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Article published: Jun 12, 2009 Bishopville Primary
gets OK to implement voluntary dress code
BISHOPVILLE – The Lee County Board of Education has given the go-ahead for Bishopville Primary School to carry out a voluntary uniform program in 2009-10.
The pilot program, recommended to the board by Principal Lei Knight, had broad-based support from students, parents and faculty at the school, said District Superintendent Dr. Cleo Richardson.
“I commend Ms. Knight and her staff for doing their homework and getting the community involved,” Richardson said.
Assistant Principal Shalone Martin said school officials are now busy getting the word out to parents that the school’s primary colors will be navy blue and hunter green.
“We are providing this information on the supplies list that we’re sending out to parents,” he said.
Students will be encouraged to wear navy blue or hunter green shirts or blouses and khaki or navy blue pants or skirts, Martin said.
For special assemblies and formal programs, students will wear a white button-down shirt or blouse, Martin said.
“It’s a voluntary program,” said Martin, “but we think our students are going to want to wear the school colors.”
School officials have also worked with local retailers to give parents low-cost options.
Wal-Mart of Sumter, Wal-Mart of Hartsville, Citi Trends of Bishopville and Dollar General of Bishopville will be offering shirts, pants, sweaters and jump suits.
Shirts will cost about from $4 to $7, with pants ranging from $8 to $12, Knight said.
The voluntary uniform program will serve as a pilot for the school district, Knight said.
Knight first discussed the idea of encouraging uniforms in October with the school’s leadership team. It was not long until staff, parents and students were notified.
From the beginning, Knight provided stakeholders with the rationale behind uniforms. Research has shown uniforms facilitate academic achievement growth, fewer discipline problems and a positive learning environment, Knight said.
Most of the faculty and staff members bought into the idea. It took longer for the parents.
Parents had legitimate concerns, Knight said.
“Parents were concerned that they would be able to buy clothing in their own community,” she said. “They were concerned about the cost of the clothes. And they wanted some flexibility and versatility in color choices. And they wanted it to be voluntary. No one wanted it to be mandated.”
Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.