The show was part of a parent forum discussion about the possibility of implementing non-mandatory student uniforms at the school. The idea was to show clothing styles that are comfortable for students to wear as well as comfortable for parents to afford.
"I've always been a big promoter of uniforms, and I would like to see kids dressed more conservatively," said Principal Essence Phillips, adding that she believes uniforms will curb social competition.
"Everyone will look the same, so kids won't be comparing each other," said parent Nancy Mauri. She likes the idea, and feels that getting ready in the morning will be less complicated. "From a parent perspective, it is going to be easier and cheaper."
Clothes can be purchased in school colors - burgundy and gold - at Mervyn's, Wal-Mart and even online at www.thechildrenswearoutlet.com, where khaki pants are only $8.50 and polo shirtsare $4.
"It certainly takes a lot of stress off kids and parents in competitive shopping," said school board member Walter Ruehlig. "I believe in the studies that show improved grades, better behavior and fewer fights. I think it puts the attention on learning and not competing with the Joneses, and it sets a tone that school is a serious matter."
Since clothing requirements can be controversial, Ruehlig believes a plan for uniforms is best when it comes from schools individually, like Phillips advocates, rather than being mandated by the Antioch Unified School District administration. An elementary school will need 80 percent of parental approval in order to move forward with the idea next school year.
"I have long said that I support this change if it has parental acceptance," said School Board President Gary Agopian. "It appears to have a very clear majority of support. I am inclined to agree that uniforms are cheaper for parents, provide a neutral and less distracting environment and build a sense of team."
Supporters believe uniforms will improve many areas of education, such as de-emphasizing gang colors, decreasing violence, reducing dress code policing and classroom distractions, as well as promoting unity and a sense of community.
Pittsburg Unified School District officials found this to be true when they implemented a mandatory uniform of white polo shirts and navy blue slacks in July of 2006.
School board Vice-president Laura Canciamilla joined the board two years ago when a voluntary uniform policy was already in place for the elementary schools. She said it was going so well that they decided to make uniforms mandatory for kindergarten through eighth grade.
"The voluntary start allowed everyone to get used to the idea of uniforms," she said. "All of the sites and parent groups were supportive of uniforms, so that helped each school to gain a good majority of students wearing uniforms."
Among seven elementary schools and two middle schools in Pittsburg, only 51 students out of thousands have signed waivers from parents opting out of the uniform.
"It's been a real team effort," said Linda Rondeau, Pittsburg District Assistant Superintendent. "Everyone is working together to put a focus on an academic environment."
"It's a really positive response," said Sue Ferguson, Administrative Assistant for Education. "In fact, we even have parents asking about uniforms for the high school."
Both past and present student board representatives have requested school uniforms. School board members continue to follow feedback and are considering making uniforms mandatory for Pittsburg High School in the near future.
"We have heard from teachers at the junior high level who are thrilled with the uniforms," said Canciamilla, "saying that they believe the uniforms helped them have the best opening in years."
Principal Steve Ahonen of Highlands Elementary School also sees the positive effects.
"It has gone over really well," he said. "At the beginning of the year, the older kids complained, but the thing we don't hear any more is kids making fun of each other. I think that uniforms have taken the pressure away from a lot of kids.
"I didn't have an opinion one way or another when we made the change, but now I can see some real benefits of why we are doing it."
Letha Arms, who performs yard duty at a Pittsburg school, has seen the changes firsthand.
"It seems like just by changing uniforms, they all accept each other," said Arms during lunch supervision last Friday. "Kids who wouldn't play together on the playground are now playing together. We have seen a huge behavior change, especially in the upper grades."
She said it is one less thing for children to hold against each other, and recalled an experience her daughter had in high school.
"I'll never forget when my daughter first started school in Walnut Creek," she said. "My daughter said she was the only one who drinks bottled water from Costco. I told her to be proud of that water bottle, but that it is an example of how mean kids can be - she didn't drink her water because it wasn't Dasani."
Arms hopes uniforms will hinder that kind of behavior in Pittsburg. "At first, I thought: how in the world are we going to keep this up? But I think there are only a handful of kids that don't have to wear uniforms. That's incredible."
The school currently has seven students with waivers.
"We have almost 100 percent of school participation," said Ahonen, adding that those with waivers often wear uniforms but appreciate the freedom to opt out. "Almost unanimously the parents were very much in favor of school uniforms. This is only our first year, but having uniforms mandatory instead of voluntary has really helped because there was no continuity to it.
"I was afraid at the beginning of the year that it would be difficult to monitor, but at the elementary level, it is very easy to monitor. It has not been a significant issue but I think that it is because our district has supported us with many resources."
Donations from local businesses and organizations have also helped. The parents club also purchased a washer and dryer unit so the office could provide students with clean outfits just in case.
"I had a student who ripped her pants in class," said teacher Josie Arellano. "But I sent her to the office for a change, and none of the other students even noticed a difference.
"In first grade, I don't think uniforms bother them. They are too young, but I think it makes a difference in the upper grades. They become equals."
Although students Idrina Davis, 10, and Taylor Souza, 11, believe uniforms violate their freedom of expression, they admit uniforms prevent brand-name competition and taunting.
"When you wear uniforms, you can't express yourself," said Souza, "but I think it's a great idea because kids don't get made fun of if you aren't wearing the right brand of clothing."
"I don't really like the uniforms," said Davis, "except kids can't make fun of what you wear anymore."
Davis was surprised to learn that students in Antioch didn't wear uniforms.
"I think they should," she said. "It's really easy."
But while uniforms are widely accepted in Pittsburg, Phillips wants to test the waters in Antioch. The school office distributed 600 surveys, asking parents questions about colors, styles and the possibility of a non-uniform day every Friday.
"Some schools have found that wearing uniforms are effective in creating a more academic learning environment," she said. "As a result we are considering the idea, and so far most parents are overwhelmingly for it. I really appreciate the time parents are taking to fill out these surveys."
Surveys at Lone Tree Elementary School will conclude this month and results will be available soon. For more information, call the office at 706-8733.
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