Dear Parents and Guardians,

Halloween is quickly approaching, and so is our annual Halloween parade! The Halloween parade is a very popular event at Bates Elementary and draws a large crowd of families and friends each year.

We recognize that holding a parade presents a challenge in our ongoing commitment to keeping our students safe.

To minimize risk, we ask you to follow the guidelines below.

• If you would like to observe the parade, please go to the back playground on the blacktop. Caution tape will be placed to show the route that students will come out of the school and enter back into the school.

• When: Friday, October 30th at 8:45 am.

• Please help your student adhere to the following Halloween Costume guidelines:

• Students should arrive at school dressed in their costumes.

• Costumes should reflect our school and district policies.

• Full-face masks and weapons (real or simulated) are prohibited.

• If your student's costume requires face paint, please minimally apply it so your student's face is recognizable. Full face paint is prohibited.

• Because students of all ages will see your child's costume, please select one to wear to school that doesn't include blood or gore.

• Please leave handheld accessories at home. (Too often on a busy day, these items become lost.)

• Please avoid costumes that are culturally inappropriate, stereotypical, or racially insensitive.

• We ask parents to only take pictures of their students).

Please understand these guidelines are put in place for the safety of our students. If you have any specific questions about costumes or the events of that day, please contact the office for additional clarification.

Dax Sederholm

Bates Elementary, Principal