THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503160393
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: SURRY LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Educators and parents in Surry County are considering a proposal to require all children in public schools to wear uniforms.
The School Board rejected the idea several years ago, but the proposal resurfaced last summer at the request of some parents. A 40-member committee has been meeting since January to study the idea.
The committee held a hearing Monday for parents' comments and to display four styles of uniforms.
Lamont Johns, a kindergarten student, got a resounding ovation just for looking spiffy when he came onto the stage sporting a pale yellow polo shirt, navy blue knee-length shorts and white knee socks. Thomas Gwaltney modeled long trousers with the same shirt, and two girls, Arielle Newby and Leslie Brown, modeled two styles of jumpers.
About 150 parents packed the seats of the Surry High School auditorium. Some parents objected to any program that would mandate school students dressing alike. ``Today the government will tell us how to dress our kids, and next they'll be telling us what to wear,'' said Tom Koch.
Many of the concerns expressed by parents centered around paying for the uniforms, which uniform consultant Ray Bennett said would cost approximately $130 for three complete outfits. The outfits would include trousers or shorts or jumpers, shirts or blouses and sweaters. The ensembles would be purchased at one time at the beginning of the school year.
Bennett said uniform companies might be willing to assist in paying for the garments, and that families who are identified by school officials as needing aid would probably be able to get some financial assistance.
He also said studies have shown that in other areas of the country, businesses have been more willing to contribute money for uniforms than for any other type of school program. Churches, PTAs and other civic groups often contribute, too, he said, and hand-me-downs are available after the first year.
Bennett touted the success of uniforms in providing more self-esteem for students and a better atmosphere for learning.
Kimberly Bailey, who has a daughter in elementary school and a son in the high school, said she favored the uniforms.
``Most private schools have uniforms, and they have high standards,'' she said. ``I think the uniforms must play a role in that.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thomas Gwaltney, Lamont Johns and Arielle Newby, from left, model
possible school uniforms during Monday's hearing in Surry. A
committee studying the idea sponsored the hearing.
by CNB