THE MOST TIMELY EVENT OF THIS SEASON Akiva Board OKs School Uniforms AMY J. MEHLER Staff Writer N o matter what the ar- biters of children's back-to-school fash- ion concoct next fall, students at Akiva Hebrew Day School will likely be wearing new polyester uniforms. The board of directors at Akiva voted 13-9 on Nov. 5 to require uniforms next fall. The cost is expected to be $35-50 per uniform. Dr. Harvey Lefkowitz, a board member and parent, presented the results of an independent parent survey to an open board meeting. The survey, conducted in Oc- t ob er by seven Akiva parents, found 80 percent of 101 parents questioned sup- ported uniforms. The survey, conducted over the phone and in writing, found all 17 teachers polled in favor of uniforms. There are 300 families registered at Akiva and about 40 full- and part-time teachers. Dr. Lefkowitz said the survey was unofficial and parent instigated. "It was only meant to be an in- dicator," he said. "The board was never intended to base its decision on the presenta- tion." The presentation included a half-hour speech on the benefits of uniforms and in- troduced a manufacturer's representative who displayed samples. Susan Weiss, who has three girls at Akiva, hopes no one left thinking there is anything halachic about wearing a uniform. "You don't need to wear a uniform to conform to the laws of tzniut (modesty)." Most Akiva students would agree. A poll taken the day of the board meeting found 56 junior and senior high school students against uniforms and 13 in favor. "Clothing is our way of ex- pressing our individuality," said Shayna Skarf, 15, in ninth grade. "It goes with your personality. Now the school is taking that away." Sara Feldman, 12, in seventh grade, threatened to boycott the board's decision. "I don't care if they suspend me," she said vehemently. Dr. David Beneson, a parent and board member, felt uniforms could help children redirect their energy from thoughts of clothes of thoughts of school- work. Jamie Pearlberg, 17, stu- dent council president, said Akiva already has an excellent learning at- mosphere. "Uniforms aren't going to make any differ- ence," he said. Goldie Silverstein, elementary school principal at the Sally Alexander Beth Jacob School for Girls, thought uniforms would con- tribute to a positive academic atmosphere. Beth Jacob instituted uniforms two years ago. "Since requiring uniforms, our school has become more unified," she said. "We've established different values for our students. Not every- thing is about clothes." Rabbi Zev Shimansky, headmaster at Akiva, said the issue of uniforms was not about eliminating competi- tion, but about enforcing tzniut. "The administration and faculty has been unhappy for a long time with the way students are dressing," he said. "The issue of tzniut has become more and more prevalent because lately more and more students are not adhering to the school's dress code." According to Akiva's Parent Manual, girls are re- quired to wear blouses with sleeves, and skirts below their knees. Boys must wear kipot, tzitzit, slacks and col- lared shirts. Sweatshirts and sweaters displaying writing are prohibited. Donna Feldman, a mother of six, doesn't see why parents should be penalized because of a few families. "Uniforms are an extra ex- pense," she said. "There are a lot more important things the school could be concen- trating on." Rabbi Shimansky said the problem is more widespread than just a few families. In the last few weeks, he and teachers have singled out students and had them call home for appropriate clothes. "We haven't actu- ally sent anyone home be- cause most parents came to school with a change of clothes." For the next three months, Rabbi Shimansky said stu- dent council representatives may monitor students. "If I see 100 percent compliance, perhaps there could be a reconsideration." 0 ONE DAY ONLY! EBEL TAG-HEUER MOVADO RAYMOND WEIL SEIKO/ LaSALLE SECTOR CONCORD CITIZEN / NOBLIA BULOVA SWATCH WATCH AND CLOCK SHOW SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Don't miss out on an exclusive, one time only showing of Seiko's Magical, Musical Clocks. Created especially for clock collectors and those who want to give a truly special gift. Enter to win exciting watches and clocks to be raffled off throughout the day iewelry Fin f r Fine & Gifts 26400 W. Twelve Mile Road • Southfield, Michigan • (313) 357-5578 FREE Municipal Bonds Listing Receive Weekly Report Edwards & Sons, Inc AG INrarNENTS SIN 1887 MEMBER SIPC UN-BM-3-EDA BOB MORIAN 313) 336-9200 1-800-365-9200 ARTHRITIC FEET Comfort, Quality, Fit and Service for 75 years 26221 Southfield Road (Between 10 and 11 Mile Roads) CALL 557-4230 Bad idea . l Kitchen remodeling without calling Cabinet Clinic. • • • • Best Value in Town Cabinet Refacing Custom Kitchens Free Estimates :: cabinet clinic Royal Oak 4505 N. Woodward 421-8151 Livonia Wonderland Mall THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 15