The Spooks Come Out!

As I struggled to think of a costume this year, my thoughts went to my first Halloween

as a teacher. More than 25 years in the classroom have resulted in an abundance of Halloween party memories. But as with most memories, the first one will always stand out. My first year was spent teaching a group of ten 4^th-8^th graders who became family. As Halloween approached, they convinced me a spook house would be a great idea. (OK, to be honest, it didn't take much convincing—I was a young newbie excited to try anything!) They planned for weeks, decorated for days, 

and finally the day arrived. The old one-room school house was decked out to scare. 

Parents and kids alike donned costumes

and played games while they waited their turn in the spook house. Each student

 played a part as tour guide, 

fortune teller,

vampire,

and more. 

Since there was only one door, the obvious escape route was to slide out 

a window. I can still see the principal, Mr. Burke, making his exit! I’m not sure it would be possible to recreate that fun, but maybe it would be worth a try. 

Happy Halloween to all! BOO!