Senate supports bill on Woonsocket dress code

PROVIDENCE – The Senate earlier this month voted 35-1 to authorize the Woonsocket School Department to adopt uniforms for its students.
Under the bill (S-0020), if the town’s School Committee chooses to adopt uniforms, it would be required to work with principals, staff and parents to determine what would be required under the new dress code. It would also have to give parents three months’ notice before the new code goes into effect.
The Woonsocket School Committee has been exploring dress codes as a way to increase discipline and reduce distractions for children at school. Bill sponsors Sens. Roger A. Picard and Marc A. Cote, both Woonsocket Democrats, said while it would be up to the school committee, principals, staff and parents to determine what the uniform would be, the idea that is likely to be proposed would not be traditional school uniforms like those worn by parochial school students and purchased through a specific vendor.
Discussions have centered on khakis and polo shirts of a certain color or colors – more a stringent dress code than actual uniforms.
The House must also approve the measure. •