District Takes Steps to Promote Uniforms

To encourage students to adopt an unofficial dress code, trustees of the Fountain Valley School District voted Thursday to instruct the district staff to compile a list suggesting where parents can purchase clothing to be called Pride Wear.

Only one district school, Roch Courreges Elementary, has chosen to offer uniforms since the board approved the voluntary program March 1994.

Fern Zahlen, director of student services, said participation is less than 30% at that school and that the program has been time-consuming for the Courreges staff and PTA, which have been canvassing retailers to find which ones stock the approved school clothing.

“Sometimes they feel like they’re a clothing store,” Zahlen said.

A recent survey by the district found that parents at a number of district schools favor uniforms, however. By relieving school staff and parents of the chore of organizing the program, officials said, they hope to boost participation.

“If we run it through the district, we think we’ll get more compliance,” Trustee Robert J. Sedlak said.

Pride Wear will consist of white shirts or blouses and navy pants, skirts or shorts.

The district will ask several local stores to carry such clothing and to promote the items as having been approved by the Fountain Valley School District.

Trustees also directed the district staff to send a letter to parents advising them of the changes and encouraging them to participate in the program next fall.