Uniform

Uniforms can uniformly affect school behavior Although many adults have adopted business casual dress, children enrolled in Catholic schools continue to dress for success by donning uniforms. And it makes a difference: On the occasions that students at Schenectady's Marian Academy can dress out of uniform, the staff notices a change in behavior. "When we have dress-down day, the atmosphere is slightly different," said Ninette Kondratowicz, associate principal. Sister Mary Ellen Owens, RSM, principal of …

…with society moving toward dressing down, the idea of dress shoes is foreign to some students. "The kids spend most of their time in sneakers," she said. "There is not necessarily the need for dress shoes anymore." The trend toward more casual dress can also be seen during special occasions, like Christmas pageants or concerts. "Sunday best is not a universal term anymore," said Mrs. Kondratowicz. "Kids don't have the occasion to dress up anymore."