Elise Keller
Contributing Writer
Elementary schools should not have Halloween parties, but rather fall parties because many religions prevent children to participate in the parties and because the ostracism children feel from being left out could leave harmful psychological effects.
Halloween parties should be changed to fall parties because like Jehovah’s Witness, some Catholics, some Muslims, Orthodox Jews, etc. restrict children of these religions from attending these school parties. It was originally a pagan holiday, but Halloween has mostly been turned into an American holiday, so Webster’s public schools still celebrate it.
As of now, the only school that does not have some sort of a Halloween or fall party during school is Hudson Elementary.
Avery, Bristol and Clark Elementaries have Halloween parades and parties. Edgar Road and Computer School will host trunk or treats. In addition to this, Edgar Road holds a fall party, which should be the type of party all schools choose to hold.
Connecticut schools banned these school celebrations due to “numerous incidents of children being excluded from activities due to religion, cultural beliefs, etc,” according to Connecticut Post. Children don’t deserve to miss out on a school-wide party.
A study by Purdue University said being left out “threatens psychological needs (belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence).” Ostracism causes people to feel upset, lose self-esteem and feel like their existence is meaningless.
Children are fragile. It is scientifically proven. Being left out of a school party may not lead to the more extreme effects because this choice to not participate in school parties is typically made by the parent of the student, and not a peer.
To solve this problem, schools should recreate Halloween parties into fall parties. This would solve the religion problem by taking away the pagan holiday from the reason for the holiday, although Jehovah’s Witnesses could still not participate.
A few years ago, Avery Elementary tried to solve this problem by canceling its annual costume parade. Parents of students had fits, so what should be proposed is to not do away with these traditions, but to change the meaning behind them so more students can enjoy the festivities.
The schools should change the name of the parties from Halloween parties to fall parties.
See also: Natalie’s column: Clowns fail to ruin Halloween
See also: Students discuss holiday choices
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