DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Volusia County School District students will have a makeover this year.
[VOTE: SHOULD SCHOOL UNIFORMS BE MANDATORY? CAST BALLOT AT BOTTOM OF STORY]
A new district-wide school dress code started Monday as children headed back to school. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade have three shirt color choices and must wear blue, black or tan bottoms.
"District-wide, the color is white. It can either be a polo shirt or an Oxford-style shirt. Then, every school has selected two additional colors," school spokeswoman Nancy Wait said.
Proponents say the changes level the playing field for students and take focus off fashion.
"(It will be nice) not having to get up and pick out an outfit and (discuss) who wants to wear what and matching this with that. I think it's going to be a whole lot easier," said parent Marissa Smith.
Volusia County School District's new school uniform policy seemed to be going over smoothly for the start of the school year. Parents say they're saving money and time.
"I think they're pretty cool, they look handsome and they're good for everybody," Joseph Rivera, grandfather of a first-grader said.
The new rules pares things down to three solid color shirts, pants or skirts that are tan, black or blue. Elementary and middle school students have to wear closed toe shoes, no sandals.
Kenya Barber, mom of middle-schoolers, says her kids grew to like the idea.
"They was a little bit upset, but now they're happy too."
Most of the responses were happy until we met fourth-grader Levi Judson.
“I personally don't like it,” he said.
Like many kids he just wants to put on his cool clothes.
"Personally, I want to wear pants and boots,” he added.
But, the district says they want the focus off of clothes and on the books. Students who don't follow the rules could face warnings or suspension.
Last week, parents had a hard time finding required outfits after stores started to run out.
Jennifer Stoll said she had trouble finding the right size for her daughter.
“I'm having a little problem because she's so tiny. I have three uniforms, so I'll be good for next week,” she said.
The changes also cover shoes. Elementary and middle school students will have to wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. High school students will have the choice to wear sandals.