Glenfield Middle School entrance in Montclair, New Jersey

An 8th Grader Takes on the Dress Code, Who Pays for Freshman Sports, and Stephen Colbert’s Next Act

September 17, 2026

This week on The Montclair Pod, we dig into how the school district quietly updated the middle school dress code — and the very loud debate it’s kicked off among parents, students, and now the Board of Ed. We hear from the 8th grader at Glenfield Middle School who started a petition over it. We also check back in on freshman sports: the community raised enough to bring them back this year, but is this a one-time rescue or an ongoing bill? Plus: your library card can save you money around town this month, two festivals close out September, a leadership shakeup at the BID, and Stephen Colbert’s unexpected next act.

WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE

  • Dress code showdown: The middle schools updated their clothing policy, and it’s led to a real fight over what counts as “appropriate length” and who decides. We read the policy, hear from parents on both sides of the debate, and sit down with Glenfield 8th grader Phoebe Chaffin, who started a petition calling on the district to reconsider it. (Montclair Pod: “An Eighth Grader Challenged Montclair’s Middle School Dress Code. Now the District Is Taking Another Look” · see the community reaction on our Instagram)
  • Freshman sports, the sequel: Blue & White Club co-founder Laura Quiros joins us to talk about what the community’s fundraising push accomplished, what’s still needed toward the club’s $350K annual goal, and the bigger question — was this a one-time emergency save, or is Montclair signed up to keep funding freshman sports going forward? (more on the fundraising effort)
  • Downtown leadership change: Montclair Center BID executive director Cesar Claro has stepped down, citing health reasons. (full story)
  • Your library card just got more valuable: The Montclair Public Library’s “Library Card Local Perks” program runs through September 30th — see the full list of participating businesses.
  • Uptown Sound needs you: The inaugural Uptown Sound Music Festival hits Anderson Park on Saturday, September 26th, and organizers are still looking for volunteers (they’ll feed you). Sign up here.
  • Montclair Dance Festival returns: The second annual festival takes over the Wellmont Arts Plaza on Sunday, September 27th, with 35+ dance companies and schools performing. Get details and tickets.
  • Stephen Colbert’s next act: Turns out it’s software. The Hollywood Reporter says Colbert’s writers’-room startup, Scripto, just closed a $5 million seed round with backers including J.J. Abrams and Mark Cuban. (read the story)
  • Saturday is the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale featuring local businesses and music Learn more.

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