Happy Spooky Season! We want to ensure our Team & Family is safe and healthy not only at school, but also while celebrating this holiday season. Here are some alternative activities to consider having with your family this October:  

• Carve or decorate pumpkins  
• Hang a piñata in your backyard for your children filled with healthy treats  
• Try an outdoor or indoor scavenger hunt with plastic eggs filled with healthy treats  
• Have an outdoor costume parade, but keep everyone six feet apart  
• Have a family movie night and make your favorite meal from our Healthy Kids Here Cookbook  
• Host a virtual costume contest with family and friends  
• Gather your family for a spooky-themed reading hour  

There are many ways to celebrate safely at home this year. However, if you or your student are in public, remember to social distance, wear a mask (it’s the perfect season), and frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or more.  

For campuses hosting events, stay safe by following these recommendations:   

• All attendees must self-screen at home before the event and upon event entrance (health screening questions, temperature check optional) 
• We ask all attendees to always wear a face mask over their nose and mouth 
• Observe social distancing recommendations, particularly when eating or drinking 
• Minimize contact between staff and families. Participate in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance  
• If you are preparing goodie bags, wear gloves or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags  
• We recommend events with a size that is allowable under current county/city ordinances, is outdoor or open-air and where people are distanced at least 6 feet apart  

Remember:   

A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.   

Before IDEA students return to school, self-screen at home first for any symptoms of illness. Keep your student home if your child has recently had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if your child is experiencing any symptoms of illness.  

Have a spook–tacular October!