Getting ready for a school day can be simplified when you know what you are going to wear. Although it may not consist of one’s favorite pair of jeans or t-shirt that have been worn soft, wearing a uniform has its perks.

“I like wearing a uniform because it matches,” third grade Bovina Elementary School student Micah Moore said.

With school starting this week, parents along with their students have been preparing.

All of the Vicksburg Warren School District’s elementary schools and junior high schools wear uniforms, as do the students who attend the Vicksburg Catholic Schools.

While some students will agree with Moore about the ease of wearing a uniform, Bovina sixth grade students Laiken Leist and Chloe Barnard, have a differing opinion.

“I would like to pick out my own clothes everyday instead of something I was told to wear,” Leist said.

While the girls may not appreciate wearing a designated school uniform, Barnard’s mother, Shannon, said she likes it.

“Then I don’t have to spend time choosing outfits for them everyday,” Shannon Barnard said.

Dana Road Elementary School moms Malinda Aaron and Margie Nix agree with Barnard.

“I love them. It’s easier getting them dressed as well as preparing for the year, because you don’t have to worry about finding other clothing options,” Aaron said.

“To me, I think wearing uniforms is also cost effective,” Nix said. “You don’t have to choose different items, and you can find bargains.”

Dana Road Elementary School secretary Felicia Myers said the general cost for uniform pants are $10, shorts $9 and shirts $7, and these items can be purchased anywhere, but locally, they can be found at Wal-Mart, Fred’s, the Children’s Place, Dillard’s, Belk and Jordan’s in the Vicksburg Mall at 3505 Pemberton Square. 

VCS students historically have worn school uniforms, but this year both the elementary school and high school will have a unified look.

“VCS was partnered with Inka Uniform Co. for many years, but after many hours of discussions with parents, students and faculty a change was desired to identify St. Francis Xavier and St. Aloysius High School as one school,” VCS elementary principle Mary Arledge said.

“I think this creates unity, VCS mom Cathi Verhine said. “Especially having the pre-K thorough 12th grade wearing the same thing,” VCS mom and teacher Jordan Amborn said.

“This school year will be a phase in year,” Arledge said, and students will be able to wear either the complete old uniform or the complete new uniform. In the fall of 2018 all students pre-K through 12th grade will wear the new uniform, which will identify us as one school.”

VCS senior Grace Upshaw, who served on the committee to come up with the new uniforms, said she likes the decision that was made.

“I think it looks so much better for the whole school to look the same,” Upshaw said.

Verhine said the change was not made lightly with the committee spending months researching uniform companies in addition to having students try on various pieces to help determine what would look and feel the best.

The school’s final choice was to go with the local company H&M Promotions and Parker School Uniforms out of Jackson. 

Although uniform costs are a bit higher than in years past, Amborn said the quality would offset extra expenditures. “I do not mind spending a little bit more on something that I know will last longer,” she said.

VCS sophomore student Coleman Verhine said he likes the feel of the new uniforms.

“These are pretty comfortable. The tie you can live without sometimes,” Coleman Verhine laughed.

On days when Mass will be said, high school male students will wear a white long sleeved button down shirt and school tie.

For a complete guide to your child’s school dress code, visit vicksburgcatholic.org for students who will be attending the VCS, vwsd.k12.ms.us/images/policies/dresscode.pdf for the VWSD dress code and porterschapelacademy.com/dress-code for Porter’s Chapel Academy.