South Orange-Maplewood Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Ramos has stated that he supports a decision by leadership at Seth Boyden Elementary School not to host in-school Halloween celebrations this year.
In a letter dated October 12, 2015, Seth Boyden parents and guardians were informed that the school would not be hosting Halloween activities this year. The letter, signed by Principal Mark Quiles and the two co-presidents of the PTA Amelia Riekenberg and Donna Upton, read in part as follows:
As we know one of the strengths of Seth Boyden is that we are such a diverse community, with many cultures represented, and that we truly value each one. In the past, in-school celebrations of Halloween have made many of our students feel left out — last year, 120 students did not participate in the in-school Halloween celebrations and many other families kept their children home on that day. In total, 20% of our students did not participate.
As a result, after careful consideration and deliberation, we have decided not to hold in-school Halloween activities on Friday, October 30. The children who enjoy this holiday will still have ample opportunities to celebrate, including the annual Maplewood event on Baker Street and Maplewood Avenue on Friday after school, and the usual trick or treating activities on Saturday, October 31, the actual day of Halloween, throughout our towns.
Quiles and the PTA co-presidents pointed to other upcoming school community events where students could celebrate together, including the Harvest Festival on Oct. 17 and the Two Towns Turkey Trot 5K on November 14 (both of which take place outside of classroom hours). Earlier in the letter, they wrote, “Through each event and daily or special activities, the values of Seth Boyden shine through — inclusion, respect and value for all.”
Last year, Quiles sent a similar letter, only to be overturned by Acting Superintendent James Memoli. In a letter sent to parents last year, Memoli wrote, “We have decided to keep the Halloween tradition in place this year at Seth Boyden Elementary School notwithstanding the letter Mr. Quiles sent home yesterday…. 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.”
This year, Quiles and the PTA have the support of Superintendent Dr. John Ramos, seemingly regardless of any district-wide discussion. In a statement released this evening, Ramos stated that district administrators “respect the decision that has been made at the school level.”
Ramos’ statement in full reads as follows:
“The decision to not hold an in-school Halloween celebration this year was made by Principal Mark Quiles with the support of the Seth Boyden PTA. Given the large number of families who opt out of the school-based Halloween celebration there each year, district administrators agreed that this is an issue that is specific to the Seth Boyden community. We respect the decision that has been made at the school level. We understand that many families really enjoy the Halloween tradition and of course are not suggesting that anyone cancel or change how they celebrate Halloween outside of school.”
Last year, the two decisions stirred debate in the community, with some parents agreeing with Quiles that continuing the celebrations was an inappropriate use of school time and a de facto “segregation.” Other parents said that celebrating diversity should include celebrations of all cultures and not exclude those celebrations. Read more here.
Thus far, Village Green has only heard favorable comments about the move from Seth Boyden parents. One parent, Jeannine Contreras, said that she was supportive of Quiles’ decision and was upset last year when Memoli reversed the decision not to hold in-school celebrations.
