Recently, it has been brought to student and teacher attention that there is thought of implementing uniforms in physical education classes here at Pentucket. 

As we all know, gym class is supposed to be a class centered around the focus of enjoyment and sociability. 

Ever since we were young, many students reflect and remember gym as being their most enjoyable class; many students recall the class as being easy going, engaging, and a break from their regular sit-down lecture style classes. 

Many students also enjoy this class so much due to its loose rules- the only requirement being to participate and wear sneakers and some sort of athletic wear.

In elementary school, this was never an issue for most students.

However, as many students have gotten older, specifically in high school, they have begun to take advantage of their gym teachers, wearing dresses, sandals, suits, and boots to gym class.

So how can this problem be solved? Is it really necessary to implement uniforms at Pentucket?

On one hand, standardized attire in PE classes can instill a sense of unity and equality among students, eliminate distractions, and foster a focused and competitive environment. On the other hand, students should be able to wear what they feel comfortable in as long as they are following the basic guidelines. I believe there are other ways to fix this problem besides uniforms.

The Pros-

Implementing Uniforms

• Unity and Equality: Uniforms can create a sense of unity and equality, such as on a sports team. Clothing choices can often represent or reflect a person’s socioeconomic status, and having uniforms can foster and reflect a feeling of equality.

• Eliminates Distractions: Wearing the same outfit eliminates distractions related to fashion and personal style. Although most students do not see this as an issue, individuals are less likely to judge one another and more likely to foster an inclusive environment.

• Focused and Competitive Environment: Uniforms can instill a sense of discipline; when people dress in a standardized way, it often leads to a more serious mindset, enhancing focused and competitive environments.

• School Spirit: Uniforms can reinforce school spirit; wearing the same outfit can promote teamwork and help to build a strong community.

The Cons- 

No Uniforms, there’s other solutions.

• Comfortability: Allowing students to wear their own athletic clothing can enhance comfort and increase a person’s likelihood of participating in class. 

• Money: By not requiring specific uniforms, students can wear what they already own, which is particularly beneficial for families that may struggle financially. Not requiring uniforms can also save school fundings.

• Personal Expression: Without uniforms, students have the ability to express themselves. This can foster and promote individuality and help students to feel more confident. 

• Other Solutions: Many students voiced that they believe there are better solutions to fixing this problem. 
  • These solutions include:
  • Not allowing students to participate without proper clothing and shoes and having this result/reflect in their grade
  • Using lockers: Students could bring their own clothes and shoes and leave them in a locker given out by the school
  • Not making gym a requirement: Many students feel anxious and uncomfortable performing and participating in a gym class where they may have few friends, eliminating gym as a requirement could help to make classes more enjoyable and competitive for those students who actually want to and enjoy gym class. 

While this has become a rising problem within gym teachers and administration, many students at Pentucket believe that requiring uniforms in physical education classes is unnecessary and that there are many other solutions to fix this problem.