Katie Evans

A new uniform policy for students attending public schools in Pitt County has been implemented with few problems, school officials say, and every student now has at least one uniform.

Pitt County Schools Executive Director of Student Services Travis Lewis said nearly 100 students were identified as having a legitimate need when the policy took effect Aug. 25.

Through donations from individuals, local businesses and other organizations, the Pitt County Education Foundation has raised nearly $11,000 to provide students with two shirts and pair of pants adhering to the schools' requirements, he said.

"We have all be pleasantly surprised with how well it has gone," Lewis said. "Parents and guardians have really stepped up to the plate to be sure their children are in uniform and prepared for school. And our local community members who have donated have overwhelmed us with support."

Lewis said it costs between $30-50 to provide uniforms for warm weather to each student. He said officials are not certain of the cost for cold weather attire, and are continuing to accept donations.

"Some of those same students will be in need at that time," Lewis said.

The most common complaint administrators are hearing is the need for students to tuck in their shirts, Lewis says. He noted that several schools also are reporting fewer disciplinary problems early in the school year. Officials attribute the change to school uniforms.

Pitt County Schools Superintendent Beverly Reep said officials expected to be dealing with compliance issues at this point in the school year, but the efforts of parents, teachers and administrators have eased the transition.

"We passed that hurdle in the first week of school," Reep said.

The inclusion of ties with the uniforms also has become a trend for male students in a couple of high schools.

"We know it isn't going to fix all of our problems," Reep said. "But if you are not connected to our schools in any way, I ask you to please stop by any school, sign in as a visitor and just walk the halls. It will make an impact on you.

"We had people show up, walk in this office and give us a check because they just sat in parking lots of high schools and watched kids go into those schools. They were so impressed by the difference in their demeanor and looking at them."

The Pitt County Board of Education approved the uniform policy in June 2007 for all schools.

It states all shirts are required to have a collar. Students can choose from three colors for shirts: white and two colors chosen by each school. They can wear black, navy or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, skorts and capris, but not blue jeans. Black or khaki jeans are acceptable.

Students who are newly enrolled in a Pitt County school during the year are given a two-week grace period to comply.

Reep said the policy was developed to create more time on instruction and less time on dealing with issues that come about due to what is worn to school.

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Ichiban Xpress now open

Ichiban Xpress Japanese hibachi has opened at 310-F Arlington Blvd., beside Jersey Mike's. It's in the spot most recently occupied by Shiki Express.

Patrons place orders at a counter and may eat in the dining room or take items to go.

Entrees include hibachi vegetables ($4.89), teriyaki chicken ($5.99), hibachi steak ($6.45), hibachi shrimp ($6.15) and hibachi salmon ($7.95), along with combination plates. Entrees are served with onions and rice and a choice of steamed rice, fried rice or noodles.

Sushi also is served, including vegetable roll, California roll and shrimp tempura roll, all $3.65.

Appetizers and salads include spring rolls (99 cents), Crab Rangoon ($2.45), dumplings ($3.45), miso soup ($1.50) seafood salad ($3.65) and house salad ($1.50). Udon, a noodle soup, is available with chicken, seafood, vegetables and tempura; prices range from $5.85-$6.50.

Soft drinks and green tea are available.

Hours are 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. To call in a take-out order, call 321-8300 or fax 353-8301.

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The Greenville Independent Restaurant Association's third annual Wine Festival has been scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Greenville Convention Center. The event, sponsored by Impressions Magazine, will feature samples of a wide variety of wines, heavy hors d'oeuvres provided by the Greenville Independent Restaurant Association and wine seminars. Tickets - $35 per person in advance and $45 on the day of the event - are available at the Convention Center box office or by calling 321-7671. Visit www.dinegreenville.com for more information.

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Fresh produce available this week at the Pitt County Farmers' Market, 4560 County Home Road, includes:

string beans, pole beans, bush beans, cucumbers, apples, peaches, cantaloupes, plums, watermelons, cabbage, collards, lima beans, butter beans, crowder peas, blackberries, Asian pears, pecans, figs, sprite melons, a variety of squashes, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, banana peppers, green bell peppers, tomatoes, green tomatoes, radishes, corn, field peas, okra, white onions, tomatoes, radishes, field peas, okra, red onions, white onions, spring onions, red onions and daikon radishes.

A free food demonstration, from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, will feature lima beans. This is the last Saturday food demonstration, but the farmers' market will stay open until the end of November.

The Pitt County Farmers' Market is open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays. Call 355-7612.

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Kids eat free (with the purchase of an adult entree and two beverages) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the Chico's in Winterville, beside Pitt Community College in the Community Square shopping center. This special is not available for take-out. Also, Purple the Clown performs from 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays.

Owner Lisa Eagle also has introduced a new Kid's Menu item - Chicken Tender Taco: chicken tenders in a soft flour tortilla topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and ranch dressing. It's served with rice and beans or applesauce and a fried ice cream for $3.89.

The Winterville location is smoke-free until 8 p.m. daily. Call 439-0003.

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