OMS uniform plan moves forward
By Julie Angel | Argus Observer
Monday, May 21, 2007 10:41 AM PDT
Ontario — Three of the five Ontario School Board of Directors members expressed their approval of an Ontario Middle School uniform policy at the board’s regular meeting Thursday night.
Joni Delgado, representative of the OMS Uniform Committee, said they have formulated a proposed draft of the uniform policy, which was e-mailed to the boardmembers before the meeting. The committee will present a final draft to the board for review, and the boardmembers will make their decision at a special meeting at 6 p.m. May 29.
The public will be able to provide feedback on the proposed policy at the special meeting, and Ontario School Boardmember Cliff Bentz encouraged the public to come forward with comments for the board to consider.
The policy would require some form of khaki pants, belt and polo shirts in maroon or white. Delgado said the committee had toyed with the idea of taking white shirts out of the policy, but told the board they want to keep white shirts in. Also, Delgado said there needs to be a policy prohibiting oversized shoelaces.
Bentz wanted more information on how many spare uniforms would be kept at the school for those who show up without approved clothing, and also what would happen to those students who refuse to change. Also, Bentz wanted to know how much those extra uniforms would cost and if the district has money in the budget for litigation.
“Will we be adequately prepared to handle 100, 200 kids without uniforms?” Bentz asked.
OMS Student Resource Officer George Tolman — now in his 13th year at the school — said uniforms will allow teachers, administrators and volunteers to immediately identify who belongs at the school and who does not. Also, Tolman said there is a gang element in the school and community, and a uniform would remove the uniqueness gang members thrive on.
“Gang members are like rotten apples — they will rot the apples around them if we let them,” Tolman said.
OMS Principal LaVelle Cornwell said uniforms will put students in a mindset to learn — much like the mindsets surrounding perceptions of dress at church, weddings and funerals. Students will put on the uniform knowing they are going to school to learn, she said.
Parents, students and other concerned residents are encouraged to attend the special session at 6 p.m. May 29 at the Ontario School District Office.
