Parent Guide to School Uniforms

At Toomer Elementary, we encourage students to wear school uniforms as a way to build community, school pride, and a sense of belonging. The district requires schools to have a uniform policy, and Toomer's is flexible so that any student who wants to participate can show Toomer pride. Being in uniform is as simple as wearing a solid color t-shirt with a khaki or black bottom. Students can dress it up with a collar, dress, button-down, hoodie, cardigan, or skirt. Importantly, no child will ever be penalized for being "out of uniform," which means that families don't need to worry about buying or wearing special clothes. However, some families consider uniforms an easy, affordable way to simplify mornings. Additionally, classrooms and grade levels may receive positive incentives—such as recognition on the morning announcements—when most students participate in the dress code.

Uniform Guidelines

Tops

• Solid-colored shirts or t-shirts in white, black, gold, or any solid color

• On Fridays, students are encouraged to wear Toomer spirit wear shirts with our school name, logo, or Cougar mascot

Bottoms

• Khaki or black pants, shorts, skorts, or skirts

• Khaki or black dresses are also welcome

• On Fridays, students may wear jeans (without rips)

Layers

• Solid-colored sweaters, sweatshirts, or cardigans

• Toomer sweatshirts or hoodies are great options

• Outerwear (coats, jackets, etc.) should be weather-appropriate—any color or style is fine

Shoes & Socks

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required

• Sneakers are strongly encouraged for active play and PE

• Socks may be any color

• According to APS policy, students may not wear flip flogs, athletic slides, or any footwear that does not support the front and back of the foot.

Special Notes

• We encourage clothing that is comfortable and sensory-friendly for all students.

• Collars are optional—we want kids to feel relaxed while learning.

• Fridays are our school spirit days—some students proudly wear Cougar gear, others wear jeans or casual clothes. Both choices are welcome!

• Just a reminder- label EVERYTHING!

Support for Families

If your family needs help accessing uniforms, please know you are not alone. Toomer has a School Uniform Closet where any family can:

• Drop off gently used, outgrown items

• Pick up new-to-you clothing at no cost

You can also contact our school social worker, Ms. Nisha Warren (Nisha.Stevenson@atlanta.k12.ga.us), who can provide additional support and resources. She is able to provide a FREE and complete uniform set to families who express need. 

When Kids Have Questions About Uniforms

Because uniforms at Toomer are encouraged but not required, some families choose to participate fully, some partly, and some not at all. That can feel confusing for kids, especially when classmates wear different things or push back at home.

We encourage parents to make the choice that feels best for your child and your family, and to talk openly with your student about the reasons behind your decision. There are valid reasons to opt in (school pride, simplifying mornings, comfort in routine) and valid reasons to opt out (personal expression, sensory needs, or concerns about the history of uniforms in military and prison settings).

Here are a few sample scripts you might adapt for conversations at home:

If You’re Choosing Uniforms Most of the Time

• If your child asks why they wear a uniform when others don’t:
  “Every family makes their own choices. In our family, we’ve decided uniforms are a good fit because [they make mornings easier / they help you feel part of the school / we like showing Cougar pride]. Other families may make different choices, and that’s okay.”
  
  

• If your child doesn’t want to wear a uniform:
  “I hear you—you’d rather wear something else. In our family, we think uniforms are important for [reason]. That doesn’t mean you can never wear what you want. Remember, on Fridays you have more flexibility, and on other days we’re sticking with the uniform plan.”
  
  

If You’re Opting Out of Uniforms

• If your child asks why they don’t wear uniforms when others do:
  “Some kids feel comfortable in uniforms, and others don’t. Our family decided you don’t need to wear one, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you’re dressed in a way that’s comfortable and ready for school.”
  
  

• If your child points out that ‘lots of kids wear uniforms’:
  “That’s true—many kids do, and that’s great for them. Every family makes choices that work best for them. Even if we don’t wear uniforms, we should always respect kids who do.”
  
  

• If your child asks why your family chooses not to:
  “Some parents prefer uniforms because they make mornings simpler or help kids feel part of a group. Other parents don’t love the idea, because uniforms started in places like the military and prisons, and they’d rather give kids more freedom in how they dress. Both choices are okay—it just depends on what feels right for each family.”
  
  

• If your child worries about standing out:
  “It’s normal to notice differences. What matters is that you feel good in what you’re wearing. At Toomer, some kids wear uniforms, some don’t—and everyone belongs here either way. What’s important is that you feel good in what you’re wearing, and you feel like yourself.”
  
  

Bottom Line

The uniform policy at Toomer is intentionally flexible. It may feel a little fuzzy at times—but that’s okay. What matters most is that every child feels supported, every family feels respected, and our community stays welcoming for all.