by Mrs. Jaye Brumfield
One of the obvious things that sets Redeemer apart from other schools is our Uniform Policy — and many people ask us, “Why do you wear uniforms?” We’ll give you a few reasons.
Broadly speaking, our Uniform Policy is an expression of the values of unity, simplicity, order, obedience and modesty. If you take a moment to think about each of those words, you can find the connection between wearing uniforms and these principles. (Go ahead. Feel free to reread those words and reflect on how uniforms support those values.) For the purposes of this article, though, we’ll concentrate on how our Uniform Policy benefits Redeemer and our families day to day. Wearing uniforms not only helps our students to feel a part of a community larger than themselves, but also reminds them that they have come to school to work. In addition, equalizing students’ clothing reduces negative peer pressure and comparisons, and lessens competitive attitudes around wardrobes. In short, uniforms minimize distractions and help maximize learning. On a more practical note, wearing uniforms simplifies the decision-making process for families when getting ready for school. And parents have found that, in the long run, uniforms save money.
At times, having a Uniform Policy may seem strict or unnecessary, but, at Redeemer, we’ve found that it contributes greatly to making our school an amazing learning community.