Underserved students at this school may be falling behind other students in the state, and this school may have significant achievement gaps. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test . Thats why hes worried now that most of the public schools that have adopted uniform policies serve student populations that are often disadvantaged. 1 Educational Park, Decatur, IL 62526. Despite this, she still claimed that [s]hes fairly certain, though, that the policy has cut down on the teasing to which middle school children subject one another. Brunsma made it clear that there was no correlation between uniforms and test scores. 9815 Seahawk Rd, Berlin, MD 21811 | (410) 641-2846 | Website. When the school system started, most students were only required for students clothing to be appropriate for the learning environment, meaning no sexual, gang-related, or distracting clothing. 2222 Fitzgerald Rd, Simi Valley, California 93065 805-520-6810 Phone | 805-520-6156 Fax. Decatur and district officials say parental support may be the biggest reason for the policys longevity here. Furthermore, he believed that the school failed to mention the dynamics changed that happened in this school, Brunsma says newer case studies looking at uniform-adoption efforts in schools in Baltimore, Denver, and Aldine, Texas, a suburban Houston districtall of which also point to positive effectshave an additional shortcoming(Viadero). If belts are worn they are to be on the pants at all times. Accessed 3 May 2019. In other schools, we dont quite see the correlation. HeinOnline, https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/jle29&i=41, Geddis, Carol. Brunsma argued that the uniform industry has been taken over by large clothing names like Land End Inc, which lead the school uniform industry since 1997, and French Toast, which Decatur middle school got their uniforms from. In the nation's largest school district, police last year arrested, detained, and walked students out more than before the pandemic. (In fact, uniforms may even be associated with a small detrimental effect on achievement in reading, his research shows.). Some of his historical research suggests, for example, that school uniforms originated in England in the 16th century as a way to signal the lower-class status of some children. District programs, activities, and practices . After the school board declined to allow Paul to transfer those students to a different elementary school, the school scrapped the policyeven though officials said instances of bullying had decreased in the year that uniforms were worn. Will Keeps, founder of the Starts Right Here program for at-risk youth in Des Moines, pictured at his organization in Des Moines, Iowa. If you don . David L. Brunsma is a researcher at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Contact info . Education Week, https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/01/12/18uniform.h24.html. . Brunsma further his argument by saying that uniforms do not cultivate student self-esteem and motivation [or] balance the social-status differences(Viadero). Despite this, school officials and school boards believe that uniforms are golden. He felt that the school districts arguments were very problematic for two reasons. Only Black or White Tights are allowed under . A two-year evaluation of that effort, conducted from 1993 to 1995, turned up some remarkable improvements: a 28 percent drop in suspension rates at the elementary level, a 36 percent decline in middle school suspensions, a 51 percent decrease in fights in grades K-8, and a 34 percent drop in assault and battery in elementary and middle schools. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Adults seeking continuing education options will find exciting courses and certificate programsat our Simi Institute for Careers & Education. Absolutely no UGGS, boots, moccasins, flats, sandals, and open-toed shoes will be acceptable. 9815 Seahawk Road, Berlin, MD 21811. Students would also be suspended and would not be able to attend school until they agreed to not wear the armband. The Decatur Way:The Way to Grow. Men's. T-shirt. The Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Some of the shirts also sport an embroidered Decatur eagle, an optional embellishment. For example, J. Showell, the middle schools security officer, says the uniform policy makes it easier for him to spot outsiders coming into the building. Wild Rice. The principal of the school learned about what was going to happen, and she required students to be removed from the schools if they are wearing the armbands. Now it meets most of its achievement targets on Marylands new assessment. You can use this area for legal statements, copyright information, a mission statement, etc. At Simi Valley Schools, we value everyfamilypassing through ourschools and programs. At Stephen Decatur Middle School, it is the school's policy that all students wear the standard school attire consisting of khaki pants with polo shirts in white, burgundy, or navy blue. Stephen Decatur Middle School Creed: I am proud to be an Eagle. *UPDATED 2/6/23*. Dress Codes in the Public Schools: Principals, Policies, and Precepts, Journal of Law & Education vol. Edgenuitys MyPath platform offers an innovative program, which will assist students with enhancing performance in Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics as they move to the next grade level. We have dress down days, and the kids behavior is just completely different on those day (Viadero Uniform Effects?). I think some people think if you change the clothes, everything else is going to change magically, he says. The school is just based on what they are seeing without making sure this is really the cause. The court concluded that the dress code was reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical purposes, including promoting a conducive learning environment and securing campus safety(Geddis School Uniforms Reduce Distractions, Aid Safety). Simi Valley, California 93065 Assistant Principal: Nathaniel Tallent. 217.362.3250 217.876.8003 webmaster@gmail.com. The statistics seem to matter little, however, to parents and school leaders here in Prince Georges County, Md., a middle-class, largely African-American suburb bordering Washington that includes Stephen Decatur Middle School, or to the thousands of other public schools around the country that continue to embrace the use of uniforms. Support our mission. He believes that if they looked into the history of uniforms, you can see how students would feel less than other kids without uniforms, Some of his historical research suggests, for example, that school uniforms originated in England in the 16th century as a way to signal the lower-class status of some children(Viadero). The idea of school uniforms does seem commonsensical as a way to equalize social status, he adds. 1 (January 2000): p. 31-50. Ask the school what its doing to help students who are behind. Please click on the three bars to the right to see the menu. The list below is a sample of available courses at this school. Currently, this information is unavailable. Research shows that uniform policies do not curb violence or behavioral problems in schools. Uniform Policy; Bell Schedules; Cell Phone Policy; SDMS Creed; Staff; Uniform Policy. Shoes must be closed toe and rubber soled. When talking about the state of our public school system, Clinton stated I challenge all our schools to teach character education, to teach good values and good citizenship. Yet such conclusions run counter to the real-life experiences of some of the districts that have been at the forefront of the school-uniform movement. Yet national studies on the effectiveness of school uniform policies tell a story distinctly different from educators experiences here at Decatur, according to David L. Brunsma, a researcher at the University of Missouri-Columbia. An Education Weekly article, Uniform Effects?, covered how the researcher, as well as school officials, felt about some of the pros and cons surrounding school uniforms. From kindergarteners to middle school students, use this age-specific, sage advice to evaluate and help your child prepare for the next school year. Worcester County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Mitchell, Alison. Once targeted for reconstitution because of its low scores under the states former testing program, Decatur has been improving every year. Please click on the three bars to the right to see the menu. Join our webinar to learn from experts about the critical need for support, and the concrete strategies that are working to help students thrive in rigorous academic content. Update me when new information is published on this school's profile. NO HOODIES ARE ALLOWED TO BE WORN WITH THE UNIFORM. If you have questions that you were not able to ask at the event, please email your child's teacher or other staff member directly. Viadero, Debra. The school simpled argued that they are violating school policies. This is a factor of correlation does not imply causation. Those seven children never wore uniforms, which, from my point of view, kind of derailed us.. Our website contains pages and links filled with school and program information, as do the websites for each school within our District. According to Dress Code in Public Schools: Principals, Policies, and Precepts, But, a closer look at Tinker may reveal less support for an expansive view of students rights to wear any clothing of his or her choice(DeMitchell, Todd A.; Fossey, Richard; Cobb, Casey 35). Public school 710 Students Grades 6-8. They sued the school district saying that violation. ET. Facebook Page; GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education. Plus, the uniform puts all students on a more equal social footing, regardless of whether they come from comfortable middle-class households or one of the group foster-care homes that lie in Decaturs attendance zone. He found that about 27 percent of elementary school by 2000 had some type of school uniform rule. Make changes to the header and footer on the "Edit Header and Footer" tab on the left. In some school, we see that school uniforms changed what advocates hoped that they would. Clinton Bill State of the Union Address., National Archives and Records Administration. For Cold Weather, students may wear a black or red sweater/cardigan or sweatshirt over the polo shirt. The Bulldog News has moved! GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Magnet School of Leadership, Exploration, and the Arts. Tight fitting pants (for girls) will not be accepted. Repeat offenders must serve an in-school suspension. The top ranked public middle schools in Simi Valley, CA are California Virtual Academy San Mateo, Monte Vista and Hillside Middle School. To avoid a similar fate at Marylands Decatur Middle School, educators work hard to enforce their policy. They dont balance the social-status differences that often separate students. The impetus for uniforms in the 135,000-student Prince Georges County district came in the mid-1990s from a vocal group of parents. To Brunsmas way of thinking, though, that study suffered from two major problems. There begins to be a large wave of school districts in Long Beach that turns over to school uniforms being the solution to their problems, uniforms [became] mandatory for all 58,500 students in its elementary and middle schools(Mitchell Clinton Will Advise Schools on Uniforms. ). We see these ideas being pushed at the forefront when President Clinton gave his address and school began to look into the effects it had on their school. Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles. What Educators Really Think of Student Safety Platforms, Virtual Career Fair for Teachers and K-12 Staff, Big Goals, Small Start: Building MTSS to Scale, What Schools Can Do to Help English Learners Thrive, The Nation's Largest District Saw an Increase in Policing at Schools Last Year, Five Years After Parkland Tragedy, School Shooting Numbers Grow, Chaos, Disruption as More Schools Respond to Hoax 'Swatting' Reports, Founder of Program for At-Risk Youth Says School Shooting Wont Deter Him. They are arguing these uniforms can be uncomfortable and the have students lost individuality, People cant be who they are if they have to wear the same thing every day, says Alexis Richardson, whos also in 7th grade(Viadero). Uniform Policy. Toggle navigation. It's so important to us that we've made it Our Promise to our community, that we will inspire each and every student to succeed in school, career and life. Uniform Policy 2022-2023. Stephen Decatur Home Page School Information PRINCIPAL Cecil Miller, Ed.S ADDRESS 8200 Pinewood Drive Clinton, MD 20735 Parent Conference Day October 10, 2022 Upcoming Events Quicklinks Twitter Feed Tweets by SDMS Students: Need Tech Help? Our size gives us the incredible advantage to offer many diverse programs and courses to meet the needs and interests of every student . What is a Magnet School? Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District.. Although these school districts are convinced that uniforms have an impact on students discipline, Brunsma findings showed that uniform policies dont curb violence or behavioral problems in schools(Viadero ). But in the same breath, they generally agree that the school's policy helps cut down on the number of fights caused by insults regarding clothing. 101 West Cochran Street, Phone 410-632-3400 | Fax 410-641-3274. Monday to Thursday 7:00 a.m. to4:15 p.m. He says the two cooked up the idea for the study one day over coffee after they had read a national newspaper headline pointing to Clintons mention of school uniforms as a possible cure for schools ills. ), Editorial Projects in Education. They do not balance the social-status differences that often separate students and they do not improve academic achievement. Stephen Decatur Middle School Teachers. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker_v._Des_Moines_Independent_Community_School_Distrit. The founder of the educational program in Des Moines was wounded in a shooting that killed two students. To some degree, Brunsma believes the students may have a point when it comes to the potentially dehumanizing effects of uniforms. Brunsmas message is not new. 9815 Seahawk Road, Berlin, MD 21811. 035 Stephen Decatur Grades: 6-8 Share this school Print this page 272 Macdonough Street Brooklyn NY 11233 Phone: 718-574-2345 View Map Our Insights What's Special Stable leadership and supportive environment The Downside Below average test scores When talking about the state of our public school system, Clinton stated I challenge all our schools to teach character education, to teach good values and good citizenship. Students gather during a December lunch at Stephan Decatur Middle School in Prince George's County, Md. The school uniform movement began a lot of cases that were set on student were wearing. The Tinker case is how we see school officials dictating what students wear. In 1997 there was the case of an appeal, Phoenix Elementary School District No. The key ideas that they disagree on are uniforms are less costly for low-income households, uniforms promote academic achievement, and having uniforms does not hinder student views on themselves. School officials believe Decatur's mandatory student uniform policy has improved behavior and learning. The Simi Valley Unified School District is one of Ventura County's largest school districts, and it serves the city of Simi Valley and the unincorporated Ventura County areas adjacent to the city's borders. 8200 Pinewood Drive Clinton, MD 20735 Phone 301-449-4950. Despite his ideas, he left it up to the school officials on that change. Make changes to the header and footer on the "Edit Header and Footer" tab on the left. Stephen Decatur Middle School. In fact, Brunsma estimates that as many as 27 percent of all public elementary schools by the year 2000 had some sort of uniform policy in place. The Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Clinton Will Advise Schools on Uniforms.. All shorts/skirts/skorts must be fingertip length. Testimony was presented at trial that the uniform policy reduced clothing distractions, increased campus safety, improved school spirit, leveled socioeconomic barriers, ensured that students dressed appropriately, and reduced the staff and faculty time required to enforce the dress code. Charter (13) For the 2023 school year, there are 16 public middle schools serving 22,555 students in Simi Valley, CA. They dont cultivate student self-esteem and motivation. MD School Survey Teacher. (805) 306-4500 Phone | (805) 520-6504 Fax. Children at this age are always going to find something wrong with someone, says Mikesell-Bailey. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Stephen Decatur Middle School Apparel Store Decatur, Illinois GET DISCOUNTS. How low-cut can a girls shirt be before it crosses from appropriate to inappropriate, for instance? Uniform Policy; Bell Schedules; Cell Phone Policy; SDMS Creed; Staff; School Information. MTSS is a powerful framework for supporting student success, but implementation can be challenging. , https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/25/us/clinton-will-advise-schools-on-uniforms.html. For the most part, he says, the district has neither encouraged schools to adopt the practice nor discouraged them, choosing instead to let local communities take the lead and to support their efforts. Some of the shirts also sport an embroidered Decatur eagle, an optional embellishment. This section reflects how well this school serves students from low-income families. But educators and parents in Prince Georges County also note that uniform policies may carry benefits that studies like Brunsmas do not measure. That about 27 percent of elementary school by 2000 had some type school. 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