Acting Superintendent James Memoli has apparently reversed the decision of the Seth Boyden Principal Mark Quiles to discontinue Halloween celebrations at the school this year.
However, Memoli said that a district-wide evaluation concerning Halloween celebrations would take place before Halloween 2015 and that a district-wide policy would then be implemented.
In a letter sent home with students today, Memoli wrote, “We have decided to keep the Halloween tradition in place this year at Seth Boyden Elemenaty School notwithstanding the letter Mr. Quiles sent home yesterday.”
Quiles sent home a letter yesterday explaining that the traditions would end, writing that a growing number of families were opting out of the celebration and that those students were either being segregated from their peers in school or kept home and missing valuable classroom time.
Memoli did not disagree with Quiles but wrote, “The issue regarding whether or not we celebrate Halloween transcends one district school, and deserves a broader discussion. Given how close we are to Halloween, we do not have time to engage in this District-wide discussion without disrupting plans that are already in place in other schools.”
Memoli wrote that he appreciated Mr. Quiles’ thoughtfulness and the “many excellent points” that he raised.
“The District Admnistrative Team will discuss these issues in the coming months and determine a District-wide approach to Halloween for 2015 so that sufficient notice is given to all staff and families, and so that our Halloween policy is consistent across the District,” wrote Memoli.
He added, “We are grateful to all of our families and staff for their engagement in creating a community which celebrates the strengths and richness of our diversity.”
