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 the fall season.
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 offend any racial, ethnic, or religious group. We appreciate you being proactive with your students 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" (video by iGeneration Youth, 2019)
- "I Am Not a Costume" (information about Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group campaign)
- "Learning for Justice: Teach About Blackface and Other Racist Halloween Choices" (written for educators, but provides useful prompts for discussions at home)
- "Cultural Appropriation, A Perennial Issue On Halloween" (Written by Leila Fadel, NPR, 2019)
Thank you for your continued support of all students and schools.
- Oak Park Elementary School District 97