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Ghouls did not steal Halloween from schoolsWitches, wizards, goblins and ghosts may haunt the halls of CBE schools this Halloween. The decision about whether schools will celebrate a traditional Halloween, a more “contemporary” version, or at all is made in each CBE school. The decision often reflects the views of the school community, including students, parents and employees. Some CBE schools have full celebrations of Halloween that would be familiar to many parents. Some schools ask students to mark Oct. 31 by wearing orange and black. Other schools treat “All-Hallows-Eve” like any other school day. This year there has been significant media coverage about two elementary schools’ plans to have a caring celebration. The concern may be the result of a monstrous misunderstanding. Ramsay and Colonel Walker elementary schools wanted to have a “caring” Halloween. The idea fits with the school motto for Colonel Walker, “Care for Self, Care for Others, Care for this Place and Care for our Learning.” Plans for a caring celebration of Halloween include an assembly for students that celebrates learning about UNICEF. For the benefit of students who would like to dress up but do not have access to costumes, parents were also invited to give or loan costumes to the school’s “tickle trunk.” As for costumes, students are welcome to dress up. In a letter to parents on Oct. 4, the principal reminded parents to ensure that costumes:
Encouraging non-violent costumes may have caused confusion among some parents in spite of the good intention. See copy of letter sent to parents.
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