PATERSON -- Students at Paterson Elementary School are paying close attention to their teachers today.

There's no talking out of turn and no inappropriate clothing to cause distractions.

But it wasn't like this a year ago.

"Students were starting to wear more of the what's labeled as gang attire. The baggy clothes, the South Pole brands, the bandanas, the webbed belts, the pants that they couldn't keep up" said Peggy Douglas, Paterson School District Superintendent.

At the beginning of this school year, the Paterson School District decided the students would wear uniforms to stop to gang attire and activity at school.

The idea was met with opposition from parents and students, but most jumped on board when they learned the outfits would be less of a uniform, and more of a uniformed look.

"They weren't really what I had expected at first when they told us we were gonna get uniforms. I thought our uniforms were gonna be a lot stricter" said Kate Burnett, 8th grader.

"I like them a lot because at least we get to choose our own colors and they're not as bad as I thought they were going to be" said Samuel Uribe, 8th grader.

Students must wear a solid colored polo shirt and five pocket style pants.

Hats and hoods are not allowed.

After seven weeks of school with the new outfits, the district is already seeing positive results.

"Student behavior referrals have gone from 27, 28, to this year, I've had 8" said Douglas.

Teachers are also not being forced to take time out of class to inspect student's clothing.

And that means more time for instruction, giving students in Paterson the best education possible.

"Kids haven't gotten in trouble as much as they used to. I think it's really working out good" said Luis Talavera, 8th grader.