Houston ISD schools scrap Halloween plans after new guidance ...

Florian Martin / Houston Public Media

Middle schools and high schools within the Houston Independent School District are scrapping Halloween celebrations after new guidance prohibits most students from wearing costumes on the holiday.

In letters sent to families within the district, several principals expressed disappointment in the new rule that led to the cancellation of several Halloween events, like Hamilton Middle School’s “Where Dreams Come True” Disney-themed costume day.

“I know that Hamilton has allowed costumes on Halloween in the past, and I know many students were planning to come in costume,” Hamilton Middle School Principal DeJonnette Childress said in a letter to families. “Because of campus safety, the district changed its guidance on costumes, and we must make a pivot and change Thursday’s dress/theme day.”

A spokesperson for the school district said in a statement to Houston Public Media that the district will begin sending out holiday guidance before each holiday this school year per the district’s “defined autonomy” framework. The district did not detail the campus safety concerns that led to the costume policy change.

The district defined autonomy framework as a four-level system that allows high-performing campuses to have more flexibility and autonomy to make decisions on curriculum and scheduling than campuses with lower ratings.

Under the framework, level one New Education System schools have limited autonomy, while level three schools with A and B-rated campuses have no major restrictions on their autonomy.

“At HISD, our priority is to provide every student with high-quality instruction every day,” according to the district. “We know our school communities value their holiday traditions and celebrations, including Halloween. Our campuses may participate in Halloween celebrations but will ensure that these activities are short, respectful and cause minimal disruption to the core instruction day.”

Houston ISD did not send out Halloween guidance centrally last year.

Elementary campuses are still permitted to wear age-appropriate costumes to school on Thursday, “with campus administrators determining if and how their students will celebrate Halloween.” In contrast to previous years, middle and high school students are not allowed to wear costumes during the school day.

“Something I’ve seen consistently with this administration is running these schools like they are prisons,” Karina Quesada-Leon, a district parent said. “My children spend Monday through Friday and the majority of their waking hours in these buildings, so I would like for them to have a little joy every once in a while.”

On Thursday, many schools within the district will instead adjust celebrations to “Twin Day,” when students are allowed to dress like a friend, but not wear costumes.

Hogg Middle School canceled all campus Halloween plans, including decorations— despite some already making purchases for the celebration, according to a letter sent to parents over the weekend.

“Character Day” at Heights High School was canceled, preventing students from showing up to school on Thursday in costume.

“The Halloween stuff is part of being a part of your school community and school culture,” Quesada-Leon said.