Halloween Parade and Information 10/31/19 at 8:40am
Oct 31, 2019 @ 8:40 am - 9:00 am
To: Rancho Community
Re: Halloween Update 2019
Previously:
Last spring a decision was made to have a “Fall Festival” on the Saturday before Halloween instead of celebrating Halloween during the academic school day.
Currently:
The process for messaging, communication, and input from all stakeholders regarding this change has been inconsistent. As a result, for this year, we will have a Halloween parade at 8:40am on October 31st.
Students who do not celebrate Halloween are invited to the library at 8:40am to participate in a fun activity with Mrs. Paulos, our librarian.
After the parade at 9:00am all students will put their costumes away and commence the school day as usual. Each classroom teacher will determine what the rest of the day will look like in terms of Halloween activities and parties.
Moving Forward:
Thinking about our values, building an inclusive community, and what is best for all our students, after November 1st, we will be working together with staff and families to determine what Halloween will look like going forward at Rancho. We will implement a communication system where there will be multiple opportunities to hear all the voices in our community. This will include working with Staff, ELAC, PTA, Room Parents, and SITE Council. After a Halloween plan of action is determined, that will be messaged out in multiple ways before the end of this school year.
Halloween Background Information: Understanding Multiple Perspectives
Last year’s decision to modify how Halloween is celebrated at Rancho was based on thoughtful inclusive practices for all our students. Some of the points that came up include:
• The Fall Festival would be inclusive of all students – celebrating Autumn rather than a holiday some feel is a religious holiday.
• Not all our Rancho students and families celebrate Halloween and feel excluded – or don’t come to school.
• Halloween is an expense that can be stressful for some families.
• Students would have an opportunity to wear costumes to the Fall Festival for a parade
• Some students feel sad when their parent(s) cannot attend the Halloween parade due to work or other obligations
• Wearing orange and black would allow all students to participate and feel a part of the community
Halloween Costume Protocols
• Costumes must be in alignment with the dress code. – Specifically any costumes that reflect a rating of Teen/Mature/Adult only (including Fortnite) are not permitted
• Weapons, props, face paint and masks are to stay at home
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Catherine Nam
Principal: Rancho Elementary School
[email protected]
(415) 897-3101