As student, I saw how school uniforms made difference

As a middle school student I find the debate over school uniforms very interesting. I attended Whittier Elementary in north Everett from kindergarten to fifth grade. The school uniform policy made getting ready for school in the morning easy. As the oldest of five kids my parents also enjoyed how easy uniforms were. I loved attending Whittier where the teachers and staff were awesome.

In sixth grade my family moved to a neighboring district. I like my new school very much, but have noticed a real difference in respect and behavior. I did some research and found that learning is more likely to happen when there is respect for authority. Students, because of uniforms, behave better, and teachers are then more able to do their job.

I prefer uniforms as they allow students to focus on what’s important. The way to stand out in school is by excelling in academics and extracurricular activities like sports, music and drama. I have participated in all three of these areas for the past two years, and just served as the ASB president last year. In non-uniform schools kids focus on fashion as a way of standing out. I also think it addresses a safety, not wearing a uniform the person stands out as an intruder.

My younger sister, who is still in elementary school, would like to return to wearing uniforms. I believe uniforms help students focus more on school work and provide a better learning environment for all students.

Olivia Van Leuven

Lake Stevens