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Dear CPS Families:

 

Halloween is this Monday, October 31, and we know that there are Halloween-themed events happening this week and this weekend. We want all of our students to have a great time, but we also want to make sure that everyone stays safe while celebrating.

 

Below are some safety tips that can help kids have a safe and enjoyable time as they head out this Halloween. Parents, please remind your trick-or-treaters to do all of the following:

• Travel in pairs or small groups whenever possible.
• Communicate with others about their location and where they are going.
• Use reflective tape on their costumes to help cars and people see them better
• Stick to well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. 
• Carry a cell phone for emergencies, but remember to stay alert while walking.
• Pay close attention while crossing the street and while walking in parking lots.
• Go to the nearest business or populated area if feeling uncomfortable or threatened and call for help.

It’s also important to remember that COVID-19 is still with us, and that there are easy precautions we can take to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Children are encouraged to build a mask into their costumes and stay on the move while trick-or-treating. Less congregating means less exposure to COVID, and more houses means more treats! It’s also smart to keep trick-or-treating crew small and to stay outside as much as possible.

 

Please help your children understand how to celebrate responsibly so that everyone can have a fun and safe Halloween this year. You can also visit our city’s guide to celebrating Halloween safely for additional resources.

 

Happy Halloween everyone! Please stay safe!

 

-Chicago Public Schools