Revere panel unanimously votes in uniforms for Garfield students

REVERE – The school committee voted, 6-0, in favor of a new mandatory uniform for Garfield Elementary School at Tuesday?s meeting.The desire for the uniforms began last year.?There was interest last year,” Principal Patricia DiGregorio said. “Beginning of this year, that interest was still very much there.”After looking at the pros and cons, DiGregorio felt that uniforms for the school would be the most positive thing for students? education.?It would decrease peer pressure and jealously over clothing,” she said. “It would bring unity to the school and increase school pride. Also, it would help keep the students more focused.”The principal also thought it would be beneficial financially for parents.?This would be cheaper for parents since the skyrocketing price of trendy clothes and sneakers keeps going up,” she said.The new uniform would consist of a dark green or pale yellow polo and navy or khaki pants. Also, jumpers or skirts for girls.The school sent out a survey to parents and teachers to see their opinion on the matter.Eighty-eight percent of parents voted in favor of the uniforms along with 95 percent of the teachers. The uniforms are mandatory starting in September.The whole school committee expressed excitement over the new uniforms especially since it will be cheaper for parents.?I remember trying to get my kids dressed like everyone else?s and it was quite costly for me,” School Committee member Donna Wood-Pruitt said.Sara Brown can be reached at [email protected].