Will your child’s school be having a Halloween party? Parents should check with the school to find out the answer to that question. Some schools are cancelling Halloween parties, for a variety of reasons. Don’t assume that since your child’s school held one last year that they will do it again this year.
The reason a school chooses to cancel vary. Some have concerns about Halloween treats and food allergies, and want to play it safe. Other schools may have come to the decision that the Halloween party is a distraction, and interferes with children’s ability to focus and learn as they wait for the party to start.
A school in Evanston, Illinois, sent information to parents during the 2018-2019 school year to let them know that the Halloween celebration for that year would be the last one. As you may have expected, many parents (and children) forgot about that warning and were expecting there would be a school Halloween party this year.
Why did the school cancel the Halloween celebration? According to the Chicago Tribune, the school’s principal stated that were doing so due to their commitment to “equity”. Some members of the school do not celebrate Halloween. The school did not want to create an environment that may feel exclusive or unwelcoming to any child.
There are some parents who are disappointed by the school’s decision. These families do celebrate Halloween. They feel it is an American holiday.
Other schools are still going to have Halloween parties. Parents should find out the rules about that. Your child’s school may allow Halloween costumes, but may have a list of exclusions. Many schools have stopped allowing parents to bring homemade treats. Some might allow store-bought treats. There is also a chance that the school will skip the Halloween party and have a Fall celebration instead.
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