Fashion, stylin’ and ‘bling’ are out this season at Fees Middle School in south Tempe. So is individuality. Uniformity and conformity are in.

Starting this school year, Fees students may only wear solid red, white or light blue collared shirts with solid khaki, navy or black shorts, skirts or pants.

School officials claim the new ‘uniform’ dress code that requires sixth, seventh and eighth graders to dress virtually alike and wear ID tags while on campus has resulted in major behavior changes this school year.

So far, six problems occurred on campus resulting in one out-of-school suspension and five in-school interventions, school officials reported. During the same period a year ago, there were 20 incidents that resulted in five suspensions and 15 interventions.

Principal Reynaldo Cruz says the uniform dress code is “off to a phenomenal start.”

“One of the greatest things I have seen is the pride that students are showing in themselves. When I mention to students that they look nice, they stand taller and smile, because they believe that they look good,” he said.

Teachers, meanwhile, say students are more focused on their studies without the “distraction” of different clothing.

“The students look like they’re ready for business. They look professional, and their behavior in and out of the classroom shows that,” teacher Martha Jacobo said.

Many teachers and the principal are also following the new dress code.

Not all about the new dress code is smooth sailing and cherubic smiles, however.

A teacher told one student that his two-tone belt – navy blue with a khaki stripe – violated the dress code. Also, there have been some questions whether the Lance Armstrong “Livestrong” wristbands and their many imitators violate the dress code.

The Fees PTSA has formed a scholarship fund to help students whose families cannot afford the new uniforms.

So far, school officials have distributed about $300 worth of clothing that meets the school’s uniform policy, according to Monica Allread, public information coordinator for Tempe School District No. 3.