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I do believe that public schools should no longer host Halloween parties, contrary to the majority of most people writing about this issue. As a Mom to two teenage boys, I have never really understood the importance of a Halloween party within the realms of their public school classroom. Costumes, candy, and the mystery that surrounds Halloween do not have a place in our education system today. Our children consume enough sugar without our schools promoting the consumption of candy and sweets.

There are numerous schools struggling to see that children are able to read and compute basic math problems. Some may argue that by providing a little Halloween party students will be encouraged to perform so they may participate in the party. Our education system in the United States is struggling. We are blessed with many wonderful professionals that put their hearts and souls into their teaching, but by the same token we have several professionals that are only in the classroom for the pay check. Our country as a whole needs to get back to the basics within the classroom and to the best of my knowledge a Halloween party does not provide that.

A Halloween party is something that should be held outside the public schools. Numerous cities around our country have great recreation programs that do provide activities related to holidays throughout the year. In my eyes, this is where these types of events should be held and promoted. Most public schools have Kindergarten-5th Grade students in their elementary buildings. Simple computation shows me that each of these students will lose a total of six hours of education, provided the Halloween party is one hour long. This time can be precious to many students in our schools today.

We all know that life is not fair. One could argue that a Halloween party makes some children feel left out, as they would not have a costume for the party. In my opinion, this would not be a reason to have the party; but a Halloween costume would be in violation of most school dress codes. Yes, public schools do have dress codes and it is up to the administration to enforce the code. By allowing children to wear costumes, this would send a mixed message to them in regards to how to dress each day when the alarm rings at 6:00 a. m.

By working together we can raise the performance level of our children within our public schools. As parents we need to read with our children and let them know that we value our education. Children are watching adults at all hours of the day and looking up to older people for guidance. By showing an interest in their homework and offering to assist when needed should be our responsibility. Taking our children to the store to purchase new notebooks, pencils, folders and other school supplies is important when it comes to our children's education. Shopping for a Halloween costume for the party within our public school classroom is not of importance when it comes the education of our children. I am not sure when our public schools decided that classroom parties needed to become a part of our children's school day , but I do not see the importance of a Halloween party within the classroom. Therefore, I do believe that public schools should ban Halloween parties. Our tax dollars could be spent in a much more productive fashion in regards to the education of our children in the year 2008.

Learn more about this author, Sara A Broers.
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