Does your MCPS elementary school still do Halloween?

[Anonymous]

Every year it seems like the question comes up at our school whether or not to continue with Halloween. I "hear" that most school don't anymore, but nobody can ever give me any actual information about numbers. So, informally, I'd love if people could just name your kids' ES and if there's Halloween there or not. I'll contribute once it gets going. thanks in advance! The future of school fun and childhood may depend on your participation!

[Anonymous]

Burtonsville ES. Not during school hours but there is a trunk or treat after school hours.

[Anonymous]

Strawberry Knoll--yes. Traditional parties, parade, costumes, parents, etc.

[Anonymous]

Bells Mill
parade moved to tomorrow (Nov 1)
no more parties as of this year - 'healthy snack and service projects' instead
people aren't happy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Burtonsville ES. Not during school hours but there is a trunk or treat after school hours.

Is it PTA-sponsored, or a neighborhood/community event?

[Anonymous]

Viers Mill
Parade with costumes and parties. Alternate "fall themed" activities for those who don't celebrate. Parents had to sign a form to opt out of the regular Halloween party. They're doing the parade outside in the parking lot if weather allows, otherwise it's inside. It's always packed. I hope they don't try to end it!

[Anonymous]

Greencastle ES.
No, but tomorrow they are having a "dress as your favorite book character" parade/party.

[Anonymous]

No- but having a small Fall party tomorrow. I miss the cute parades and just kids being kids.

McAuliffe ES

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Burtonsville ES. Not during school hours but there is a trunk or treat after school hours.

Is it PTA-sponsored, or a neighborhood/community event?

PTA sponsored

[Anonymous]

Kensington Parkwood - yes, parade, parties in classrooms

[Anonymous]

Wood Acres - parade today and parties in classroom.

[Anonymous]

Of course, and there are no plans to stop, they are very well attended and supported by parents in our Bethesda-area elementaries. I don't understand this push to cancel Halloween at school.

[Anonymous]

Because some of us go to diverse schools where children do not celebrate Halloween for religious reasons. Separating them for an alternate activity may or may not work depending on who then has to supervise them and resources/space available.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, above was for poster in Bethesda who doesnt understand why some schools dont do it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course, and there are no plans to stop, they are very well attended and supported by parents in our Bethesda-area elementaries. I don't understand this push to cancel Halloween at school.

It may be a school by school thing. If the school has a large group of families that object to celebrating Halloween then it might not make sense to do. I don't know. I think just concern over sugar isn't a good enough reason to stop. Food allergies have caused lots of discouraging of food-related celebrations in elementary schools. It might be some combination of factors. We enjoy it and I think it's fun and worthwhile, but it might not be right for every school.