Wednesday, October 27, 1999
Decision on uniforms given to schools, parents
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MIDDLETOWN — Parents and educators in the Middletown/Monroe Schools will decide whether school uniforms should be adopted.
The Middletown/Monroe school board on Monday unanimously approved a policy that allows each school to name a committee and decide on a voluntary uniform. Parental consent must be secured.
The action comes a week after parents at Vail Middle School complained about an announcement at the school reminding students that zippered jackets with pockets had to be left in lockers during the day.
The district would join other Southwest Ohio districts — including Cincinnati Public Schools, Norwood and Hamilton — where one or more buildings have adopted uniforms.
More schools across the country are adopting uniforms. The practice has been linked to reducing violence in some schools, said Keith King, a University of Cincinnati assistant professor who has researched the matter.
“There are good studies that show significant differences in schools that put uniforms in place,” Mr. King said.
Middletown/Monroe's policy was put together by a committee under the direction of Norris Brown, director of pupil personnel. Mr. Brown said the research he's read agrees with Mr. King's work.
“We're just trying to do all the little things and hope they add up to positive results,” Mr. Brown said.
Parent Traci Hauck said she likes the idea of uniforms. Her children attend Taft Elementary School, where a committee last month sent out a uniform survey to the families of the 380 students who go there. Responses on 70 percent of the 237 surveys returned favored uniforms.
“Personally, I'm for it,” Mrs. Hauck said. “Everybody has the same thing. I know clothing becomes a problem when they get older. This way there's no discussion. I think it's easier to concentrate on schoolwork.”
Parent Linda Wilson said she is against public school children wearing uniforms but doesn't plan to make a fuss as long as wearing uniforms remains voluntary.
At least 60 percent of the parents of children attending the school must support it before it could be enacted. Provisions also have to be made for children whose families couldn't afford uniforms.
Legislator seeks to end '2 Percent Club'
Teens will live every musician's dream
Obesity epidemic is killing thousands
Tip for trimming down
Just how much are you eating?
Health info on the Web needs examination
Some recommended health-related Web sites
Avondale wants law to keep out undesirables
Miss America visiting Over-the-Rhine
Police targeting Fort Washington Way
Reading schools try to dispel furor
Routine traffic stop results in stolen patrol car, chase
School levy backers target undecided voters
Children Services asks for support
Levy assists 10,000 disabled
Opponents take shots at Patton
Taft stumps for local school levies
Getting the right sound
Famous engraving of city in new printing
GET TO IT
Starting the millennium with a wedding? Tell us about it
Workshops spell out Social Security issues
14-year-old faces adult murder charge
Boone sophomores get to test knowledge
Card-game slaying goes to grand jury
Decision on uniforms given to schools, parents
Ex-Boone official gets year in jail, lecture on theft
Lakota freshmen schools up to voters
Liberty asks for post office
Ludlow official in court over back taxes
Miami breaks ground on memorial to activists
Neighbors, city may have cleared hurdle for housing complex
Ohio low on school breakfasts
Relative keeps fight alive for renamed bridge
School kids operate bank branch
Sheriffs irate over drug allegation
Study: Payroll tax cut may help Covington
Suspect in crash can play football
TRISTATE DIGEST
Union Twp. residents asking for new name
Warren-Cincinnati vans to stop
Wyoming seeks funds money for fields
Yucky water gives insight
