Baker Middle School’s school uniforms instill pride

July 31, 2024

One way to foster equality in the classroom is through uniforms. At Baker Middle School in Columbus, GA, where most students come from low-income households, school uniforms are one way the school places the focus on learning, promotes student safety, and ensures their students are equal while reducing the financial burden for families.

Principal Lamont Sheffield said wearing the school uniform creates a sense of pride and improves the climate and culture of the school.

“It’s important for students to feel prepared for class, and that includes making sure they have the right ensemble to wear each day,” said Sheffield. “We now have access to the different pieces that make up our school uniforms so we can ensure each student is able to dress for the day and feel confident in how they look.”

A $2,500 grant from the Horace Mann Educators Foundation to Baker Middle School, supported the purchase of the uniforms, which has ensured that students in need had more than one option to meet the dress code. Horace Mann agent Bryon Robley nominated the school for the Horace Mann Educators Foundation’s EmpowerED grant program which awarded $2,500 grants to 10 nonprofit, education-related organizations countrywide.

In addition to this grant, Horace Mann Educators Foundation funded a DonorsChoose project that helped the school purchase a washer and dryer that students can use free of charge. This further supports students who might not have those resources available at home.