GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– The dress code is changing at Grand Rapids Public Schools. The district is implementing itsnew uniform policy.
For the 2013-2014 school year, elementary and K through 8 students are required to wear them. Middle-schoolers will start wearing uniforms for the 2014-2015 school year, followed by high-schoolers the following year.
GRPS officials want to make the transition as smooth as possible and have laid out exactly what parents and students need to know.
Officials say this switch to uniforms is actually aimed at helping take the guess-work out of clothes, cut down on distraction in the classroom, and could ultimately save families money.
“Just as parents would buy clothes for five days a week, normally, this is the new expectation so there are various support out there for families,” said John Helmholdt, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs for GRPS.
The district has partnered with the Salvation Army on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids, Meijer Stores, Education Outfitters and Screen Ideas. But, parents aren’t limited to those stores. JC Penney, Old Navy and Goodwill are other suggestions, to name a few.
So, the thought of buying your child a whole new wardrobe shouldn’t seem too overwhelming.
“They know it actually saves families money in the long run, it has more focus during the school day on academics, fewer distractions based on what kids may be wearing,” said Helmholdt. “It is known nationally to have some reduction on bullying, those things where kids get picked on because of what they’re wearing.”
Principals will have a limited amount of support funds in case of an emergency. Schools will also have a closet with backup uniforms if a students doesn’t come to school prepared.
Click the link below for the GRPS Uniform Policy.
