Finally, the state recommends that parents and students be given adequate notice of such a policy. Court decisions say schools may regulate student attire only when they can show they are protecting the health and safety of students, promoting good hygiene and avoiding substantial disruption of the environment. Ashley School Principal Bette A. Tripp said her school adopted a voluntary uniform policy this fall after 75 percent of the parents said they favored it. But if you're in school clothes, you tend to be more serious. Mount Pleasant and Lincoln elementary schools also have voluntary uniform policies.
Students wear khaki pants or skirts and colored shirts with collars.
None of the junior high schools have uniform policies. Principals note that it is much more difficult to persuade older children to wear school uniforms. Michael Ras, the assistant principal at Roosevelt Junior High, said no parents asked for a uniform policy. Ms. Buccos agreed it is more difficult to convince older children to wear uniforms. They feel a uniform will inhibit this.