Many students squeezed in a day of practice of sorts today, donning costumes and forming a parade around the parking lot a day before Halloween.
They showed off their colorful outfits to waving teachers and administrators. Pre-K students chanted "Pre-K, Character Day" as they marched through the Southwest Campus' main hallway and joined other costumed students who were playing outside during their P.E. period.
Character Day allows students to demonstrate their school spirit and show off their costume making skills. Teachers dressed up for fun as well. But there's more.
"This is the day to celebrate the diversity of our students," said Ms. Thomas, Southwest pre-k parent liaison. She said Character Day is rooted in Superintendent Stroud's emphasis on reading.
"Because of our reading, the students dress like the book characters or story characters," Ms. Thomas said. And because some families don't believe in Halloween, "we celebrate the different cultures and religious beliefs on October 30."
At the Southwest Campus, teachers read Fall Harvest stories to kindergarten and first-grade students. All students received a fruit snack and stickers. Finally, judges selecting the best costumes, said Ms. Jones, instructional coach for K-2 English Language Arts and reading.
Thanks to the parents who participated in this event.