There are places for students to show off their individuality, to express themselves as unique members of the human race. But one of those places is not in the public school classroom - at least, not when it comes to student apparel.

This week, Woodland Middle School parents weighed in on adopting school uniforms, following the lead of their principal, Chris Hammons. Three years ago, Hammons implemented the uniform rule at Lakes Magnet Middle School, where he was principal at the time.

For years now, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy has demonstrated how effective a school uniform program can be in a public school. Its dress standards, like its academic standards, are high but attainable. How much the uniforms impact student achievement is impossible to pinpoint, but what is possible is concluding that dress is not a distraction at the school. Focus is on academics - right where it should be.

One of the successful things Charter has done is organize resales, at a steep discount, of the clothes Charter children outgrow. Strictly from a financial perspective, many parents attest that uniforms are far less expensive than the tastes of some children would dictate.

These issues have been debated openly for some time and no doubt will be as more and more Kootenai County schools weigh the benefits of uniforms for their students. But here's another suggestion that schools should weigh at least equally: Have your administrators, staff and teachers set a dress standard worthy of student emulation. Clothes don't make leaders, but dressing like it doesn't matter can certainly unmake them.

Join us at the Faire

And speaking of Lakes Magnet Middle School, there won't be a better place for family enjoyment tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Consider this your informal invitation to the third annual Multicultural Faire and Music Festival.

This family-friendly free event is rich in flavor - and despite the world "multicultural" it has nothing to do with your political leanings. Entertainment is provided by tremendously talented musicians, gymnasts, dancers and others from the area, people you may not even know are your neighbors. Food from far-flung corners of the world is available inexpensively. Booths, some of them manned by students, can take you around the world without ever leaving the Lakes gym.

The Multicultural Faire, brainchild of heart transplant recipient and teacher extraordinaire Dave Eubanks, is one of our favorite annual public events. We hope to see you there.