A chord has been struck with some parents after Skokie-Morton Grove District 69 quietly banned any Halloween activities from its schools: Madison, Edison and Lincoln Junior High. 

Superintendent Quintin Shepherd said the decision was made based on religious and economic reasons. He also added that there was a 5 percent attendance drop on Halloween Day at all three schools. 

Now, however, that drop may grow, as some parents are banding together to pull their students from school on Oct. 31 and meet up at Laurel Park in Skokie to celebrate the holiday.

There's even a petition circulating that currently has about 77 signatures to reinstate Halloween at District 69. 

Shepherd said he did not seek the communities input on the decision because it would have made no difference in the end. 

One Skokie Patch reader said: 

"I cannot believe that they took this away from the kids of District 69, I could understand high school but the younger ones that look forward to dressing up. I agree with the previous parent I wanted my child to go to a religious school I would have sent my child to a religious school.

People should know they will encounter diversity and different beliefs everywhere what are you teaching our kids with banning Halloween in District 69? I did not recall seeing an email on a meeting to vote on this and if I had I would had been there to vote. I will be taking a personnel day on Oct. 31."

Another said: 

"Activities at Laurel Park should begin around 3pm.

This is an informal get together of parents and children, but we would love to spread the news and see other parents and children participate. Laurel Park is a great place to congregate and has a perfect sidewalk perimeter to let the kids crate their own parade and march around the neighborhood. Having peaceful public assemblies is another empowering activity that is taken from the children when they remove Halloween tradition."

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