Etiquette to Be School Subject

Beverly Hills school officials, convinced that good manners breed success, are preparing to teach their students about the little things that mean a lot.

What clothes to wear, what fork to use, how much to tip and how to address dignitaries are just a few of the social graces that will be part of a new etiquette program that is in the planning stages in the district.

The program is being written by Judi Kaufman, president of Communication Development Associates Inc., a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that offers seminars on executive etiquette.

“Beverly Hills children are leaders in many ways,” she said. “They have the best education and training but, unfortunately, good manners have not been a part of that.”

The Beverly Hills Board of Education asked Kaufman to develop the curriculum after concluding that many parents do not have time to drill their children in many of the fundamentals of etiquette.

Board member Jerry Weinstein said, “Their kids are growing up to be a bunch of bores.”

School officials said the lessons will not be taught as a separate course but will be emphasized in home economics and English classes. The district plans to begin the instruction in eighth grade.