Halloween Parties at School-Opinions.?

Question

I work in a school. Today, about 4 kids in a class of 25 didn't have Halloween costumes. They were individuals that didn't celebrate the holiday.

This is understandable. Everyone is entittled to their own beliefs. However, serveral of the kids (ages 4-6) were crying because they didn't have costumes. It very difficult to explain to a 5 year old, that they don't have a costume because their parents/families don't celebrate the holiday.

Personally, I think the parents should not spend the kids to school or pick them up early on Halloween. I just don't believe that all kids/students should be punished because 3 or 4 kids don't celebrate the holiday (etc-banning costumes)

What do you believe? If you celebrate the halloween would you be disappointed if next year your child's school said no costumes or celebrations. There were many parents today at school who just were loving the parties. We had so much left over candy and goodies b/c of the overwhelming response

from parents wanting to be involved.

I'm not a teacher........btw. I'm just a volunteer.

Answer 1

My daughter goes to a school where they have a Halloween party if the teacher wishes. This year her class did have a party and the kids who wanted to dress up, did. My younger daughter also dressed up for her nursery class party and as far as I am aware the kids who do not participate in such celebrations were not present.
I think these days we are all too concerned about being politically correct all the time and forget that even though kids are at school to learn, they are also there to have fun. We are out in the grown up world too long in our lives, so what's the harm in a little fun sometimes - does it really hurt anyone? If people feel strongly enough about certain activities at school then they should keep their kids home that day or look to send them to a different school [private]. Also, if the parents are not going to allow their kids to take part then it's their responsibilty to explain to them WHY, not the teacher.
I wouldn't be disappointed if the school didn't have a dress up Halloween party next year, but I think the kids would be!

Answer 2

I think that when parents send kids to school in costumes it makes it hard on the teachers. They have to help when they are uncomfortable or when they need to use the bathroom. I love Halloween and I'm not a teacher but i do feel bad for the ones that get stuck with the costume trouble. I think if a child did not celebrate the Holiday and the school is going to let the kids celebrate the day then yes the kids who don't celebrate need to stay home so they don't feel left out.

Answer 3

I am sure in some homes where certain holidays are not celebrated if the parents are good about it they do explain to their kids that they do not celebrate that holiday and work out something with the teacher in respect to their ideals. I once went to school with a girl who was from a Jewish household. They for one did not celebrate Christmas but because her parents knew that our class was mostly non-Jewish, they worked it out so she could to a point participate in the celebration in the class party with gift exchange and so on. At the same time, our teacher had her bring in anything she could on the holiday she celebrated. By doing this, not only was she exposed to a point to our holiday but we were able to learn hers too. It was fun and it all turned out just fine.

Where I am from there is a very diverse style of a community. Some schools do not even celebrate any of the holidays because there are so many cultures involved here. Taking that into account it was easier to not celebrate so as not to offend the others. THe kids know this happens so they do not expect it.

It really just depends on the schools, parents, teachers, and school board on how these things should take place. I for one think that some of the celebrations could be left alone because of cultures and so on. Other reasons is that it is so commercialized anymore and then the schools that do things expect so much done by parents and when you are on a low income you can not do everything. So in schools with low income families, this may be a better choice.

Answer 4

We all wear masks. The 4 students that "didn't have a costume" actually did have one. They came as students that weren't allowed to celebrate Halloween.

What is more terrifying to Halloween participants than this?

Halloween parties should be allowed. It's just a fun holiday to celebrate. If Halloween parties are stopped, then what else will be stopped? Christmas Parties, Easter Parties, St. Patrick's day, Yom Kapur...the possibilities for censorship are endless. Halloween is a creative expression for kids. It would be a shame of the holiday was censored in public schools.

Answer 5

I would be very disappointed that there wasn't some sort of celebration however, those of us who do celebrate Holloween also have trick-or-treating or other neighborhood parties to go to in our costumes.

I think it is even sadder to think of those kids who are upset b/c they don't have a costume and don't understand why. With almost 20% of the class without a costume, I think it would have been better to celebrate "Fall" with treats and what-not but no costumes at school for anyone.

Answer 6

I don't think everyone should be punished for a few. While I sympathize with the young kids who may or may not feel left out, I don't think it's fair to do away with the event all together. Halloween as far as I'm concerned is not a religious thing! It's just a day for fun. I'm really getting tired of people and the way they whine over everything. I respect peoples rights and opinions but I"m tired of the world being forced to change.

Answer 7

It is a silly holiday and it is also a religious holiday as well. If schools are not supposed to promote religion, then Halloween needs to go too. The word Christmas has been removed from a lot of schools because of a few students who's parents have complained about the religious overtones.

I also think that you should read your own post and consider why there should be fewer distractions in school. You have at least 4 errors in what you wrote.

Answer 8

Leave out the costumes, have all the other fun and games associated with the party. No hurt feelings that way. Or, send home a note about costumes--halloween or harvest themed. That way, maybe parents could dress their kids like a pilgrim, turkey, indian, pumpkin....anything fall and harvesty!!

Answer 9

I personally believe that no holiday should be celebrated at school. This includes candy, bulletin boards, etc. It is inevitable that you will offend one person or another's beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses and some others don't celebrate Christmas or Easter. Some Christians believe that Halloween is the holiday of satan (It was actually created as a celebration of All Hallow's Eve, the day before All Saint's Day and a celebration of harvest). Pagans don't celebrate traditional holidays for the most part.

Answer 10

I was raised by religious paretns that ended up home schooling me by grade 5. They did me wrong. At the time I thought I had the best life and was being saved from the bad things by my loving paretns.Now I realize that I never did have a normal childhood. At the time I didnt' realize it. And I agree, if their beliefs really make them raise their kids without normal cutlural experience, than keep them home those days. I don't like Haloween. I think it is evil and scary, and just very strange. But my kids like it and so I take them. This year my daughter was a vampire.. sigh.... I really dont' think Haloween is a good holiday... but every kid has the right to experience life. I won't stifle their self expression like my paretns did. what REALLY matters is that they are responsible children who have a good attitude towards life and are happy. Reallly, what else matters?