Private schools, like McNicholas, can be identified easiest by their students’ uniforms. Most private schools require students to wear uniform and follow a strict “out of uniform” policy.
McNick’s dress code gives a lot of leeway to students by allowing them to wear school hoodies in the building. Things such as not having your shirt tucked in, or wearing non-uniform clothing is deemed as “inappropriate or sloppy.” Although McNick does have these rules, they are not enforced as harshly as other private schools and the consequences are not as serious.
A study at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida explains that most private schools use uniforms because it creates a sense of discipline, and it is thought to bring students closer together, and create fewer distractions in classrooms. McNick freshman, Payton Detzel states, “It’s not like a school uniform will make a difference on if I get an A or not on a test.”
“I can’t focus properly in my khakis,” states Freshman Grant Waters. Austin Community College did an experiment to see whose scores were higher: those in formal clothing versus comfortable clothing. The results showed that the more comfortable people said they were on the day of the exam, the better they did.
As the seasons change from sunny and warm to chilly and cloudy, the students of McNicholas High School cannot help but ponder if wearing sweatpants to school would ever be a possibility, especially since McNick’s buildings are known to be better at cooling the building than warming it. Mrs. Missy Gomez, the wellness counselor of McNicholas states, “Students learn better. I think even adults work better in their most comfortable clothing.”
Another freshman, Ali Strange, states, “One: it’s cold. And the skirts are uncomfortable.” Sweatpants would surely succeed in keeping students warm with the lower temperatures approaching, and most students would undoubtedly be much more “in their comfort zone” in sweatpants than in the regular beige, gray, or black uniform pants or skirts.
The experiment from Austin Community College also shows that the test scores were not the only positive element impacted. The studies show that productivity also improved at school, work, and at home. The test scores and productivity increasing at McNick would be a win-win for both students and the school itself.
There is also a decent chance that dressing more comfortably would also improve students’ mental health. “As long as they’re clean and good to go, I think it’s going to bring students more comfort, which is better for their mental health,” states Gomez.
Although it is agreed that most private school students do not like uniforms, there are some upsides to them. Admiral Farragut Academy explains school uniforms often prevent students from getting made fun of for their style because everyone has the same choice of clothing.
“It’s easy to get changed in the morning,” freshman, Rosie Smith states, as students must wear the same thing every day according to school policy.
Many believe that while the school uniforms may “bond them together,” the same could be accomplished with a shared school logo, which would improve students’ attitudes towards and at school.
The McNicholas Milestone 