Parent to Parent: School Uniforms

The debate over school uniforms is alive and well...

Eloise Miller, Keichan's grandmother
"I think all the schools should have uniforms."

And that was the consensus at the Lilla Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester--where parents said "yes" to uniforms.

Debra Socia, Principal Lilla Frederick Pilot Middle School
"The parents really appreciate it because its less expensive and easier to manage with adolescents."

Many parents say it takes pressure off the kids.

Eloise Miller, Keichan's grandmother
"Because there's no competition with clothes, you know a lot of parents can't afford to buy these kids designer clothes that they want you know..."

And 6th grader Keichan agrees.

Keichan Casineau, Sixth grader
"I like it, everyone's wearing the same so nobody can tease you about your clothes and nobody can copy the style you wear and stuff..."

But not all the kids are happy--

Evan Santos, Eighth grader
"I just don't like wearing a uniform"

But eighth-grader Evan Santos does like the selection-

Evan Santos, Eighth grader
"Well I do like that they give you different choices as in long sleeves and short sleeves and stuff like that..."

Evan's mom says the uniform saves time in the morning.

Grace Osrio-Santos, Evan's mom
"You have a hassle to begin with getting them up in the morning then what am I gonna wear, what am I gonna eat ...you wake up the night before put it together its right there..."

So, while each school must decide whether or not to go with uniforms, the principal here says it was the right choice for her school.

Debra Socia, Principal Lilla Frederick Pilot Middle School
"I think in the end it's the parents that are happier and the kids are ok with it, because its a part of who we are in this building and its a whole lot easier than implementing a dress code."

Matt Lorch, 7News.

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