Madison Schools Once Again Celebrate Halloween, Students Will Dress Up in Costume

By Brian McCready, Patch Editor

Many years ago, Halloween was cancelled for the Madison Public Schools, but Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice is changing that right now.

“I brought back the Halloween celebrations because schools should always make time for kids to be kids and for kids to have fun, in addition to the hard work they do day in and day out,” Scarice told Madison Patch.

“We are in a world that pressures children, rushes childhood, and that has lost sight of the importance of letting kids be kids. This wrongheaded approach robs children of their childhood,” Scarice said. “Young children deserve an educational experience that honors where they are in their young lives, and that includes fun celebrations.

“As a district, we will continue to do whatever we can to make learning joyful, and to not lose sight of what makes a memorable school experience. Taking a brief time to dress in Halloween costumes and to let our kids have fun is just one example of our efforts to do so,” Scarice said.”

To that end, Island Avenue will be holding its Halloween Costume Parade tomorrow at 9:15 a.m. in the school auditorium. Jeffrey School is doing a similar event at 9:15 tomorrow.

Ryerson School Principal Kelly K. Spooner said staff has decided to bring the ghosts, goblins and fun back to the “hill” on Friday.

“On Friday, October 31st; all students (K-4) will be allowed to come to school in costume! Our Ryerson school community will gather in the multi-purpose room in the morning for a “Halloween Fashion Show”. This will be followed by a Halloween treat for students back in their classrooms. After all of these exciting spooky events take place, students will pack up their costumes, place them in their backpacks and resume their regular classroom schedule and routines,” Spooner said.

“Students should wear costumes over their regular clothing. I am asking that students not bring in any accessories that may go along with their costume; such as pretend swords, wands, ropes, etc. Although these enhance a costume, these can be both distracting and unsafe in a school setting. I appreciate your support with this request,” Spooner added.