By Astrid Gonzalon

We have been wearing the uniforms at PHS for a number of years now, so it might be time to look at the pros and cons of this policy. While if you asked the average student in the halls they would tell you they hate it, there are a few reasons for and against having a school uniform.

Uniforms mean that students do not need to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. We are all wearing the same thing. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about what you look like is not so important.

Before students think that they are being forced to do something that they just do not want to do, consider the fact that uniforms are much cheaper than wearing the latest styles. Less privileged kids, of which this school does have some, would feel embarrassed and maybe would not even want to show up to school.

So uniforms do help keep kids in school, and they help kids feel more comfortable at school. We can concentrate on the work rather than what we are wearing.

Another concern about getting rid of uniforms is the fact that all schools need to be secure these days. Teachers, security guards and school resource officers can easily see who belongs in school now, at a glance. If everyone were dressed differently, school authorities would need to rely on small id badges.

By wearing uniforms, gang colors and other gang affiliations are not a concern as much, because everyone wears the same colors. So, by keeping the uniform policy, the school is safer.

Lastly, our parents and the school board both agree that it is what is best for us. The school board highly approved of this policy without hesitation, and our parents agree. It so much more affordable for them, and less of a headache trying to get us clothes for school. We know what to wear each morning, and seriously, it is one less argument to have with our parents.

Yes, students think the uniform policy goes overboard. I would like to be able to wear a hoodie on the cold days too. Some students would like to have a chance to express themselves in the clothes that they wear. Clothes do define the person who is wearing them.

Perhaps, a solution could be to keep the uniforms and offer dress down days for students to wear what they want as a reward or treat. Some students do the wrong thing but most of us strive to do what is expected. I think those students should be rewarded for their work.

Most of us want to learn and prepare ourselves for the future, so why not give us a little incentive to find a reward for our hard work. It would not cost the school anything to have a few days a year where we can wear what we want.