Halloween Protocols – 2021

Friday, October 29th, at Templemead School – Halloween Protocols

“Halloween is quickly approaching and for many of our students it is a time of excitement. This year, however, we are forced to once again recognize our unique circumstances and we must respect the Board and Public Health protocols that are in place to ensure the safety of all of our students, staff, and community members. This year, our Halloween protocols will be as follows:

· Students who plan on dressing in costume must arrive in costume at the beginning of the school day and remain in costume for the entire day. Time will not be permitted to change in or out of costumes throughout the day.

o As always, no weapons, no masks that impede vision, no inappropriate images or slogans.

o When choosing a costume, we want to remain respectful of everyone’s race, culture, ethnicity, religion and/or belief system

o Students must be able to accommodate an appropriate face covering as per COVID 19 requirements; students not following this protocol will be asked to remove their costume mask so as to wear a proper mask

· In years past, we have had several parents and caregivers arrive at the school to provide support to their child in preparing for our normal routines. However, this year:

o No costumes are to be dropped of at the office for the purpose of being delivered to students in class. The school will not be accepting costumes or items dropped off throughout the day.

o No caregivers will be allowed in the building to help dress students

· Students are allowed to bring individually packed ‘treats’ for themselves.

o Students can bring purchased, individually wrapped treats (e.g., mini chocolate bars) to share with others in their own class/cohort. This does not include items such as:

§ A package of muffins, cupcakes, or cookies (these are not individually wrapped)

§ Home baked items that are wrapped individually (home-baked items are not allowed)

§ Items not adhering to protocols will be sent home at the end of the day

o Please keep in mind that we are nut/peanut free school as we do have many students with allergies. And many of these allergies extend beyond into things such as dairy, etc.

o Please help us to manage the sharing of food items by not sending your child with giant bag of chips.

Due to COVID protocols, we will not be having any Halloween Parades at school this year.

We are sensitive to the fact that not all students celebrate Halloween. Keeping that in mind, educators will have alternate orange and black, and Autumn activities prepared for students should they choose to not participate in Halloween activities.”