3 Elementary Schools to Require Uniforms

Students at Maple, Richman and Woodcrest elementary schools will be required to wear uniforms beginning in the 1997-98 school year.

The schools received unanimous approval from the Fullerton School District board last week to adopt a mandatory dress code. Parents, teachers and principals had asked for the approval, saying that uniforms will cut down on the cost of school clothes and reduce peer pressure to wear certain styles.

Pupils at Richman have had a voluntary dress code for the last two years. School officials said parents overwhelmingly favor the uniforms mainly because they are cheaper to buy than designer jeans and tops. Parents say uniforms also cut down on clothing envy and ridicule.

The uniforms are dark blue pants, skirts or shorts and white shirts or blouses. The schools also may allow students to wear plaid bottoms, sweatshirts and school T-shirts.

Those who cannot afford to buy the uniforms will be referred to the Assistance League of Fullerton, a nonprofit charitable organization.

In other action, the school board voted 4 to 1 to apply for a $50,000 state grant to plan programs that would help families overcome barriers to student academic success.

Planners would study factors that prevent children from succeeding in school, such as health needs, abuse and other family issues.