EDUCATION BRIEFS

ALHAMBRA: In an effort to eliminate the extravagant dress of many graduating eight-graders, the Alhambra City and High School District’s board of education will require all middle school graduates to wear graduation gowns beginning with the class of 1996. The vote came in response to concerns by principals and parents who said the event was becoming a lavish and expensive ceremony, with some eighth-grade girls wearing evening gowns and some boys wearing tuxedos. Students will still be able to wear what they want under the gowns and each school will determine whether students will rent or buy the gowns. No decision has been made on color or cost.

POMONA: Twenty-five solar-powered model cars were created and built by students at Palomares Middle School on Tuesday as part of a new curriculum project, “Renewable Energy in a Multicultural Context.” It is designed to give minority students a look at alternative sources of power, such as solar and wind. The program was developed by the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at Harvey Mudd College and is funded by a $90,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation.

POMONA: A video conference that included hookups from Washington and 17 California cities addressing gun violence against children was held at Cal Poly Pomona last week. Calling for warning labels and childproof safety devices on guns, local and Washington politicians used the opportunity to push gun control bills and more local control over guns.