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School Bans Halloween So Everyone Can Have Fall Fest

310 views · Published 15 October 2015 · 2:24 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: Dayton 24/7 Now · 2015 · News & Politics

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BETHEL TOWNSHIP -- We're just a couple of weeks away from Halloween, and jack-o-lanterns, candy and spooky music are all a part of the tradition. But is the tradition in danger here in the Miami Valley? One school is scaring the spooky fun right out of Halloween parties this year. Parents received a note from Bethel Elementary School that says students are not permitted to wear costumes to the fall party the day before Halloween. Several parents let us know they're not happy about the change. Michael Schmidt has two kids in Bethel Elementary in Miami County. "He was disappointed but I mean we do have Halloween still and the trick-or-treating so it's not like he's not going to get to wear it. Last year, he really enjoyed wearing it to school," said Schmidt. Schmidt says he got the note about the change to the school party on Friday. It was strange that it wasn't just no costumes, it said no Halloween theme of any kind so my wife who was supposed to bring in snacks, she doesn't know what to bring in," said Schmidt. Principal Jodi Petty posted a notice about the change on the district's website. Petty says the move was to allow all students in the building to participate in at least one party this school year instead of being signed out of school for those families who have personal conflicts with Halloween. The change isn't for the high or middle school though. "They're supposed to have a dance, which is Halloween-themed but it is after hours so that might be the difference," said Schmidt. Most of the parents we talked with were mainly against getting rid of the change. Schmidt says he doesn't get why the principal is taking away what's been a tradition. "To me it seems like, if you're going to talk about inclusiveness and everyone's traditions, why are you taking away the ones that we've always had? Why not use it as a teaching moment and say this is this is what we do on Halloween and if they don't want to participate, don't participate," said Schmidt. Principal Petty says she does not plan on making any changes to any other parties, such as Christmas or Valentines Day this year.

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