We have had so many school changes this year – enough to make my head dizzy as I try to schedule and everything that happens in a typical week.

First, our county went from a 180 day calendar to a 160 day calendar.  This equates to more breaks, a longer school day, and nearly twice the amount of homework for the kids.  The calendar itself is not so bad.  It’s the getting home at 4:30 in the afternoon after leaving at 7:45 that tends to make things exhausting for all involved.  This doesn’t leave much time in the evenings for activities, homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime.  We’ve been in school since August 13th and we are still adjusting.  (and we’ve even cut down activities to one per kid this school year as compared with the 2-3 activities last year!)

Second, both of my older kids are in the gifted program this year.  I love the program and feel that it is really benefitting my kids.  But this means extra projects on a regular basis and a minimum of 40-60 minutes of reading each night.  Don’t get me wrong – they love it.  But this is on top of their regular class homework and any assignments they miss during the day when they are pulled out to attend their gifted class.  And, with the new school schedule I’m sure you can see that this can be quite a struggle in the evening when the kids are already exhausted from a long day.

And there are more changes coming.  You’d think I’d be shouting and pulling out my hair at the prospect of anything else changing, but I’m actually kind of excited about this one.  The county is in the process of voting whether to switch to school uniforms for the 2013-2014 school year.

They sent home a parent survey today asking us to weigh in on the issue – a “should we” or “shouldn’t we” questionnaire for feedback.  I appreciate them asking for use to share our opinions and I was quick to vote a big “yes” on school uniforms.  Most of the parents I’ve talked to that already require uniforms say it makes things so much easier.  Easier shopping.  Easier mornings.  Easier focus.

I like the idea of uniforms.  No, I love the idea of uniforms.  Next year all three kids will be at the same school for the first time ever! They’ll be riding the bus together and will all have the same daily schedule.  This excites me beyond belief.  And when you throw uniforms in the mix I can only imagine how easy it is to shop and get them dressed in the morning.  No discussion of who likes what.  No argument over what is cool or if something is too babyish.  No discussion beyond getting the right size.  And, uniforms are so easy to buy these days.  Everyone carries their own version of school uniforms – Lands End, Wal-Mart, Target, Macy’s, JCPenny, etc.  There is no special ordering required and the prices are the same (if not cheaper) than what we spend on regular school clothes anyway.

Many parents, though, are adamant that uniforms are a terrible idea.  Usually the idea centers on cost.  And I imagine that can be a contributing factor in many cases.  But, with enough warning that uniforms are coming, the ability to watch the sales, finding local consignment shops, and taking into account what is already spent on clothing I struggle with this argument.

But what are some of the other arguments for or against school uniforms? I’d love to hear what all of you have experienced or how you feel about the issue?  Is this going to make my life easier like I imagine or is making yet another change to the school just going to cause more trouble?  Weigh in!