Mandatory School Uniforms

Re: “Teachers Read Signals in Varied Clothing,” March 3.

I wonder if [Principal Norman H.] Isaacs has experienced the atmosphere at a school with mandatory uniforms. Have you ever asked a junior high student how much time they spend each day deciding what to wear to school? Have you ever dealt with a crying student who was being laughed at by peers because their clothes were not from the “right” store? Have you ever had intruders on your campus? A mandatory uniform policy solves these problems and more.

The school I teach at, Sierra Vista Junior High in the William S. Hart Union School District, recently implemented a uniform policy. It was not a quick fix for teachers and administrators. Actually, many hours have been spent defining the rules and implementing the policy. However, this was time well spent. Students are more focused on learning and the classroom atmosphere is much calmer.

I strongly agree with President Clinton’s support for mandatory school uniforms.

BETTI STERNBERG

Northridge