October 27, 2022
from Jenn Milam, Middle School director
HALLOWEEN @ MPA
As we look forward to celebrating Halloween at MPA together, it is important that we adhere to our MPA community expectations and guidelines regarding costumes, discourse, and representation. Halloween can be a magical time for imagination, playfulness, and connection. Middle School students are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 28.
The following are guidelines for Halloween costumes at MPA:
- Weapons or items that are made in the likeness to represent weapons, are not allowed. These can include, but are not limited to, guns, swords, pitchforks, knives, pocketknives, and/or spears.
- Masks that completely cover a student’s face and head are not allowed. A student needs to be able to be recognized at school, participate in classes throughout the day, and not have their identity obscured by their costume.
- Symbols, words, or other representations that are currently, or have been historically used to trigger and/or discount others’ identities are not allowed. These can include, but are not limited to symbols of white supremacy, gang affiliation, racial or ethnic tokenism, homophobia or transphobia, and ableism.
- Middle School costumes must also adhere to the dress code expectations that all “personal body parts” are covered, regardless of a student’s gender identity or gender presentation.
#IAmNotACostume: A Note about Cultural Appropriation
As our young people begin selecting costumes, it is important that we are sensitive to issues of cultural appropriation. “Cultural Appropriation is the act of taking significant elements (symbols, dress, words, practices, etc.) from a culture that is not your own and removing all original context or meaning, usually with the goal of using these elements for entertainment, marketing, or exploitation.” (http://www.lspirg.org/costumes) When selecting a costume for Halloween, I would ask that you engage your student in a conversation about the purpose of their costume (Is it just for fun? Or is there an underlying message behind it?), ask them to consider if anyone may take offense to their costume and the representation it suggests (Is it possible that others may view the costume as a mockery of a particular culture? Does the costume seek to make a token of traditional cultural symbols not held by your family culture?) and encourage them to reflect upon the way that their costume may be experienced by those around them, thus seeking to build empathy and critical thinking – two values we hold dear here at MPA.
We want Halloween to be a fun, imaginative, and magical celebration of the fall season in a way that not only values the childhood experience but, so too, those cultures, (re)presentations, symbols, and traditions deeply held and honored by each of us in our unique lived experiences.
For more information on cultural appropriation and Halloween costumes, you might find some of these links helpful:
Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group
NPR/MPR News
Halloween Fun
The 5/6 Student Council has been busy planning for the annual Halloween Carnival. The carnival is for grade five and six students and is held immediately after school on Friday, October 28, from 3:15-4:45 PM. The cost to attend the event is $20. Your students may bring their money to the office or on the day of the event. The fee covers pizza, snacks, drinks, and goodies.
If you would like to donate items, snacks, or perhaps volunteer (limited volunteers are invited), please email Jess Powell, Student Council faculty advisor, at jpowell@moundsparkacademy.org.
The 7/8 Fall Dance is also being held on Friday, October 28, from 7-9 PM. The cost of entry into the dance is $10 which includes food and drink tickets. Pizza, sodas, and a variety of snacks are available at the dance.
Parent Connection Opportunities—Coming Soon!
I am looking forward to some more informal conversations and connections with you now that the big events for the start of the year are nearly behind us. Please join me if you are able at the following coffee:
- Wednesday, November 2, 8:15-9:15 AM (Family Commons)
In addition to this opportunity, I’ll also be hosting a Middle School Transition meeting for rising fifth grade parents (those currently in fourth grade) on Thursday, November 10. This conversation will also be at 8:15 AM. Stay tuned for an additional evening session announcement!
There is no need to RSVP, just show up and come ready to chat! If you have specific questions or topics you’d like addressed, you’re welcome to send those to me ahead of time!
IMPORTANT DATES AHEAD
October 28: Halloween at MPA! Last Day of Q1—No Study Hall
5/6 Halloween Carnival (3:30-4:45 PM)
7/8 Dance (7-9 PM)
October 31: Grading Day—No Classes
November 4: ISACS Conference—No Classes
