Research shows that students who wear school uniforms perform better academically in school. Students are often so focused on their wardrobe that it distracts them from learning. Researcher report that a uniform policy removes this distraction and improves student attention. Uniforms set a more serious tone within the school environment that is conducive to learning, and a uniform policy prepares students for "real world" expectations often found in the business community.

So this alone should be reason enough, huh? But wait, there's more...

Some experts believe that, more than in any other area, school uniforms improve the social outcomes in a school environment. Clothing and fashion are often at the root of social conflict. Children are often ridiculed by other children because of the way they dress. Many children use clothing to express themselves and to define themselves. This self-expression and definition often leads to the formation of cliques in the school environment. Many students feel that they are judged according to what they wear by other students, as well as by teachers and administrators. School uniforms remove these factors from the social environment within the school, thus relieving students from the pressure to fit in. Experts believe that, by improving the social environment through mandatory standardized dress, both academic and behavioral outcomes improve.

A win win change so far! And it gets even better...

School systems already using uniforms report that uniforms are more affordable to families because there is not as much pressure to buy expensive, trendy clothing.

Now that's just icing on the uniform cake!

The Dothan City School administration and schools are committed to making your transition to our new uniform policy as positive and easy as possible. We have several things that we hope you will find helpful.

1. The DCS Clothesline. You are invited to visit The Clothesline to download a copy of the uniform policy, print a handy pocket guide to take shopping with you, and to view questions and answers that have been asked about uniforms. Feel free to email your questions to be answered (The Clothesline email: DressCode@dothan.k12.al.us or via phone 334.793.1397 ext. 400).

2. Area retailers are in the process of receiving training from DCS and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce on how to meet your uniform shopping needs and how to help you make purchases that will meet the new code. These trained retailers will display the "Clothesline" logo (shown at the top of this email) on their storefront so that you will know they are knowledgeable about the new policy specifics.

3. Be on the lookout for our upcoming fashion shows to be held in each school! Your school will post date and time details soon. This will be a great opportunity to see the vast array of clothing options available within the uniform code. Attendees will receive "where to buy" information also. (Can't make it to the show? No worries, we'll post a video for you shortly after the last show.)

Our commitment to raising the bar on academic excellence is for one thing...our students! Therefore our plans for making this a positive transition includes them in special ways.

1. Elementary, Middle School and High School Essay Contests.
Encourage your student to enter the contests currently underway for all students. Three essay winners will receive free wardrobes for next year! See the details on your school's website.

2. Grade appropriate lesson plans have been given to each school to help teachers introduce the topic of the new uniform policy. You can help by talking to your children about how uniforms are important in many real world careers. And if you wear a uniform on the job, consider volunteering to visit your child's class as a guest speaker. They will love it!

3. Each school will soon have a display to help students see uniform examples, colors that can be worn, and where to go to find more information.