i thought kids looked forward to having a pony. a trick pony. one that takes treats.

What, and offend all non-Celtic people? :-)
Will school open on Santa Claus Day?

The schools should bring in face painters, if they ban costumes. That way the rich millionaires & poor millionaires in NT would not reveal their family incomes via costumes.

I agree...so punish other kids because of poor kids ??
So should rich kids not go to college because poor kids can't afford to go ??
should tall basketball players not play ? because short kids can't play ??

@Jose - Middle income kids are already having a tougher time going to college because the schools are charging more so they can give away more and allow "poor" students to come for free.

My mom and I made our costumes and my brothers always came up with something funny with my dad's clothes. It was the original ideas that were the best and funniest costumes! Goodwill and I think....Salvation Army have cheap costumes, and they always bring out funny or old clothing articles and put them next to the costumes for everyone's imagination.

When I was a kid, I dressed like a hobo because I could find everything I needed in my dad's closet! I never bought my costume, so "being poor" is a ridiculous reason!

The holiday began as a pagan festival that was adapted over time by Christians(who converted from paganism). It's "observance" in America was a further adaptation to reflect what the "ritual" is today- a celebration of creativity, imagination and fun for children. Only a joyless, mean spirited person would ban Halloween celebrations from school. That the Skokie Supt. decided this w/ zero input from his tax paying constituents IS the definition of taxation w/out representation. If he's so concerned about the "financials, maybe he should set up a costume fund using some of the $191,141 he earns for his salary. Go to http://www.familytaxpayers.org/salary.php to see for yourself!

Winnetka... I do not generally agree with your opinions...but I must say...I am in full agreement with your intelligent and eloquent statement on this subject. In addition...
I have known people of faith who regard Halloween as a form of devil worship and would, if given the power, ban it on those premises alone. Come on people...life is short...lighten up will you !!!

Daylight savings time WAS changed to early November, making it lighter out later for trick or treating. Most towns now have specific hours for trick or treating anyway. Michelle Obama has nothing to do with it, you paranoid delusional right wing cliche.

This has nothing to do w/ the will of the masses. Our society is losing it's freedom. Every parent in Shepherds district...maybe we should rename it that b/c he's a tyrant, should keep their kids home from school that day and have a Halloween celebration in the park!

Is this Quentin Shepherd? What a ridiculous idea you just spouted. Let's withhold something from only certain groups. Next it will be no costumes for anyone with brown hair.

They no longer permit parties to serv a snack or drink not even water.

OK, so I goof'ed year of salary, should be 2011.

So true.

I agree. This is a stupid decision. Then again, the Superintendent Shepherd ended his letter by using the word "reflexive" instead of the correct word, "reflective."

Funny!......I can do it in 5 minutes and no six pack needed!

Victoria, who got rid of the pledge? I didn't hear the news cause if I had, I can assure you I would have rained down hell on them.

From what I understand, the schools no longer say the pledge in the begining of classes anymore due to offending . If I am wrong, or I heard wrong, I appologize for the error. Anyone know the facts on this?

our district says the pledge every morning...

I pledge Allegiance to The Flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Anyone who tells me that I can't say the Pledge can STFU. Lots of people died for that Flag, including many of my relatives. I'm proud to be an American, and of our Flag. Anyone in class who doesn't like that can leave the room for the duration and stand in the hall. But no way, no how, will they stop me from standing up and saying it. If that offends them - then GOOD - they've just experienced the First Amendment, and one of it's particularly protected forms - Political Speech.

@David Greenberg

In 1954, Congress after a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, added the words, 'under God,' to the Pledge. The Pledge was now both a patriotic oath and a public prayer

The way I look at it: "Under God" can be whatever God you decide to follow. Metaphysical arguments about the existence of a deity aside, one can consider the belief to be indicative of one following a set of principles - commandments if you will, to act in a certain way toward oneself, family, and fellow community members.

And all we're saying when we say the Pledge is we're going to be united as a Country, as a Republic of free men (and women!), and that we're not going to act like barbarians because that'd be against the commandments of our God.

Back when I was in kindergarten, there were a couple of kids who's parents were atheist, and they went out in the hall during the Pledge. We never made fun of them, we never even cared. Their parents didn't try to get the whole school to stop saying the Pledge, or to change the social studies lessons about what the colors and stars of the Flag represented, or who died in defense of their Flag and Country.

Flash forward to the Present: Some group gets irked about something we've done for 200+ years, and now all of a sudden we can't say the Pledge? Sorry, I'm not buying into that insanity.

http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E

I totally agree! Let's neuter everyone!!

Are you serious? Where are the real men in society anymore? Maybe a true catastrophe in this country would finally get it back on track.

Sorry not how the real world works. Get real.

No wonder their universal slogan is "workers of the world unite"...they have $O much to lose.

I believe the Chicago Archdiocese contains hundreds of schools and only has one Superintendent. Their schools do fine, and in many cases, better then some of our districts. What do all of these "Administrators" do each day for the salary/benefits they receive?

Everyone complains that teachers barely make money. Teachers in Chicago may bring in less salary but suburb teachers make very decent salaries & the principals/supers make a huge amount. If this district is so worried their kids can't afford costumes then they should offer to take less pay or better yet buy costumes for these less fortunate children.

i agree this is out of line. ecomonics? poverty? who are they kidding ? these kids can come to school dressed in their native country clothing. now they have a costume. if they don't like our customs don't live here.

DTBorch I think your reasoning is flawed. I seem to remember children raised with Halloween and then growing up to fly washing machines to the moon. I wonder what this current crop of marshmallows will achieve.

That is not true about the teachers. I was a teacher and I enjoyed celebrating Halloween. I dressed up too and the kids loved it, and these were high school kids. I was very creative in the lesson that day mixing learning with fun and passing out treats to the winners of the science games, etc.
At my children's elementary school, the teachers of each grade all dress up in theme and they are all very cute. The kids parade in their costumes and they all look like they are always having fun. School can be fun too at times. Kids won't like school if it is too droll.

Is this comment really true?? This is outrageous! The reason that he has a job is not so that he can do whatever he wants so as not to hear opposing opinion. I don't live in District 69 but those who do should oust this moron. Where I live this comment would have been met with big public out cry! Whoever said (in this post) to keep your kids home that day and have a party is very clever. I would one better it by making it a 2 hour day for your kid so they still get some class time but the school won't get funding for the student for the day. Where was this Dr. Sheperd educated at anyway???

Last time I checked, kids went to school for learning. If Halloween celebrations negatively affect the learning process (or just waste time) then get them out of school. Either that or study Druidism and all of that stuff and make it about history and culture rather than costumes and candy.

From what I understand of history children learned just fine with Halloween and far less administrators. Eventually flying to the moon and winning the cold war.

Ray Bradbury was a creative genius...my favorite author. Thanks for the tip on the movie...

Let's eliminate New Years celebrations because of it's Pagan roots. Let's eliminate MLK day since he was a Baptist minister and that might offend non-Baptists. Let's eliminate Valentines Day and St. Patricks day since it might offend non-Christians. Let's do away with Memorial Day; Flag day; Independence day and Veterans' day since it might offend those who don;t agree with the United States. Let's squash Labor day because some people think unions are Communistic and are offended by that. Thanksgiving? Forget it! Christmas... another celebration with it's roots in Paganism.
Eliminate them all and make the children into good, obedient Eloi who are subservient to Morlocs like the good superintendent, (see HW Wells Time Machine).

So Anthony, you want diversity and inclusion and then in the very next sentence you ask why we can't have this because someone may feel excluded? That doesn't really makes sense. And Pat, you have only argued against what was stated as the secondary reason for stopping the school celebration.

While I don't agree with stopping it, I do understand it. It's a public school where they have to have every student in mind. That doesn't mean that it is majority rule and others be damned.

And they didn't ban the holiday...just celebrating it at school. Every kid who celebrates will still get to trick or treat outside of the public school.

I wonder why you think it is less important.

No one's talking about constitutional rights. What the vast majority are talking about is our American culture and some good old fashion Thomas Paine Common Sense. It's a stupid holiday which makes it fun and is now part of the American culture lexicon.

Actually, if you read the other comments, lot of people are talking about constitutional rights and eroding of freedoms.

Happy to see some people on here with some sense. Thank you DTBorch.

Of course there is a constitutional aspect to this whole idiotic discussion. That is, we the people, vote for representatives.....school administration via school boards, and those elected officials report to us.....we are their employers! They do not have unilateral authority to decide what is good for us or our children. If the taxpayers of the school district involved wish to have Halloween celebrated in their children's classroom, then so be it. Those taxpayers own the building, the desks, every piece of paper, glue, scissors, waste cans, and even the superintendent while he is on the job. Do you understand this at all? THE TAXPAYERS OWN THE WHOLE BALL OF WAX. They get to decide....if they like this guy and want him to tell them what to do and how to act, then great! But otherwise.......he is a PUBLIC SERVANT. If he wants to make his own rules unilaterally, then he should get out of the public sector and into the private sector immediately.

I still don't see the constitutional aspect of it. The idiot was hired by an elected body. He happens to be doing a poor job. If the elected body doesn't remove him then we can vote them out. If they were to remain in power after losing electorally then there would be a constitutional issue.

There are many little kids who do not have siblings or siblings near their age, so having fun for one day at school with their friends is a big deal for them and they all look forward to this day! Also, I believe most schools do not even begin dressing up and having a party until after lunch time around 1pm...so it isn't really wasting time.

Actually, there IS a constitutional aspect to this. Freedom of Religion. The school district celebrates the holidays of SOME religions (e.g.: Christmas, Yom Kippur), but not of others (e.g.: Halloween). It's arbitrary and capricious in nature, and that's where the Courts will traditionally intervene.

I for one would claim it's my religious belief, that they have to accommodate it under the relevant Federal Statute, and send my kid to school in a costume. And when the school called, I'd show up in a costume too.

The long and the short of this is that 99.9% of the kids don't know anything about the religious overtones of halloween, nor do they care. They care about costumes, some candy, and having an interesting time. That some Superintendent who's elected himself King of the District wants to cancel halloween just to placate someone of a particular economic or religious status is simply ridiculous. I'd have simply told those individuals: Make a costume, or don't wear a costume if you can't afford one. If you're offended by the religious overtones, attend a private school - in a Public school you're going to be exposed to things you find offensive - welcome to the USA, Have a Nice Day!

Hey Jose, I think your 99% right but I do think this fight over Halloween goes at the very basic question of how our culture will evolve not in the future but right now. Will we cave in to religiously sensitive people? Why stop at Halloween after all it's religiously sensitive for boys to look at girls not wearing hijabs or go through the same entrance as them. I'm a first generation American myself and Spanish was spoken at my home. I'm a firm believer there must be one American culture and King's English should be the primary language. That doesn't mean cultures can't evolve and we should embrace new things, after all this is the "melting pot" but this isn't evolution this is subservience to religious ideology.

Exactly, Jose. These parents are only seeing as far as their own nose.

"If it bothers you, you live in the wrong community."

Your response bothers me more than the District's decision to close schools on those days.

Yikes.

Wow Sandi, thank you for that incredibly obvious statement. We all learned a bunch from that.

Now go to my site to get even less smart.
http://quentinshepardisanidiot.wordpress.com/

Lutie, not angry, just amazed at the mindset here. What does my voting preference have to do with anything? Making assumptions makes and ass out of you, not me. Again, fanning flames in the wrong direction.

How boring. So kids shouldn't have fun anywhere including church or temple or ....? They are only supposed to have fun at home, period?

Again I seem to remember Halloween in schools and a lot less of technology and administrative over head with children growing up to make the country #1 scholastically and otherwise, get to the moon, win the cold war and invent the Hula hoop.

Wow Anderson you are angry one aren't you? Hmmm let me guess who you voting for.

the comparison doesn't hold water Anderson---the poll is about Halloween being recognized in school's for one freaking day of the year (and it's done for about one hour at the end of the day)---this has has nothing to do with the way kids in America are educated---and if some parents/adults want to express their opinions on this topic, so what?

My question is why did it work in the past, Halloween, less technology, and less administrative over head and a lot less money? We're we number one then?

In the past, we had longer school days, more creativity, the absence of policies that restricted teaching to test taking, and the lack of technology available to other countries gave us a bigger advantage. There are a combination of things that now bring the rest of the world into the race, and we are no longer at an automatic advantage. Now, without the automatic advantage, with policies that restrict the way things are taught, and parents who's concern is about prayer and halloween in school instead of what they are THERE for.... well, we will continue to fall further behind.

What technology? Everyone had the same paper and pencils throughout the planet back in the day. Kids would still learn in log cabins for heaven's sake.

As technology came about, we had it. We were never last to catch up.

The superintendent is hired by the elected school board. The school board is tasked by the community (who the board reports to!) to hire an employee.....the superintendent. He is an employee of the district (the taxpayers!) not the other way around. Our cultural norm is to have a Halloween celebration on Oct. 31 with a fun afternoon for the school children. Mr. Shepherd's job is not to reorder the our culture to suit his agenda, that is, unless his employers (the taxpayers!) say so.

Well Anderson you must be talking about the 80's cause before that it was paper, pencils, beatings and Halloween with the constant nuclear Armageddon drills. Try learning under those conditions.

Creative?? Are you kidding me? All parents are doing for the most part is going to Party City or one of the Endless Halloween stores and purchasing commercial costumes (Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man, Cinderella, etc.) There is NO creativity anymore. I answer the door and hand out candy and I see 1 in 500 costumes that are original.

Anderson you can attribute that to our administrative top heavy school system churning out zombies.

Yep, yep. I was a dirt poor, first generation, non-English speaking kid and I had to get creative and guess what. I would win first prize for my costumes. This has nothing to do with economics and everything to do with appeasing the religious sensitivities of a certain group.

Nail on the head Brian. It's scary.

Well I'm a minority and I don't feel that at all. Halloween is part of the American cultural lexicon. It no longer has anything to do with religion. This is a secular holiday that's being cancelled for religious reasons and that's wrong. Where does it stop? Should girls start wearing hijabs to be culturally religious sensitive?

It's that inflammatory,hate mongering that is scary. Why would women be forced to wear "hijabs?" That is an expression of culture, which cannot be forced in public schools. Sad that so many people do not understand this subject.

Brian, I completely agree. I am concerned about the lack of respect I see here. If this occurred in schools, we'd call it "bullying" and be outraged - but because we are adults, it's okay?

Concerned parent my response is posted to you is posted here:

http://quentinshepardisanidiot.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/tim-from-patch-response/

@ www. Halloween may be part of American culture, but not all Americans. It never has been. There has always been groups that have not celebrated it and asked for others not to as well. This is a public school trying to not exclude any of the children during the school hours. The town didn't cancel trick or treating...or parties...or whatever you want to do. No, of course not all women should have to wear hijabs. Muslim women should get to if they so choose.

As I said earlier, I don't think it should have to be taken from the school, but I understand it happening. All you would need to tell your child is that you will be getting dressed up after school and going out and getting candy. They will live and enjoy it all the same after a day of learning.

Part Brian? How about a part of 97.2% of American culture. That's good enough for me.

Citation for that one? I feel your number may be off, but who knows. I do agree that a lot of people celebrate and observe this holiday. But there are many who do not and at a public school that they have to attend, they shouldn't be subjected to it. It all comes down to what I said in the first post here. You are taking a mentality of "if you don't like the way we do things, get out of here." You brought up Cuba in another post. While what you are saying isn't as extreme as what could happen there, what you are telling people amounts to the same basic idea. "You better fall in line to what I think and if you don't like it you can just leave the country." Does that make you feel like a big....man/woman? Trying to tell people to leave the "free world" (a nation that tries to strive on equality and individual freedoms) when all they ask is you don't impose on them in a public setting?

Just because may have become a non secular holiday doesn't mean it loses it's base in religious tones with devils, demons, angels, haunted houses based on Hell. I'm not religious at all, but I can understand the issues at hand.

Brian, it has ALWAYS been a part of American culture. Where did you grow up? Just bec. other people from other countries came here to live the American life and enjoy the FREEDOMS AND OPPORTUNITIES of the American way, doesn't mean they can begin imposing their ideals on others who have grown up here all their lives. Why do we have to change our culture to make 'your' or other foreign cultures or religions happy?

Rowena the article is about district 69

Just close the schools for the day. So they miss another day.

That is what my ele. school did back in the 60s and 70s...and still do to this day. They had a 'festival' after school where the kids could or not dress up. It was wonderful and I don't know how anyone would have felt left out unless their mom and dad's did not let them go for whatever reason.

I think you are in error blaming the "religious right" for wanting to eliminate Halloween. I am part of the "religious right" and my religion has no problem with Halloween; however, I think Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in it. Since this is the Skokie school district, I would think you should be blaming the Jewish left and not the "religious right."

I'm not religious anything and I think cancelling Halloween is bone-headed. So what if the holiday is based off Pagan-Christian roots. Everything is based off something or another. Now it's part of American culture.

absolutely correct Abagail---I have no idea what llwvrt is talking about---I dare say 99.999% of the so called "religious right" very much enjoys Halloween and does so without any reference or acknowledgment to anything other it being a day for kids to dress up and have some "spooky" fun

Daphne, people don't care about instructional time. I apologize for the ignorance you see on this page. Unfortunately, this is how they really feel. Now at least you see the true colors of most of your community.

I don't know what anyone is watering down. Fact, we had Halloween in the past and sent men to the moon. Fact, kids are dumber than ever with more money being spent than any other country on the planet. I don't understand how canceling Halloween will make them any smarter. Fact, Halloween is not a religious holiday. Fact, demographics always change but people assimilate. Fact, they cancelled Halloween for religious sensitivity reasons. Get your facts right.

Anderson, how did you know I was brown?

Not everywhere was Halloween celebrated. Your gross over generalizations are tedious. Maybe being concerned with WHY kids are "dumber" (while I don't know about yours, mine are far from dumb.) instead of why can't kids dress up and do parties at school for Halloween. Maybe if the parents got off their asses, assisted their schools and educators in actually educating their children instead of bitching and moaning about their kids not celebrating Halloween, then maybe kids would be smarter. Halloween has it's roots in religion, just like the other holidays. Just because it's become super commercial does not negate that fact. It's hilarious that you want to remove the religion out of Halloween, but heaven forbid someone remove the "Christ" out of Christmas, therefore claiming it a secular holiday.

Anderson, here you go again. In general our children are at the bottom of the industrialized world academically and in some cases below some third world countries and it has nothing to do with Halloween.

In case you were born yesterday Christmas is already a secular super commercialized holiday and MLK was a Baptist minister. So what, they are all part of the American cultural fabric.

We don't need more money, parents, teachers, administrators, technology, ideology or religious sensitology. What we need to do is go back to the basics and have some common sense.

mglovesrat - why are you so obsessed with the moon landing? It is completely beside the point. When I was a kid we did not have all these celebrations in school. They were after school hours and school was for LEARNING. I agree that Halloween is a fun custom, just not that it MUST be included in school.

DBTorch, you were one deprived child if you didn't have all those celebrations. The vast majority of Americans did and were able to accomplish much.

Oops it's afternoon already

Agreed.

Why should anyone have to skip instructional time for a commercial (or religious, for that matter, celebration at a PUBLIC school?) That's backwards.

Anderson, how many times am I going to say this. Halloween is not a religious holiday. We've always had Halloween and we were #1 in the world, sent men to the moon, won the cold war and invented the Slinky.

I think too much catering has been done to the majority at the expense of others.

I believe that legal holidays should be observed - and those whose religious convictions require them to miss school for two days in September should not have the power to deprive those who do not hold similar convictions of their right to attend school on those days...in keeping with your argument.

Okay but keep Halloween.

Sure, mglovesrats. Keep Halloween. As a day of instruction - or as a "fall celebration", in the way that Christmas and Hanukkah parties have been re-branded "winter celebrations".

Nope, Halloween's already been re-branded. Halloween stays where it's at.

Anderson, I'm so glad my parents were NEVER like you, how droll can a person be to exclude an INNOCENT costume party for an hour+ of school time. Is socializing not part of the school curriculum....? The schools have rules about no masks, and no gore, etc. They also have asked moms to bring in healthy treats with water and not just sweets for the parties. Goodness!

......I also meant to add that teachers and parents who help out, play educational but fun games with the kids that hour...'hand-eye' coordination type games, etc. When I taught biology/chemistry/science courses in high school, I would go to great effort to set up an intelligent game of biology bingo, etc. It made the kids think, as if taking a quiz and was very similiar to a test review, but FUN! Whoever won got a nice treat from me and they all LOVED it!

I wish s.n. would use some periods and commas in his/her post because it is nearly impossible to understand I guess I must be technology stupid because I am unable to apprehend what appears to be a rambling post by someone who maybe needs to have more in-school time than the rest of us do you think you could do that for us s.n.?

Proof positive of why more educational time spent is worthwhile.

Gosh Anderson for someone who brags about his intellectual prowess, you arguments are rather lacking.

Please visit my site to get better educated.

MG I can tell you from your posts that you are a zealot and I have no need to visit your site. You want Halloween. Do it at home.

Anderson, that's Mr. Rats to you. ;)

I have NO problem calling you rats :-)

Kudos, and thank you.

One of the main reasons listed was religious sensitivities due to pagan roots. Believe it or not but Harvest festival has pagan roots. I fail to see how those traumatized by the pagan rooted festival of Halloween will be any less traumatized by this pagan rooted festival.

I think the American public school system needs a good dose of vouchers through school choice.

Thank you for your service.

I hope the leaders in the community read my note just a few posts down and continue forward with traditions without the school instead of yielding to political correctness gone amok..

Under your ideals, then we must no longer have any christams carols in school, no skits featuring Scrooge (that in itself describes the views of Shepard), no more allowing the muslims a prayer place in view of any other person, and last but not least, we should stop Black History month & hispanic heritage month. The schools should remain open on Martin Luther King day, christmas and even disallow valentines day (we don't want the not so good looking or awkward kid to feel left out because they weren't popular enough or liked to get a valentines card). Get back to education of the basics Reading, Writing, Math, Science and History, but let it be factual and not slanted so as to not offend someone. History facts are that blacks were slaves, muslims were and still are anti anything other than muslim and we went to war to protect our rights to fredoms like speech and religion.

Again that's reaching. So then schools shouldn't teach science because it might lead to people believing in evolution instead of Adam and Eve? Teaching about the seasons and how nature runs it course is Pagan? No. Teaching children about how things grow, and when things change, and how that change comes about, has no root in being Pagan.

Harvest festival has plenty of pagan and religious roots.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_festival

As for science question, you better ask the religious sensitive group that started this mess.

Right on Christopher Hitchens.

Your ignorance is showing. "Al Qeada" students. WOW.

Joe, if your daughter is tears because of others actions it is your responsibility to bring smiles, strength, and courage in her mind and heart. Gather, talk, organize with your fellow D70 parents and make it a memorable and fun day for you, the parents, and kids of D69.

Halloween, is a dumb, stupid, fun, American, classic, scary, secular, unique, sugar-filled holiday. It's perfect the way it is. You can learn about Autumn on the 30th or 1st of November.

You see folks? The liberal agenda at work. The same agenda that has created an educational system the has poor academic performance, top-heavy administrative bureaucracies, union thuggery, out-of-control operational costs, runaway pensions but blames it's problems on the great American holiday classic, Halloween.

If you rely on school to be your sole source of learning culture then you are already going in the wrong direction.

Yes.

See? I knew it.

The problem is that our world is not a 'one size fits all' as liberals seem to want it to be.

Why does everyone else have to change to appease a small fraction of our population? And why does this crap have to start with a child's celebration of Halloween in grade school? It's just one day of the year, for cryin' out loud!! Let the kids have their fun!!

This is not about a parent's inability to buy a costume, because we all know there are ways to get costumes at low or no cost. This is about some pinhead wanting to promote some liberal BS agenda on little kids because he's in charge.

If this man were employed in my school district, he'd be cleaning out his desk and pronto.

Abigail, please define "liberals" and the "liberal agenda." These words are being thrown around as a curse word or something dirty lol. Why does EVERYONE else have to change for a small fraction of the population? I mean, who cares about THEM if MOST people do something, right? I mean, along that line of thinking, if the majority of the population believed that say, interracial unions were wrong, it should stand as law, right? Or if the majority believed that nothing was wrong owning slaves then there should still be slavery, right? Let's not forget that we are supposed to be, at least in our PUBLIC schools, there for all it's students, not just the ones in a minority group. They are there to learn. Nothing more, nothing less.

Wrong again Anderson, this isn't interracial unions or slavery it's Halloween. Public schools shouldn't have to cancel it due to religious sensitivities. It's not very complicated, let's not try to over think it, eh?

Liberal = current educational system = problems = bad

How about it's up to the parents and community who'll be voting these Bozo's out if they don't do the right thing and fire the head Bozo. There's the rest of the year for the kids to work hard to come up dead last in the industrialized world.

http://voices.yahoo.com/5-reasons-halloween-not-celebrated-school-9141181.html

Actually it's not tricky at all Mary. We are a secular society with certain traditions that were based off some religious roots many moons ago. These traditions are now secular and have been part of the American culture for many many years. Halloween is a goofy holiday and under attack by religiously sensitive groups and left wing education "professionals". They're wrong and we're right. It's that simple.

One of the points of public school is to create an atmosphere where there is no majority/minority. The most important culture, first and foremost in a school, is classroom culture. Within the classroom the kids can share their home culture but it takes a backseat to working and learning together as a class.

That's why we need school vouchers for school choice. I guarantee you we wouldn't be seeing these bone-headed decisions with increased competition.

I don't want to give myself glowing recommendations, how could I? My name is rat. So what's to follow Anderson? It's quite simple, it's Halloween.

Anderson, why can't you just let me watch the Bears game in peace?

That's all left-wing, liberal, I-know-what's-good-for-you, screw America, elitist crap.

Of course it is, because it makes sense.

Exactly, because we all know good and well nobody is actually being creative with costumes anymore, they are all buying them at the store.

You tell 'em, Joan in Northbrook! Screw those poor people or those people who's religion does not allow them to celebrate! Stick those kids in another room, or better yet, make them sit there and watch as the rest of the kids celebrate. Screw those have-nots! SMH

Anderson, I am with you. I also want all the schools to ban meat because my daughter does not eat meat and she is forced to sit at lunch with all those kids that eat meat. I also want to ban school buses, because the school says I have to pay extra for my kid to take the school bus because she stays next to the school. I do not even know what she is missing by not taking the school bus for the 2 minute trip.

Anderson the Bears game is still on and we're winning!

I was a have-not, no English speaking minority (still am) and you don't need money for this holiday. I used my dad's suit jacket, stuffed it with straw, cut out a paper hat and went as the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. The economic excuse the district gives is complete bunk.

This has to do with appeasing a religious group's sensitivity toward this 100% secular, part of America's cultural lexicon holiday. What's next Thanksgiving?

Nothing is 100% but it's close enough, Anderson. Now let's close out the 4th quarter.

LOL yes, let's pick and choose which holidays are secular and which are not based off of what the "majority" votes. Not a good concept. Go close the 4th. See ya on here arguing about Halloween after!

This district already banned Thanksgiving. They stopped the school play that was a tradition in the school because now we have to rewrite history. This happened about 6 or 7 years ago. I will never forget it. Beyond ridiculous.

Nothing has been introduced. Halloween has been part of the PUBLIC school system for decades. Your talking about removing because of religious roots even though it's now secular. If we're going to remove things because of religious roots we may as well scrub away most of American and Western civilization history.

I don't know what you call a lot cause here it's only 10%. I figure that's about right in the district as well. They will change their tunes or their careers will end.

David, as ususal, you're right while being wrong. Right about your rights, but wrong about what school is supposed to be for. If costumes, or skimpy clothes, or slogans on a tshirt cause a disruption to the educational environment, then the administration has the right and the power to limit said disruptions. The whole notion of parties at schools have always irked me. Celebrate Dr. King's life. Celebrate a b-day with an acknowledgement and a quick rendition of Happy Birthday and a cupcake with lunch, but to take up school time and resources in order to satisfy some notion that Halloween is to be celebrated by all (nuts).

D'skidoc, this isn't about costumes or candy it's a question about how much we're supposed to bend our American culture to be sensitive to a religious culture that tends to be pretty restrictive and unbendable itself. I highly doubt this religious culture is favorable to celebrating a Baptist minister's life.

D'skidoc: I'm not talking about skimpy clothes on teeny-boppers who want to titillate every male in visual range - we're talking about elementary school kids who simply want to dress up and have a nice day.

I'm not talking about slogans that are claimed to cause a disruption to the educational environment either.

The District claimed the reasoning for their policy was economic/religious. I seriously doubt that any disruption would be so significant as to adversely affect the school day for all those involved.

Waaaaay back in the day, when I was in Kindergarten, we said the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag every day. And every day, two kids who's parents didn't want them saying the Pledge got up and left the room until we had said the Pledge. No one bugged them about it, and I don't think we ever even asked them what the deal was - it was their parent's decision. In this case, we have a majority of the kids who want to dress up for Halloween - big whoop. Kids want to have some fun. If some kids don't want to dress up, again, big whoop - they can claim their 'costume' is that of a 'normal person'. Hell, I even know of some businesses which run call centers that let the employees dress up (again, so long as it's not crazy skimpy, pornographic, drug-related, etc...).

As for squandering school resources/time - that's only because the School apparently hasn't thought to use the event(s) in an educational manner. Well, except for demonstrating socialism....

Blood, gore, horror, terror gratuitous violence Ew, yuk! What a wus!

This is what you sound like Mary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vu63F_DsuE

Don't mind rats, Mary. Avoid juvenile baiting.

Upton LOL

I usually make sure the candy I buy to hand out I also like. Just in case I get stuck with it

your opinion is your choice and I fully support you doing so---i merely pointed out it's my opinion your comment veered way off track of topic---and all due respect, but kids spending a miniscule amount of a school day for some Halloween fun is the least of our problems

Is that a real question?!

It has to do with the mindset of the community and/or the schools. A lot of schools use the Anti-BIas curriculum model as a guide. Times change, demographics change.

Your right to a point. you say no one gets day off. Work places where employees dress up may as well be closed. Schools might as well be closed if students where costumes to school Very little teaching/learning will take place.

I just adore your hyperbolic nature. Yes, football is too "American."

Perhaps we should make superbowl day a national holiday. Surely no one could object to that.

It's already better than a national holiday. Even liberals couldn't ruin that day.

Yes, because a school telling kids not to dress up during school hours is exactly the same as canceling football. This shouldn't be as a big a deal as it is. If a town canceled the actual trick or treating...that would be a bit different. You can easily choose to ignore trick or treaters, not decorate, and also not watch football if you don't want to. When you go to your public school, you are immersed without any consideration to you or perhaps your religion.

It's much like your website about the dump. You can argue and fight and tell people you don't want the dump in your town...all that means is that it is going to end up forced on someone else. Just make sure someone else has to change in order for you to be happy..so what if it doesn't work for them. Right?

Mary T FYI

It's Superbowl SUNDAY.

Let's make Halloween last Sunday in October.

Brian the site you should be looking at is
http://quentinshepardisanidiot.wordpress.com/
which is more apropos to this poll.

I thought you might understand my example better since it (your username site) is something i presume you wrote and are familiar with. On the other site, you make a statement saying that this man canceled Halloween...which is untrue. This is a also a site where you tell a commenter to leave the country for disagreeing with you. So once again you give your own example as to the problem with your argument. If you feel wronged then it's a problem. If someone else feels wronged then they should be shunned and either forced to conform to your ideals or move out of the country. If we don't agree with you, too bad. Right?

The man canceled Halloween in the schools in his district. He later modified his stance a bit. I expect more modifications to come.

The commentator you mention is someone who didn't want me to exercise my freedom of speech. I advised her that she could go to Cuba where she can report subversive content and get the person responsible executed. I know cause that's where my family had to leave for that specific reason.

Right, I get what you said. But what it comes down to is you don't think she should be allowed to be offended or question your stance. She is doing the same thing you are and exercising her rights of opinion....something you point out as being allowed in America. It is I'm assuming, you're site, so you can therefore ban her, delete her comment, whatever. But know that what you said to her is basically what you are arguing against here. You want everyone in the school district to have to observe Halloween at school because you and others are for it, even if they don't want to/it's against their ideology. You want her to read your opinion without expressing dissent if she disagrees. You want the dump hoisted on someone else, as long as it doesn't e
affect you. America is still somewhat about compromise, (regardless of what our govt has been like the last 12 years.)

The children can still have Halloween. I'm still going to a Halloween party with my 1 year old. If, when he goes to school, they don't have Halloween celebrations, I'll have his costume ready when he gets home and we'll celebrate with a cavalcade of candy. Life goes on. This shouldn't be a big deal.

They can go out Trick and Treating after school gets out.

Mary T It is a Holiday. Millions of Parties through the world. SOme of the people at these parties even know whose playing

Actually Fred there aren't many parties throughout the world for Superbowl. In fact, American football is only highly popular here. The rest of the world holds soccer in a much higher regard.

Actuallly Anderson the NFL now plays at least one game in Europe a year. So there must be some interest.

Sorry, I call BS that "times are different now" so we have to ban this or that. Nothing's really changed - Halloween is still Halloween, kids still dress up, people still hand out candy, some people consider it a religious event - but all in all, the vast majority don't.

In my opinion, the only thing that's different - school boards and administrators who are out of control with "zero tolerance", and banning this or that because some people aren't able to or don't want to participate. And it's time for the public to push back and call them on such stupidity, otherwise it grows and then they rely on "This" as precedent when "That" comes up next.

Changes like these, or the "zero tolerance" are plain wrong. They are the beginnings of a facist state. This country was founded on several principles, including the right to be your own person and not to have a governing body, be it the White House, the State house, City Hall or the Boards of Education. The board of education needs to worry more about the level of education it providesthan feeding the kids or protecting them from "pagan" events like Halloween. I never saw Halloween as anything more than a day to make believe and get pillow cases full of great eats. Taking that away to not offend someone, or to take GOD out of the Pledge of allegience is now denying rights to the many for the sake of a few. That is such B.S.

It's not denying anyone's rights. How do you not see this? I get that it may be drastic and there are other ways to go about this, but people can still believe in God, pray if they so chose, or dress up and get candy from their neighbors. A place of education has changed things so you don't celebrate the holiday at school. A gov't institution may have taken God out of the classroom. If you want God there, there are plenty of Catholic schools let alone your own home or church. You're rights were and are never at stake. The problem here is you feel that being asked to keep your ideology out of the public school is just wrong when these other people have had to put up with it for so long. You're rights are no more important than anyone elses, even if you feel that they are on the fringe.

Where was it said that there was a day or two of learning lost because all they were engaging in was a day (or two)- long halloween party? From what I can see, most kids wore costumes to school (gasp!) had them on all day long, and brought a candy bag with them. They probably traded candy in the hallways during passing periods, and perhaps even had some time in class when they traded some candy.

Would teachers have to deal with some costume craziness? Sure - big deal. I'd be willing to bet that kids have some kind of clothing craziness just about every single day that someone's gotta deal with somehow. Would teachers have to deal with kids eating candy in class? Sure - again, big deal. Again, I'm willing to bet that kids eat (or try to) candy every single day in class.

As for being tired and grumpy at school the day after halloween? Blame the parent(s) for letting the kid stay up too late. But somehow I also suspect that's going to happen on occasion regardless of halloween. And wouldn't knowing that was a common occurrence on halloween present an opportunity for a teacher to discuss and review the problems that come with staying up too late?

For a science teacher - how about a "reflex time" comparison between the day before (when the child was awake and alert), and the day after (when the kid was grumpy and tired) - show them what happens with data, not just some finger waggling and "this is bad for you!" that kids tune out in a femtosecond or less.

Jessica---i think you'll find the vast majority of teachers today have more than enough classroom management skills to keep their students on task during Halloween day----and any treats consumed in school are only made available at end of day when the kids have a party---(and the teachers I know focus more on fun arts and crafts projects as opposed to allowing any sugar smorgasbords)

John, I am happy that your experiences have been so good in the public school system! Unfortunately, the experiences I have had within them have not played out that way...My point is that this doesn't seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of public school socialization.

let me get this straight Gina---are you insinuating my parents were dark and evil for allowing me all the Halloween fun I had as a kid?

Where do you live Gina?

Are they Schools for Learning or a place to hangout (aka DayCare) while parents goto work?

Halloween worked just fine when we were on top of the planet. Now that the loony liberals subverted the educational system and are dismantling anything that is American and common sense-full, we're last. Not only are we last but we're churning out zombie marshmallows, so I guess it's Halloween year round. Good job loony liberals.

To the loony liberal Lucas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vu63F_DsuE

www.mglovesrats.com
you can still suck your thumb and go out and get candy

Patch will start that discussion on November 1st. Even thought the CHRISTMAS decorations are already in the stores

By the way, although we are nominally Christian, we would have no problem with our school celebrating diverse world holidays. Whether Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, or anything else, I think the children could learn a lot by finding out what other cultures value and celebrate.

That is surely a way to engender respect and tolerance for other religions and other peoples.

I'm not at all religious, far from it, but to say the religious undertones are stripped isn't right. For most this is the case but very devout people still see this holiday as an affront to their faith. It is still a holiday that in part celebrates hell, the devil, demons and other occult images. I am not in this discussion to take fun away from school or kids and especially not creativity. There are plenty of other ways to gain social settings, creative processes, and overall fun to interject in to what would otherwise be a dull school day.

Brian you say, for most, which is right, 97.3%. Then you say, in part, which you are right as well, a very small part. There are plenty of ways to gain social settings, creative fun processes and overall fun and Halloween is a tested, tried and true American way to have fun. No reason to over intellectualize this. Halloween fun, Brian prude.

Brian, i think that very devout people who see Halloween as an affront to their religion are reading too much into it and twisting its original intent. Even when it was a religious holiday, it never CELEBRATED the devil, demons, or hell. In fact, Halloween's purpose, both as a pagan holiday and a Christian one, was to reject and scare off evil influences by lighting lanterns (keeping light in an otherwise dark night) and dressing in costumes to trick the evil spirits into believing that humans were a threat rather than vulnerable.

I figured www would take it to the fifth grade level sooner or later. As i've said, I think they took unnecessary steps here, although I understand why they got rid of it. You seem to think that Skokie banned Halloween all around. It's literally just the school saying they don't want to exclude people at the public institution. If it's not a big deal to have it then it shouldn't be this big of a deal to get rid of it in school either.

Laura, I get the history, but it's meaning and uses has varied throughout time (just like Christmas and other holidays) and it has led to many people not wishing to be a part of it. I don't want it gone. I love Halloween. I just don't see the uproar over kids not having it from roughly 9-2 at school. This shouldn't be as big a deal as it has become. It's literally half a day and then the kids can go nuts and dress up and have fun.

Brian, once again, the idiotic King Quentin decreed Halloween banned from all schools in his district. If a teacher even utters the word Halloween they may be subject to disciplinary action. He also didn't think anyone else should be part of the decision to ban, from all scholastic memory, a time honored, part of Americana cultural fabric, historical, fun, sweet tasting, Frankenstein loving, folklore packed, inspiration for horror movies, holiday such as Halloween.

He took this extreme action to ban the secular holiday Halloween from all scholastic memory to appease a religious culture that has many many customs that are incompatible with our American culture. So where does it stop? Can you guarantee it stopping at Halloween?

Since we have changed the offical date of some Holidays to a Monday. Lets change Halloween to the last Monday in October and make it a school and government Holiday

I've never said I know what's best for others children...isn't that the stance you are taking but telling us that everyone should be cool with it? You are awfully good at exaggerating statements to make your stance seem like the only one. You're issue here is that you don't want to be inconvenienced with change, others should just put up with what you want because that's the way it's been and that's that. As more people make their voices and thoughts known, some things need to change.

I agree things can and must change but within the context of our American culture. Not discarding things wholesale because one liberal idiot dictates it from his ivory tower, King Quentin.

http://quentinshepardisanidiot.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/his-highness/

You really don't need to spam your website this much. By now I think we have the link. He may not have gone about this the right way. I will wholly agree with that. I'm not a fan of that by any means. But how will this one day ruin your child's life? Will their lives be any different? I'm sure I dressed up at school some years, but I can't recall it now. I recall my scholastic and athletic achievements. Hanging out with friends and generally not wanting to be in classes. I remember trick or treating until people stopped answering doors and carving pumpkins.

Change isn't always good. That is very true. But it's really hard to deny that our country hasn't changed since it's foundation. It's unavoidable for many things. New inventions come about, new ideologies, new issues arise...all these require us to be flexible as a nation the larger we get and the more people we have here. But when certain changes don't have a great effect on people's everyday (ie not having a costume at school) it shouldn't be this big of a deal. Not doing it at school isn't going to ruin a child's life.

I know that 99% of ele. kids really look forward to this day. It is a shame to take that fun time away from them -with their friends. It IS a big deal for the kids and most of their moms too.

Who would that religious group be that you are keen to single out www?

http://www.onechristianministry.com/christian-articles-556.html
http://www.americancatholic.org/newsletters/cu/ac1099.asp
http://www.beingjewish.com/faqs/halloween.html
http://www.islamnewsroom.com/answers-to-questions-mainmenu-26/216-celebrating-halloween-and-other-days (a little ways down)

So those are the big three who all seem to have an issue with it. So who is it that you want to call out? Or are you working to draw the ire of all three?

There are people who have a problem with it. I am not one of them, but it shouldn't be hard to see why others do.

You don't need to double post either. I read them when there is a response to me.

Um, Brian, the Catholic link was actually PRO-Halloween.

It's silly that this is such a massive issue here when we have so many more problems with school systems. All this man did was say that the students couldn't dress up for Halloween during school hours. He didn't enact corporal punishment, he didn't bar them from trick or treating. He saw an issue and tried to resolve it so that during the school day no one was forced into a situation that they were not comfortable with.

Every political compaign uses that line. And the people keeping buying into it. Just look at the teachers strikes that city and a couple of burbs just either went through or are in process. Parents support the teachers thinking salary hikes will make teachers better. Of course parents need to be more involved with their childs learning.

That is probably the most rational argument I have heard from the other side of the fence on this. But I think the fairness issue is one that parents are failing at as a whole and relying on schools to either teach it or make sure (through policy change) that the parents can avoid it. All things being equal I couldn't really care less if a school decides to ban costumes. The only reason I am discussing this for the other side is because I don't see it as the big deal everyone is making.

Janet you are exactly right. Parental responsibility is what is called for. Not a bureaucrat deciding what is or isn't good for the kids. That is what upsets me ....not that it is Halloween, but that it is an eroding of our ability to decide for ourselves what is good for our kids. How can a temporary position holder make decisions for the vast majority of the people who hired him? Would any of you allow your employee decide for you, the boss, when you can or cannot do something? Of course not. Absurd. But that is the way things are going and you can read the comments of the mind numb people who agree to the Halloween ban at school. Will they agree when the superintendent decides that all children who have blond hair must always sit in the back of the classroom? Or how about all children of a certain nationality will, from now on, wear red sweaters on Thursday? You see....it is not your problem until it becomes your problem...and then it is too late because you gave away your liberty already.

(continued from previous post)
It was thought that at the feasts of Samhain and Beltaine (May 1st), supernatural events took place. Some believe Samhain is the time the fairy mounds open and the Sidhe--the fairies (pronounced "Shee")--swarm. Some believe the Sidhe are the spirits of the dead, others the Tuatha ("Too'ha")de Dannan. Nevertheless, it was a dangerous time to be abroad at night for fear of abduction by the Sidhe as they traveled around the countryside.

Over hundreds of years, many of the customs and practices of the pagan Celts have been absorbed into Christianity. Halowe'en has been celebrated more than two thousand years in Ireland. Its origins are steeped in antiquity. Even today, some rural Irish people will tell that the moan of the bean Sidhe ("banshee") foretells of a death in a family by morning.

The long barrows where dead heroes were buried are also the fairy mounds which open up at Samhain. On this evening, it was customary to leave a milk and barley offering for the Sidhe. It was also a time for family feasting, to mark the laying in of a good harvest for winter. To avert the threat of famine, a cake might be thrown against the door. It was a time for storytelling and games. Among the pagan Celts, it was also a time of sacrifice of the black sheep in memory of those who had died in the year.
As Paul Harvey used to say... now you know the REST of the story.

Pete...I agree. I don't care for Halloween at all. Of course my kids loved it. Schools have always carved out a small time at the end of the day for the party and dress up. No big deal unless..... If the problem is religion, which religion is complaining and are they coming to this country in recent generations thereby forcing their beliefs or lack thereof on us? Why do they leave their home country, if it was so awful or oppressive that they decided to immigrate here, only to try to change our culture when that was their attraction in the first place? Absurd that we are bowing to this.

Anderson....you are incredibly insipid. Read what you wrote. THE FEW ARE IMPOSING ON THE MANY. Who are those few? Why are they complaining all of a sudden like this? This is one small fraction of a school day, once per year. If those that don't like it and choose to sit in another room, so be it. No one is FORCING them. However, they are FORCING their wishes on everyone instead. So, a couple of people don't like something that occurs for an hour or two once per year, let's abolish it forever. That is ridiculous. Why are you so fervent in allowing small fringe groups dictate what you do? If you like something go with it. If you don't like it, don't do it. As long as you are not breaking the law or physically harming someone, there should be no ban. The outrage is not over the actual holiday, it is over the chipping away at our many generations of customs and norms to appease the FEW. Whoever these FEW are, let them join in or not. THEIR CHOICE. That is what freedom is about. CHOOSING, not imposing.

Except for the fact that we respect your decision to do what you want to do, and you would not afford us the same courtesy. I AM hard headed in my belief that this country was founded on freedom and liberty. You are able to post on this forum because of that freedom. Would you be happy if some entity that you hired and employee, told you that you could no longer post on this forum because a few posters do not like what you have to say? What if they banned us instead because we do not like your point of view or belief? Would that make you happier? After all, according to the poll, the majority like the Halloween party idea. So I think Patch should ban the majority so that the FEW, like you, can be more comfortable. Just a matter of perception, of course.

Uh no, just got back from watching Frankenweenie.
http://quentinshepardisanidiot.wordpress.com

Ah thank you Fred, very appropriate and today is Columbus Day too!