keeping halloween fun, inclusive and full of heart

Word On The Street from the Equity Committee

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Tips for choosing inclusive, safe costumes this Halloween, because the best kind of fun is the kind that makes everyone feel welcome. 🎃

NOTE: Please refer to Michelle's Oct 26th Community Message for information about Fern's annual Halloween parade, guidelines & rules about choosing costumes and treats.

Choosing Halloween Costumes with Heart & Awareness

It’s that time of year again: pumpkins on porches, candy negotiations in full swing, and kids buzzing with excitement about their costumes! Halloween is one of the most joyful, imaginative days of the school

year. As we all help our kids prepare, it’s also a great opportunity to talk about what it means to be creative and kind, and to make choices that help everyone feel respected and included.🧡

Questions to Reflect On When Choosing a Costume

• Could this costume reflect, imitate, make light of, or borrow from someone’s culture, race, religion, identity, ability, or lived experience in a way that might feel disrespectful or stereotypical (including gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, or poverty)?

• Does this costume include elements connected to a specific culture, religion, race, or real-world group (such as traditional clothing, skin tone changes, or symbols) that are not part of my own identity?

• Is this costume portraying a real person or group’s lived experience—such as mental health, poverty, current or historical trauma—in a way that could feel dismissive or make light of serious realities?

It's important to remember that certain representations may seem harmless in play, but they can unintentionally make others feel unseen, stereotyped, or disrespected.

Costume Considerations to Be Safe at School

• Costumes must allow safe and independent movement, vision, breathing, and washroom access (especially for our younger students).

• Costumes should not include weapons or replicas. Masks should also be avoided at school.

• Costumes should be comfortable for the school day and adaptable for weather and outdoor recess.

A Final Thought

Halloween is about imagination, play, and community. When we choose costumes with care, we make space for every child to feel safe, proud, and seen. Thank you for helping keep Fern’s Halloween fun, inclusive, and full of heart. 🖤🎃