Bladen County parents, especially those with children K-8th, should have a vote in mask wearing and uniforms for 2021.  There are no public schools in the surrounding areas that require uniforms as our schools do.  Uniforms are hard to find, hard to afford for some families, and we should strongly consider that.  Not every child is comfortable wearing their shirts tucked in, some females are forced to have their female anatomy outlined and displayed for all of their peers to see, fueling bullying.  Their only other option is to wear a skirt or a dress, and I am sure middle school parents can understand the issue with this.  In my opinion, this is wrong and intrusive.  There is no consideration for these pre-pubescent and pubescent children, their self confidence and desire for modesty is not being taken into consideration at all.  They have to wear oversized hoodies year round to cover the parts of their bodies that they don't want publicized.  I believe there is a happy medium in the dress code for our students that the parents and Board of Education can come together on.  Children are in the office for dress code violation just as much, if not more with the uniform policy, as they were with a regular dress code.  Parents are called at work more, kids sit in the office more, and I believe their education in a Public School is more important than an untucked shirt.  As for masks, they should be just as the CDC says, "RECOMMENDED" and NOT "REQUIRED".  The meaning of these two words are very different, and that needs to be thoroughly evaluated, and strongly considered as well.  Parents should have the choice and control over their own children.  Our students are not only being asked to be uncomfortable in their clothing, but we are asking that they mask up as well.  Covered from head to toe, they all look the same, no identity, no voice, and this is a concern!  These mandates forced upon our County Schools on our children are stressful for them and the parents, in many different aspects.  These local County mandates have not been proven to be conducive to a successful and efficient learning environment.  We should not be setting our children up for failure.  Please consider and sign! Thank you!