We, the undersigned parents, guardians, friends, and supporters of the Elm Street School community, respectfully ask the school administration to reconsider its decision to cancel the longstanding Halloween parade and allow students to wear their costumes to school. Anyone who supports bringing back this tradition is welcome to sign, whether or not they have a direct connection to Elm Street School. 

The Halloween parade has been a cherished tradition for Elm students and families, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of community and school spirit. We understand that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and we appreciate the administration’s responsibility to consider scheduling and school policies. However, we believe a decision that affects such a meaningful school tradition deserves input from the families and community it impacts.

We would appreciate the opportunity for the Elm community to share its perspective on this decision. In her October 16 newsletter, the Principal communicated that students would not be permitted to wear costumes to school; however, no direct notification was sent to Elm families regarding the parade’s cancellation. The cancellation was briefly mentioned at a PAC meeting, with Halloween falling on a Saturday cited as the reason. We respectfully believe that a decision of this nature warrants broader communication and community input before a longstanding tradition is discontinued.

We also note that OPR will be holding its Halloween parade on Friday, and the Middle School is allowing students to wear costumes on Friday in exchange for donating a pantry item. These examples suggest that alternatives can be considered to preserve the spirit of Halloween while accommodating the school calendar and other priorities.

Additionally, Falmouth Elementary School faced a similar situation, and after hearing feedback from parents, the school reversed its decision to cancel its parade. We hope Elm Street School will likewise consider the value of listening to families before making a final decision.

We respectfully request that the administration reconsider the cancellation of the Halloween parade and allow the tradition to continue this year. If there are concerns or logistical challenges that need to be addressed, we ask that the school first hold a community forum or distribute a parent survey so families have a meaningful opportunity to offer feedback and help explore possible solutions.

Our goal is not to challenge the administration, but to work collaboratively to preserve a special tradition that means so much to our children and school community. We believe that open communication, community engagement, and thoughtful consideration of parent perspectives are essential to making decisions that best serve Elm students and families.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and willingness to listen to the Elm Street School community.

Please sign this petition to ask the administration to reconsider its decision and give Elm families a voice in the future of this cherished tradition.

 Sign this petition and help us ensure that future generations can experience the magic that made our own school days special. Join us in reviving a tradition that sparks joy and fosters unity in our community.