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inform those parents who may not want their child to attend.

Costumes: Some parents either can't afford or don't allow costumes. People on tight budgets might ask friends, family, or co-workers for their ideas on successful homemade costumes. Folks who forbid Halloween costumes in their family based on their religion should, by all means, follow their beliefs, but should neither ask nor demand that the school ban Halloween parties. It's not fair to those who see no problem with the idea.

Enjoyment: If a child is personally uncomfortable with the idea of Halloween, or is easily frightened by masks or costumes, s/he doesn't have to participate. Certainly, no school or teacher wants to make a child upset.

Alternate Plans: Those parents who subscribe to any of the above reasons for keeping a child from a school Halloween party might try making other in-school plans for their child. Perhaps the teachers can let these children read or draw together in the school library or another undecorated room. If necessary, they should be supervised and then escorted back to classes when the parties are over. Making this a school-wide policy may reduce any feelings of exclusion, since it would pertain to all of the school's students, and would still allow the others to partake of the festivities.

== Halloween History ==

In public schools, kids most likely will not care about the origins of Halloween, just the costumes and the candy. Moreover, parents who truly know their Halloween history should not be skittish about a party.

In very basic terms, centuries ago, many folks believed that carving scary faces on hollowed-out, lighted gourds would help banish evil spirits. In other words, they were merely taking safety precautions based on the beliefs of their time. This concept of guarding against evil spirits is the exact opposite of today's perception of Halloween, and therefore the argument that Halloween is evil fails.

If only ghosts and gore come to mind when someone says "Halloween costume," please know that costume ideas have come a long way. Many are not made to be scary at all, but cute or funny instead. Also, lots of people create their own harmless outfits.

== Planning ==

Teachers have it tough, no doubt. They must frequently create lesson plans, carefully follow the administration's rules, tactfully communicate with parents, and gently deal with the children themselves. It's no wonder that some teachers balk at the thought of adding any extra items to their already full occupational

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