Local superintendent gives tips for a safe, fun Halloween

This October, Pontiac Academy for Excellence (PAE) is offering insight on how to make the most of the Halloween season. From costume safety to finding alternative festivities, William Jackson, superintendent and chief academic officer at PAE, has advice to maximize treats and minimize tricks.

“We urge everyone – students, parents, and all of our neighbors – to make the choices that lead to a festive, safe environment for kids to have some good old-fashioned fun,” said Jackson. “By taking a few simple actions, caregivers and children can do their part to ensure a wonderful holiday.”

Have the happiest of Halloweens with these tips from Jackson:

Create a game plan
Boost your trick-or-treating fun with some preparation. According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) the best way to get ready for the big day is to figure out where to gather goodies from and who to do it with. Plan a route that only covers known safe, well-lit areas and travel in groups of two or more. A caregiver should always accompany younger children and if older children are opposed to the idea of an adult around its best if they venture out in a group of trusted peers.

Play by the rules
Be sure to follow city guidelines for trick-or-treating. A list of times by city that Oakland County residents should plan to fill their bags and baskets with treats can be found on the Oakland County Moms website.

Dress for success
One of the coolest parts of Halloween is deciding what you want to be. Whether you’re a princess or a pirate, play it safe by following The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for using rubber or plastic props, covering your face with paint instead of masks and incorporating reflective tape or wearable glow sticks in to your outfit so drivers can see you. And remember, no costume equals no candy!

Discover different ways to celebrate
Looking for exciting alternative to traditional trick-or-treating? Contact local law enforcement, area churches and news publications to see what type of fall festivities are going on. This year the Oakland Press has a list of Halloween happenings around Oakland County.

For more information on Jackson and PAE, visit www.pontiacacademy.org.

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