I am pleased to let you know that Dorchester will celebrate Halloween with our annual PFA-sponsored Fall Fest on Friday, October 30. In order to ensure safety for all students and staff, some elements of the day will be different than our traditional festivities. The morning will feature teacher-led activities, such as crafts, games, and snacks within the classrooms and on our campus. We are also excited that the Woodcliff Middle School students and staff will join Dorchester for an outdoor Halloween parade. In order to keep all students and staff safe, parents will not be permitted on the school campus for the parade or any portion of Fall Fest. Please note for dismissal that Learning Lane will be closed from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon to accommodate the day's events. Parents should not arrive on the lower or upper levels for dismissal until after 12:00 noon.
Additionally, there will be no virtual special area classes on Friday, October 30.
For more detailed information, please see the notes below:
Costumes:
If your child is taking part in a group costume, please be sure to invite all students in your child's class to participate so as to not exclude anyone.
All students are invited to wear their costumes to school; they will not have the opportunity to change into their costumes at school prior to the parade. When planning your child(ren)'s wardrobe for the day, please consider that the students must be able to sit at their desks comfortably for the activities.
All students must wear cloth face coverings throughout the morning as usual. If children will be wearing a decorative mask as part of their costumes, the masks must allow for clear visibility and children must also wear a cloth face covering underneath for the safety of our school community.
Please note that students are NOT permitted to bring any weapon-like costume accessories - guns, knives, axes, etc. - to school
Parade:
Parents will not be permitted on the school campus for the parade or any portion of Fall Fest.
The middle school students and teachers will attend the parade as spectators.
Students must wear their cloth face coverings through the entirety of the parade.
Students will remain distanced as they travel with their class for the parade.
All fully remote students are welcome to join us for the parade. I will send more information to those families in a separate email. Please understand that we are not able to live stream the parade for the privacy of all of the students attending.
Although this year is certainly different than any we have experienced before, I am looking forward to celebrating the season with your children and helping them build some special memories.
