FORT THOMAS — Uniforms could replace American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch at Highlands Middle School this fall.

        Principal Mary Adams said several parents suggested that the six-member school council consider a uniform dress code. The council, which meets at 6:30 p.m. today, would have the final say.

        “I think they felt that some of the things that students were wearing were not appropriate for school, and they didn't put kids in the right frame of mind for learning,” Mrs. Adams said. “Some of the teachers were uncomfort able with the tank tops and short shorts and some of the other things they saw.”

        Another reason some have suggested the change, Mrs. Adams said, is to eliminate peer pres sure to wear expensive designer labels.

        With sixth-graders attending Highlands Middle

        School for the first time this fall, the timing was also a factor.

        “This is an opportune time, with two-thirds of the students coming in from the elementary schools, to implement this idea, creating a spirited atmosphere in the new middle school,” according to a May 22 letter to parents, students and staff.

        Jenny Geiman, whose daughter, Megan, will enter seventh grade at Highlands next year, said she supports the change because of the potential savings, the improved atmosphere for learning and the reduction in peer pressure to wear name brands.

        “My seventh-grader doesn't have a problem with this at all,” Mrs. Geiman said. “Some of her cousins go to parochial school, where they all wear uniforms. I would not be upset if they would carry this all the way through high school.”

        Northern Kentucky public schools that require uniforms include Stephens Elementary in Boone County and First District Elementary in Covington. Both said they made the switch to improve behavior and to help students who couldn't afford expensive name brands.

        Holmes Junior High in Covington also adopted a dress code for fall that specifies skirt lengths and prohibits hats, coats and hooded sweat shirts during the school day. It requires students to wear khaki or black pants, skirts or shorts and collared shirts in white, red or black.
       

IF YOU GO

               • What: Highlands Middle School site-based decision-making council.

        • When: 6:30 p.m. today at the resource center at Highlands. Families will be notified of any changes by early July.

        • What's proposed: A uniform dress code that calls for students in grades six, seven and eight to wear slacks, shorts or skirts in navy, black or khaki, matched with collared shirts and various logo sweat shirts or sweaters.

        • If you can't attend: Families who can't attend tonight's meeting can express their opinions on the proposed change by leaving a message at 781-5900, Ext. 234, or e-mailing madams@ft-thomas.k12.ky.us. Those messages will be forwarded to the school council.

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