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ERENT TE T=--=----_----m.,,-.,;y i ---------- "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2001 - § Policy on student dress codes due in the fall By Rik Davie Weekend Star Scugog public school trustee Martin Demmers says that studies show school uniforms improve academic performance among students. Mr. Demmers made the statement dur- ing discussions on the soon-to-be released dress code document at a meet- ing of the Durham District School Board on Monday night. The power to implement school uni- forms will rest in the hands of parents, according to a draft policy currently under study. "Did you find in your studies, what our government found," Mr. Demmers asked 'board staff, "that uniforms somehow increase the rate of learning?" Superintendent of Education Don McLean told Mr. Demmers his research had turned up "no such numbers." School community councils wishing to implement either strict dress codes or proper school uniforms, will have to gain 80 per cent community support before such changes can be implemented. Port Perry High School currently has a dress code, but students are not required to wear uniforms. The board report is vague on what will happen to parents who cannot afford school uniforms. It states that in schools where uni- forms are required, some accommoda- tion for those unable to afford the cost must be made. Mr. Demmers is of the opinion that uniforms will bene- fit students acade- D mically. emmers "Certainly there seemed to be some reports in the litera- ture where schools turned around (as a result of uniforms)," Mr. Demmers said. Pickering trustee Paul Crawford wants a simple majority vote put in place for school uniforms. "I think the 80 per cent should be removed altogether," Mr. Crawford said. "Otherwise the 20 per cent then becomes a minority and gets minority rights." The dress code document will go to SCCs at a meeting in board offices on March 20, and deadline for feedback is May |. The code will come into effect in September. 905 voice reminders start April 7th, 2001. ae A ¢ COUNTING Se MATTRESS FACTORY OUTLET OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK 6 HIGH ST. AT 7A, PORT PERRY "ORTHO PLUSH QUEEN SET 800 coils - Unlimited 15 year warranty 58997 50000 985-3900 ERT TE SR Slumberpedic Double Set 349" Futons from *299 8" Deluxe Mattress included 10 digit dialing for all 905 local calls starts june 9th, 2001.