Greenbelt Middle School pupils kicked off the 2007-2008 school year with a brand new uniformed look — black or white collared shirts, knee high socks and khaki pants.

‘‘It was very exciting to see all the kids in uniforms, because it keeps them focused on school and there was more of a sense of unity between the kids,” Principal Judy Austin said Tuesday.

Parent Randy Washington agrees with the new uniform policy.

‘‘Uniforms are great for teens because it keeps them focused off of clothes and appearance and puts it more on school,” Washington said.

Eighth-grader Rachell Aguilar, 13, agreed with Washington’s assessment.

‘‘I think there’ll be less fights because kids won’t be making fun of economical differences,” Rachell said.

Washington said uniforms incorporate an extra layer of safety in the school because without a dress code, children are often robbed for name brand jackets, sneakers or coats.

‘‘In previous years we have not had any incidents of children stealing other people clothes or items on school premises because we have security,” Austin said.

Second-grader Dave Elliot, 7, said to get ready for school he and his father, David Brown, stocked up on supplies such as crayons, paper and new clothes.

‘‘As the first day of school has gotten closer, I have just been telling him to stay focused on his school work and be kind to all the children,” Brown said.

Greenbelt resident Lois Browne said the first day of school was not only the beginning of first grade for her son Marcus Brown, 6, but a reprieve for herself.

‘‘I am just happy for him to see him go to another grade and see him wanting to learn,” Browne said. ‘‘But this day signifies a little break ... for me.”

E-mail Marcus Ngbea at mngbea@gazette.net.