Hello again,
Just to clarify some of the comments/questions I've had or heard about,
I've put together this comment/FAQ list.
Q) My child is in the 3rd grade this year. Will they have to wear uniforms
next year?
A) No, 4th grade is not included as they are affiliated with the other
school.
Q) But I want my 4th grader (next year) to wear uniforms! What should I do?
A) Let Mr. Ramsdell know your desire.
Q) How do I explain to my 2nd grader they have to wear a uniform and my
4th grader won't?
A) As with all things in life, parents must explain that certain things
happen at a certain age. Therefore, when students get to 4th grade, they
won't be wearing uniforms. (Although parents should understand that Mr.
Ramsdell has the authority to move to uniforms. He has not indicated to me
that he will, that is no guarantee of any future decision. If parents would
like to have them wear uniforms, please contact him.)
Q) Do the socks, tights, and shoes need to be purchased from Allen Sports?
A) No, you may purchase them anywhere, but the socks must be all white or
all black. Shoes must be sneakers and predominately white or black.
Q) Are hoodies required?
A) No, outerwear for 2012-13 will be parental choice, but will be
available from Allen Sports if you so choose.
Q) Why can't we buy navy or khaki slacks from other sources?
A) Although they would be those colors, we would merely have a stricter
dress code. Other principals that have experienced this have reported to me
that the limits begin to be pushed and soon different people's idea of navy
or khaki begin to draw away from the original uniform. Often, students
would show up in cargo pants, etc. and the principal begins to be the
"dress code police."
Q) We simply can not afford to purchase uniforms! What can we do?
A) Talk with Mrs. Walker to help come up with a solution.
Q) RUMOR: Mrs. Walker said uniforms must be worn beginning May 1 of this
year. (1 week from now!)
A) FALSE! As my email indicated, the uniform policy goes into effect
beginning the 2012-13 school year. I did work with Allen Sports to get a
10% discount in May, 10% in June, and 5% in July to help families spread
out the purchase of uniforms over a period of 3 months. Allen Sports will
exchange any uniform that doesn't fit the child by August as long as the
tags on still on it. (Their thinking is that the bulk of the uniforms
purchased will still fit and will avoid a mass rush for them in August.)
Q) Was parental input ever considered in this decision?
A) Yes, I had a parent task force help me, along with staff members.
Q) Why was only one company considered?
A) A total of 5 companies were considered and I felt that Allen offered
the best overall value for the FAMILIES.
Q) RUMOR: I heard that the school is going to make a lot of money from the
uniform sales.
A) FALSE! The school (nor PTEG) is profiting in any way from uniforms.
Allen Sports was chosen as they gave the best offer for FAMILIES, not PPA.
Q) Isn't this going to cost families more to clothe their children?
A) Parents that have experience with uniforms have indicated that in the
long run they spend less money. Although they may spend less money per
piece for "street clothes" often they end up buying more items, making the
overall purchase cost more in the long run.
Q) I feel betrayed that PPA, Jr. is moving to uniforms. Mr. Fuller said at
Open House last year we wouldn't have uniforms.
A) Mr. Fuller and I did not intend to move to uniforms. However, after a
year open, and taking all things into account, we realized that uniforms
will be beneficial for the school to become the school of excellence we
believe the school to be.
Q) Who do I talk to if I am opposed to uniforms?
A) Please call or stop by the front office (Karna) to make an appointment
with Mrs. Walker.
Q) Does the Board of Directors know the school is going to uniforms?
A) Yes, the Board of Directors are in agreement with the decision in order
to move our school forward to a school of excellence.
Q) I chose PPA, Jr. because they don't wear uniforms. Why shouldn't I just
remove my child and go to a different school?
A) I would hope that you are making a choice of school for your child
based on the overall education they are receiving. If you are choosing a
school based on clothing, I encourage you to realize that education is
about learning, not fashion. By putting emphasis on fashion, you may be
detrimental to your child's overall learning by distraction.
Q) Do you really believe that uniforms are going to make a difference? If
so, what makes you think so?
A) When we began to talk about uniforms, I began to research. Although
there is some old research indicating detriment, such research was dated
(1988-2002). Since that time, research has shown a vast difference in the
behavior and motivation of students that wear uniforms. In other words,
much of the world has changed since 2002. Students are much more distracted
and due to overwhelming media pressure, more fashion minded at an early
age. Uniforms remove at least one distraction from the classroom, allowing
students to focus on learning.
I hope this helps clear up many questions. If you have others, please feel
free to contact me.
Mrs. Walker
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*Nancy Walker*
*Principal*
*Pinellas Primary Academy*
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For students in Kindergarten - 4th Grades
http://www.pinellasprimary.org/
Phone: (727) 536-3600
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Fax: (727) 536-3661
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