Halloween is a holiday cherished for its celebration of dressing up. However, with the holiday falling on a school day this year, students are limited as to how much they can dress up. Although students are given the option to dress up at school, it has been stated year after year that students cannot show up to school with masks, fake weapons, or distracting face make-up.

With the regulations on hats changing this year, however, there is some confusion as to what students can and cannot do when dressing up this Halloween. Michael Stock, Dean of Students for letters LH to RUP, assures students that the dress code is just the same as it has been

“It has to be something that is not a disruption to the class,” Stock said. “It can’t conceal the face [masks, face paint] and there has to be full coverage. It has to be not be offensive and not depict anything illegal.”

Students are allowed to dress up on Fridays for football games, Homecoming Spirit Weeks, and other special events. Stock states that the normal dress code policies apply to these scenarios as well, not just Halloween. Senior Class Council has played a part in making sure that Homecoming spirit days coincide with these dress code policies. 

In the past, Senior Class Council also tried to organize Halloween theme days. However, from this, problems arose. According to Tina Dohm, one of the co-sponsors for Senior Class Council, students with latex-allergies in the building were put in danger by face masks and other costume materials. Dohm also mentioned that students were showing up in costumes that were inappropriate for school, and were suggestive. After that, regulations on dressing up for Halloween became more strict. 

“Some of the costumes that kids used to wear were so creative and it was kind of fun to see that,” Dohm said. “But I understand the reason that they’re not allowed.” 

The school may have experienced a change in hat policies, but the general dress code guidelines still apply this Halloween and on dress up days. A student may dress up to school if they choose to, but they are asked to follow the school expectations to maintain a healthy learning environment. 

“We’re trying to do this in the spirit of what’s best for all of 3,200 of us in the building,” Stock said. “Not just a small group of students.”

To experience a stress-free Halloween this school year, students should make sure they understand the guidelines before dressing up in costumes to school.