There once was a time when students eagerly counted down the days until Halloween. We spent hours picking out costumes and paraded proudly around our elementary schools in our outfits. Who could forget the parties full of pumpkin sugar cookies, orange soda, and games with the “Monster Mash” playing in the background?

Now, Halloween is dead. High school students do not appreciate the deal of getting free candy just by walking around their own neighborhoods, but this holiday must be salvaged. I’m sure this problem could be solved if we received a day off for this holiday or, at the very least, a half day.

 Some of the traditions of kindergarten through sixth grade could be continued. The parade around the school with our parents snapping pictures could be ditched, but why not continue with our parties on the early dismissal? It could be educational, of course. Faculty and students alike could appreciate a festive day doing math problems with candy bars, making “potions” in chemistry, reading scary stories during English, and learning the history of the holiday in social studies. This way, material could be more fun and appealing to a student which is a more effective method of teaching.

This year we are fortunate enough to have off from school on Tuesday, the day after Halloween. Therefore, students should take advantage of this extended celebration; it is the only day of the year where people can dress up and act like someone else with it being socially acceptable. What’s not to love? Also, more students would be happy to attend school if there were Halloween parties in classes. There would also be more school spirit, which creates a more positive atmosphere. I hope North Penn will embrace this concept.