Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408300043
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium
Teachers at Ruffner Middle School are getting special lessons of their own in how to dress for success. Last week, they learned the fine points of social etiquette, taught by a charm school director and image consultant.
``We all know image is everything,'' said Pamela Hoffler-Riddick, the new principal of the school. ``It's important to me that educators be treated as professionals.''
Hoffler-Riddick, whose school is made up primarily of students from low-income families, hopes teachers can create standards of dress and behavior for the children.
The project, called ``Operation Courtesy and Respect,'' will include discussions of good manners and other social skills in daily 30-minute sessions.
``All the laws in the world aren't going to change anything, as long as people aren't courteous and don't show respect for one another,'' said Barbara Lewis, director of Charm Associates Inc. in Virginia Beach, which is instructing the school's teachers.
The program so far has cost about $4,200 and has the blessing of administrators and teachers.
Cheryl Thompson, the mother of a seventh-grade girl who attends the school, said she has no problem with teachers using class time to discuss manners.
Mary Jane Barnes, owner of Image Management of Virginia Beach, told a group of male teachers Monday that their choice of clothes can create an aura of authority and respectability.
Teachers learned how to ``power dress'' and select colors right for them. They also learned about body language, grooming habits and table manners.
``If children see you taking care of how you present yourself, it's sort of like being a role model,'' said John Alexander, the school's head guidance counselor.
Memo: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.