more attentive in class. The uniforms have also prevented the formation of cliques or groups such as gangs who show their membership by wearing a certain style of clothes."

Helen Bailey, Andersen Elementary School principal added to the conversation saying she has seen marked improvements with the school uniform in AES as well.

"The school uniforms have helped with bullying in AES," Ms. Bailey said. "Kids no longer have a reason to pick on others because of their clothes. It has also taken the children's focus of clothes and put it on classroom instruction which is obviously the most important part of school."

Not only are the school uniforms beneficial for the students, but to teachers and staff as well.

"I really enjoy wearing the school uniform even though the teachers and staff are not required to," Ms. Bailey said. "Prior to the school uniforms, I spent a good deal of money on work clothes such as suits and dress shoes. With the school uniform, I am much more comfortable and I also am able to interact with AES students more efficiently."

The school uniform will go through a revision during the 2009-2010 school year, which will be performed by the School Board for all DoDEA schools on Guam. According to Mr. Hall parents can expect changes and refinements to the program.

"We're looking at minute changes to certain items of the uniform policy," said Mr. Hall. "The revision will mainly incorporate a [more strict] adherence to the policy already in effect."

For more information about the school uniforms or policy contact AMS at 366-3880 or AES at 366-1511.