Dear District 97 Families,
With Halloween approaching, families who celebrate may be discussing costume choices. Although students are not required to wear costumes in District 97, we recognize that they can be a fun and creative part of fall.
Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where all students, staff and families feel a sense of belonging. In that spirit, if your student does choose to dress up in a costume, we ask that you ensure that their costume choice does not portray a stereotypical image of any group of people or culture, or be offensive to any racial, ethnic or religious group. We appreciate you being proactive with your student in making thoughtful costume choices.
To support you in your conversation with your student and to build your understanding around this topic, we have compiled links to resources that you may find helpful:
- "I Am Not a Costume" (information about Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group campaign)
- "Teaching Tolerance: Teach About Blackface and Other Racist Halloween Choices" (written for educators, but provides useful prompts for discussions at home)
- Halloween: When the Goblins, Ghosts and Stereotypes Come Out - Anti Defamation League
Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
- Oak Park Elementary School District 97