Info Sessions To Be Held on School Uniforms

Parents can learn about the school district's proposal to next week when officials from the three schools chosen for a pilot program outline plans.  

The  7 p.m. meetings will be held Tuesday at Central Middle School, Wednesday at Brooklawn Middle School and Thursday at Intervale Elementary.

The plan must be approved by 85% of parents at the schools to start in September. Ballots will be sent out by mail on February 24 and must be returned by March 4.

Proponents of uniforms, which would cost about $175 per student, say they can instill a sense of unity, help new students assimilate and even reduce bullying.

But several  Parsippany Patch readers have complained in our comments section that uniforms are unecessary and too costly for parents.

Others think  uniforms rob students of their individuality.  "A number of kids express themselves through clothes,'' said reader Lani Duffy. " Do we want our children to become toy soldiers? Won't they have to conform soon enough? 

Only one person who commented on our story last month was unequivicably in favor. "I think the idea of school uniforms would be the best thing, kids now a days are all judged by the clothes they wear and it starts in elementary school,'' said reader Jodie Lipuma. "After having my daughter in St. Elizabeths and having to wear a uniform, the kids were never judged and always looked like little toy soldiers.