Students seek input on school uniforms; will hold forum

Government students interviewed Greencastle resident Tom Cavanaugh at the Senior Center. Some 80 students interviewed a dozen senior citizens about the importance of voting. Pictured from left are Ange Hoffman (back shown), G_AHS senior Katie Hagberg, sophomore Tyler Coleman, Junior Justine Greenwood and Cavanaugh. This was one of several activities students have done through a federal Learn and Serve Civics grant with the goal of improving the students' civic awareness and participation.

Franklin County Judge Richard Walsh will moderate an Open Forum on school uniforms which will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Greencastle Antrim High School auditorium.

The forum is open to the public.

Students in three Government and Economics class are sponsoring the forum as one of several activities the students have organized through a federal Learn and Serve Civics grant. Previously, the students interviewed senior citizens about the importance of voting, conducted a voter registration drive and interviewed local government officials to learn about their responsibilities.

The purpose of the forum is to give students, parents, and other community members a chance to voice their opinion on the issue. Students plan to compile comments from both sides of the school uniform issue and submit them to Greencastle-Antrim School District school board members.

Government and Economics students who have researched the advantages and disadvantages of school uniforms will have 10 minutes each to present their views. After their presentations, audience members will have the opportunity to make a comment or ask questions of a panel that is comprised of six Government students, one parent, and G-ASD school board member Mike Shindle, with Judge Walsh as moderator.

Students Voices, which is an initiative of the Annenberg Public Policy Center in Philadelphia is also sponsoring the event. Students are encouraged to log onto the Student Voices website and write their opinion about the issue in the "Speak Out" section. The website address and log in password is available to any GASD student and can be obtained by any high school teacher. Viewpoints from students throughout the state are also published on the website. Student Voices maintains the interactive website and provides resources to teachers with the goal of encouraging the civic engagement of young people.

Students and community members may also submit questions or comments regarding school uniforms to Ellen Kirkner via e-mail at kirkner@greencastle. k12.pa.us

The deadline for submission of questions or comments is Monday, Nov. 19.

For information, contact Kirkner at 597-2186.