School uniforms are a hotly debated topic of conversation. For many years leaders in public education have discussed whether or not to join their private education counterparts in requiring uniforms for all students. However, in private education, uniforms have been the standard for decades and there is clear research showing the positive impact these policies have on students.

St. Barnabas’ 8th-grade class is months away from a big, new transition. For many students, after nearly a decade on our campus, the next stage in their education will land them on a public school campus for the very first time this August. This transition, like all others in life, brings a mixed bag of emotions including excitement and fear.

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to research on how technology is impacting children’s brains. You can hand an iPad to an infant and they are not only transfixed by the bright lights, but they seem to know instinctively how to use the touchscreen. There are pros and cons to our children having constant access to technology, and some of the effects may not become clear for decades to come.

The transition from staying at home with mom or dad, to spending the day in a kindergarten classroom is a huge adjustment for many children. In addition to leaving the comfort of home, children are confronted with a large group of new people, in a new scenario, with new rules, and new activities. That’s a lot for a young child to adjust to.