Gomers: What's going wrong

By The Gazette Editorial Board

DRESS CODE AT RISK: An administrative law judge says the Waterloo School District has no authority to impose a dress code and only the Legislature can decide whether to allow such a policy. Boo. Schools must have the power to enforce a safe, respectful learning environment, one that fits the situation of a particular district. And that should include a dress code option, even one that dictates what should be worn - a better approach than trying to enforce fuzzy policies that list what can't be worn.

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CHILLING FORECAST: After four consecutive winters of above-average precipitation in Iowa, with three of the past four winters featuring below-average temperatures, State Climatologist Harry Hillaker is predicting - you guessed it - more of the same for this winter, especially in Eastern Iowa. We can always hope that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's more moderate forecast is the one that holds up.

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SILLY PARENTS: Silly Bandz, a toy that morphs into various chapes, has become a major distraction in area schools, leading some to ban them. What possesses parents who allow their kids to bring such toys to school?