Spooky season is here and the Tri-Cities' school district is issuing a friendly advisory for students to celebrate a fun and festive Halloween.
In a news release, School District 43 (SD43) in communities Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra said while the time around Halloween is incident-free and respectful, from time to time, a few students push the boundaries of what’s socially accepted as appropriate while "in character."
To ensure student safety with school climate reasons in mind, students are encouraged to dress in costumes that they are "easily recognizable" in:
- Students in costume should be easily recognizable and/or identify themselves to any staff member when queried. Also, students "in character" are to conduct themselves appropriately. Behaviours which intimidate, harass, or humiliate members of the community do not contribute to a fun, festive, and safe environment.
- Replica weapons (guns, knives, etc.) are inappropriate, as are costumes which are hyper-sexualized, or costumes which depict elements of sexual exploitation.
- It is also important to note that costumes which portray negative stereotypes or that demean or make fun of any group of people are inappropriate. Costumes should not make light of anyone’s religious, cultural, ethnic or racial group.
SD43 is also reminding everyone about the ban of fireworks near the schools.
"By law and School District expectations, the use and possession of firecrackers or fireworks at school is strictly prohibited. This pertains to students before, during or after school, on or offsite," the release stated.
For more city-specific Halloween and fire safety guidelines, you can visit your Tri-Cities municipality's website:
