WHO REQUIRES UNIFORMS?

Although school uniforms have a long history in parochial -- and especially Catholic -- schools, that isn't true in the Cape Girardeau area.

Parochial school administrators said there are decidedly few schools between St. Louis and Memphis, Tenn., that require their students to wear uniforms.

"I believe that this area between St. Louis and Memphis is one of the few areas as a rule that does not have uniforms in parochial schools," said St. Vincent de Paul Grade School principal Sharon Thompson. "I don't know why this area hasn't done it."

School uniforms are currently found throughout the St. Vincent Catholic school district in Perryville and in kindergarten through fifth grade at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in Cape Girardeau. St. Vincent de Paul will require all students to wear school uniforms by the year 2000.

Students attending Immaculate Conception in Jackson have the option of wearing a school uniform and students in kindergarten through fifth grade at St. Mary's Cathedral Grade School in Cape Girardeau will begin wearing a school uniform in August.

"I assume that most parochial schools have uniforms," said St. Mary's principal Carol Strattman. "I don't know if there is a trend towards more schools requiring uniforms, but I assumed most did."

Both Thompson and Strattman said they wore uniforms as children at their Catholic schools and they believe the benefits outweigh any negatives that might arise. Their schools require the children to appear in uniform only during the school day. Students may wear other clothing after school and during extracurricular events.

"Sometimes, when our students are sent out to represent the school at a competitive function, we do ask them to maintain parts of the dress code, like keeping shirts tucked in or things of that nature," said Thompson. "Basically the uniform is for the 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. school day."

Sister Mary Ann Fischer, Notre Dame High School principal, said there has been no discussion so far about requiring uniforms at the high school. No students have graduated from elementary schools that require uniforms yet, she said, so it will be several years before the effects of the uniforms will be seen in the high school.

"I personally believe the uniform issue is an issue that needs to be initiated by parents," Fischer said. "Teachers are here to teach. The students should come to school properly dressed. That's a parent's responsibility."

SCHOOL UNIFORM DEBATE

PROS:

-- Takes away social barriers for students at school.

-- Adds to school spirit.

-- Helps deter behavioral and discipline problems.

-- Ends teacher role as Dress Code Police.

-- Eases financial costs to parents.

CONS:

-- Takes away free expression, individuality of students.

-- Still requires teacher to monitor dress code.

-- Increases financial costs to parents.