Monday, October 24, 2016

SETH BOYDEN CONTINUES HALLOWEEN BAN THIS YEAR

Seth Boyden School plans to repeat the ban on Halloween celebrations and costumes at the school again this year.

You may recall in 2015, the request that students not wear costumes to class or engage in on-campus celebrations brought some opposition, and even angry threats from out-of-towners.

The ban was first proposed in 2014, but later reversed that year after district officials stepped in. But it was put in place and kept in place last year.

Much of the reasoning for the ban, however, was from local parents who objected to the stress it can put on families, and even the cost related to such in-class events and costumes. Seth Boyden has more low-income families than any elementary school in the district.

The administration also said then that about 20% of students did not participate in the celebrations and costumes.

Damion Frye, who became Seth Boyden principal at the beginning of the current school year, said in a letter to parents earlier this month that the policy will remain.

It stated, in part:

In keeping with last year’s decision, please do not send your child to school with a costume or candy on October, 31st.  We thank you in advance for your continued cooperation.

See the entire letter below: