There were suggestions brought on by Prairie's Health and Fitness Department to require students wear uniforms during PE classes, which could be implemented districtwide. The reasons (which were mentioned in the school's site) are listed here, along with my responses to each.

1. Uniforms bring discipline to the program because all students are dressed alike and have the same dress standards.
A: Uniforms alone will not dramatically change discipline. Students will behave the same regardless of what he or she is wearing. Even if the students are all wearing uniforms, the clothes may not all be worn the same way. There is a good chance that those uniforms would be modified to the student's shape, size, comfort level and personal taste. Wearing the proper attire will depend on where the activity is taking place, whether it is indoors or outside in hot, cold or wet weather.

2. Uniforms promote school spirit and strong identification with the school and sense of belonging.
A: That depends on what the uniforms will look like, whether they will have school colors on them, or the school's logo, or just plain black and white with nothing on them.

3. The cost of a set of ORGANIZED uniform/clothes is cheaper than the cost at a sporting goods store.
A: If the school purchases the clothes in volume for purchase by students, it may be cheaper than having to buy them in a retail outlet. Costs will vary by the particular item of clothing (jersey, shirt, pants, short, pullover, etc.) needed for the specific sporting, athletic or fitness activity. Most retail outlets carry athletic apparel for less than what sporting goods stores will charge. Thrift stores also carry clothing that is current and in good condition for a lot less.

4. Uniforms prevent loss of self-esteem regarding expense, fashion, or newest trend.
A: Loss of self-esteem most likely will happen due to the person's body type, athletic ability or physical fitness. Rarely will someone's loss of self-esteem occur unless the person's outfit (for physical activity) goes beyond good taste.

5. Safety from injury to self or others- no buckle or zipper worries.
A: Most gym clothes do not have buckles, and most do not have zippers. Safety issues are more likely to happen while participating in physical activity.

6. No need to worry about dress code violations.
A: That may be true unless the articles of clothing are worn in a way other than prescribed.

7. Student safety - identification of PHS students.
A: This is absolutely false. Uniforms alone will not identify PHS students. Uniforms can get duplicated, sold to outside parties, and worn by non-students. It would not matter if the uniforms are numbered or have nametags.

8. Teachers know that students are ready to participate and have the proper attire.
A: Again, this statement is false. Unless the students are in some sort of military-like program, it is up to the student who is ready to participate, regardless of what he or she is wearing.

IN GENERAL:
Are uniforms really necessary in the physical education classes at Prairie? Is the school's dress code sufficient enough that it does not create problems? Every student at the school (and in the history of the school) is genuine and unique, each bringing distinct characteristics. Even with uniforms, a student can be distinguished by his or her background. Unless they are participating in an organized program (e.g. interscholastic sports, clubs, band, choir, ROTC, etc.), uniforms are not needed. If students can not afford gym clothes, they should be provided at no cost. Or, better yet, organize a drive for athletic clothes. This is involving a class that is required for graduation instead of an extracurricular activity by choice of the student. Community involvement and student attitude are the key to good discipline.