School officials said security and safety issues prompted the decision.
Manville elementary school decides to table traditional outdoor costume parade. (File photo)MANVILLE -- A borough elementary school's decision to discontinue their traditional outdoor Halloween parade because of safety concerns have angered some parents, according to a report on MyCentralJersey.com.
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Earlier this month, parents were notified that the parade, attended by parents and relatives, would be shelved in favor of indoor activities such as classroom costume contests and decorating pumpkins, the report said.
School board President Heidi Alles and Superintendent Anne Facendo said in an email to parents that the decision was made "based on solid evidence of possible security and safety issues," the report said.
It's unclear exactly what the security and safety issues are that prompted the decision.
In response, one parent started an online petition to reinstate the parade.
"Weston school is taking away so many traditions from our kids, who I fear will no longer have the experiences we did if we ( moms ) keep letting this happen !!' the petition by Jordan Canuso reads.
This afternoon, it had more than 620 signatures.
Earlier this week, some parents at Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood voiced concern when the school canceled all of the school's Halloween celebrations at the school because too many students had previously chosen not to participate.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
