School District 68  

Dear Members of the District 68 Board of Education,

We, the undersigned, urge the Board to revoke the decision to designate October 31 as a “school improvement day” and to instead hold regular classes, allowing our students the opportunity to participate in Halloween celebrations that are a cherished and invaluable part of childhood. By closing schools on Halloween, District 68 stands out negatively among neighboring districts—including Downers Grove District 58, Darien District 61, and Bolingbrook U365—all of which remain open and celebrate Halloween with their students.

Taking Halloween away from our children is taking away an essential experience of creativity, joy, and community that they deserve. For elementary and junior high students, Halloween in school provides a supervised, safe, and supportive environment for self-expression and social bonding. Events like costume parades, classroom parties, and themed activities create a sense of excitement and belonging, helping students form connections that are vital to their social and emotional development.

It’s not only about fun; it’s about upholding traditions that build memories and a love of school, which plays a critical role in fostering positive attitudes toward education. Students who miss out on these early school experiences are at risk of feeling isolated from their peers in neighboring districts, as well as from a tradition that should be universally accessible to children. Childhood only comes once, and it is our responsibility as a community to protect and enrich these fleeting years.

While we understand and appreciate the importance of “school improvement days,” we believe that these goals can be achieved without sacrificing Halloween, a time that for many children will be remembered for a lifetime. Other districts, which balance improvement initiatives and Halloween celebrations, serve as examples that District 68 can and should follow.

We hope the Board will listen to the voices of our community and reconsider this decision. Our children deserve the same opportunities to experience Halloween that their peers in surrounding districts will enjoy. Please allow our students to attend school on October 31 and be part of a celebration that is as much about learning and community as it is about fun.

Thank you for your attention and action on this matter. We, the undersigned, believe this change is essential for the well-being and happiness of our children.

Sincerely,

Members of the District 68 Community