First forum on Cape school dress code to be Monday

Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School will host the first of two public forums over a proposed uniform policy for students Monday night.

The forum will give the Cape Girardeau School District's dress code committee an opportunity to address topics related to the committee's proposal, said Carla Fee, junior high principal and chairwoman of the committee.

"We are going to explain why we set it up the way we did and explain that this is not personal or punitive, but after looking at research and talking to other schools, this is something we thought might be good for our school district," she said.

The committee, which is made up of two staff members from each of the district's buildings, presented a first draft of the proposal to the school board in December.

The proposed uniform policy requires students wear a polo or oxford shirt in certain colors, tucked in with a brown or black belt and khaki or black pants, or skirts, jumpers and shorts within certain length. Certain sweaters and leggings would be accepted.

The district surveyed parents and faculty on the possible implementation of a stricter dress code for the 2012-2013 school year and the committee used findings from the faculty survey when writing the proposal. The proposal was presented to and discussed by the school board during a work session Dec. 19.

Fee said several committee members will outline the proposal to start the forum. That outline will include the impact of a uniform policy at specific grade and income levels. A district staff member who has a child in the Scott City School District will also give perspective on the atmosphere of schools there before and after that district implemented a stricter dress code at the start of the school year, Fee said.

After committee members speak, the floor will be open for public comment and questions. There will also be some students modeling clothing that would be required with the proposed policy.

The school district created an email account for the purpose of soliciting comment on the dress code in the fall, and Fee said several emails are still coming in each day. Committee members will also try to address a collection of emailed questions, Fee said.

Many parents and some teachers, district officials and school board members have been participating in a Facebook group called "Parents who want a voice regarding the Uniform Policy for CGPS." Members of the group have been sharing opinions on the possibility of a uniform policy and addressing one another's questions on topics like affordability of uniforms and enforcement of the current dress codes in the district.

Fee said the second forum, scheduled for Jan. 17, will follow the same format. Two forums are being held to give everyone an opportunity to attend, she said.

Monday's forum will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the junior high auditorium.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO