What You Need to Know Before Your Child Heads to School on Halloween

Halloween is the day in which it’s fine to dress like a blood-covered, axe-wielding zombie for trick-or-treating at night – but what about during day, at school? 

Since Oct. 31 falls on a Wednesday this year, most schools will mark the day with a costume parade or classroom parties. And while that bloody zombie might scare the Dickens out of most elementary school kids, most schools prefer – and some even insist – that type of costume stay home. 

So, what’s good-to-go on All Hallow’s Eve and what should stay tucked away in the darkest corners of the closet? 

At Utica's Beck and Ebeling elementary schools, Halloween is being touted as a “positive celebration,” meaning no blood, gore, or weapons are permitted. “Violent characterization is unacceptable for school parades where younger students might be frightened,” Ebeling principal Densie Bailey wrote in a letter to parents. 

Instead, children are encouraged to dress as: 

• Book characters
• Historical figures 
• In period costumes 
• As folk heroes or cartoon characters. 

In Chippewa Valley Schools, even high school kids are getting in on the Halloween fun. “It helps that their principal is a huge Halloween fan,” said Dakota High School Principal Paul Sibley. At Dakota, there’s a costume contest among administrators planned, and students are allowed to dress in character on Oct. 31. 

At the high school level, it’s less about scary characters and more about keeping bare skin covered. Short skirts and shorts are not allowed and neither are costumes in which undergarments show. Students are not allowed to carry anything resembling a weapon. 

“We don’t allow masks or anything that covers a student’s eyes, so that they can be identified at all times while in school,” said principal Paul Sibley. 
The school is also sponsoring “boo-grams,” where students send friends a written message and candy. 

But not all Macomb Township schools celebrate the holiday.

At Immanuel Lutheran School, there are no costume parades or parties to recognize Halloween. Instead, students are invited to a church-sponsored Harvest Festival Oct. 26, which includes trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, dressing in costume, and more.

“(Oct. 31) will be just a regular school day for us,” said Principal Bob Christian. 

As each school has its own guidelines regarding Halloween, be sure to check your school's website, or call the main office before sending your Harry Potter or Princess Peach off to class.