Halloween Happenings: A Somers Elementary School Tradition

For Those Who Aren’t Familiar…

Halloween Happenings is a PTA-sponsored event for families of SES children, offering the opportunity to gather and enjoy an incredible evening of incomparable fun. Throughout the years the tradition has grown to be among one of Somers’ largest and most student-favored school events. As a child they come and experience the wonder. As they move on to middle school many come back to volunteer and relive the fun they had. Parent involvement is key, because this event is run entirely by volunteers. Each year more parents are needed, as 5th grade parent volunteers move on to middle school activities. We live in a wonderful community that values this tradition, and with willing parents we can keep this tradition alive.

What Are The Dates This Year?

Friday October 22, 2010, 6:00- 8:15pm. Come anytime during the evening, as it is a go-at-your-own-pace event. There are three entrances: the main entrance, side access door to the cafeteria and the gym hallway.

Who Can Go?

Due to fire codes and the popularity of this event, we can only accommodate parents, students of S.E.S., and their younger siblings. THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT; CHILDREN MUST BE WITH GUARDIAN. Older children may contact to apply to volunteer.

What Does It Cost?

$3 per child, and adults are free. If you need special financial help to attend, please contact the school secretary and arrangements will be made.

Does Halloween Happenings Rely On Donations?

Yes, in order to keep the cost low we rely on candy and food donations from parents. If you are willing to donate candy, baked goods, paper goods and/or drinks, please contact Georgia Nadler at . Also, we are very thankful to the following companies for their yearly donations: Hallmark Cards, Rockville Bank, and Pell Farm. If you know of a company that would like to donate in exchange for advertising on our tickets please contact us.

Who Is Eligible to Volunteer?

Parents, grandparents and friends of the family… There are so many large and small ways to help. Please contact Elaine Beebe -- or 749-7362 -- if you wish to join our volunteer family. Students in grades 4 and higher also may volunteer. Note that those who wish to help in the Haunted Hallway will need to be supervised by an adult chaperone.

Are Costumes Required?

All children who attend HH come in costume, and we welcome the excitement of parents and volunteers that also dress up, but it’s certainly not mandatory.

Should You Dress Warmly For This Event?

NO!!! It will be crowded and noisy and warm, and your kids will love it and not want to go home. Save the bundling-up for your neighborhood trick-or-treating.

Should You Bring Your Child If He/She Has Food Allergies?

Yes! We provide a “Candy Trade-In Station” where children with specific food allergies are welcomed to trade anything they’ve received for candy/treats that are safe for them. Also, we’ll be serving baked goods that are peanut-, gluten- and egg-free; ask a desert-server to guide you.

How Is The Event Run?

When you purchase your ticket(s) at the door, each child will receive a prize bag and a ticket. The printed ticket lists all the different stations to enjoy. Upon entering a station, a child will have his/her ticket marked by an entrance official. Every child is welcomed to go through each station once, with the exception of the Haunted Hallway; a child may re-enter the haunted hallway, as long as they are abiding by the rules of the hallway. Also, after 8pm there may be an opportunity to try the Cake Walk again if there are cakes left.

Are The Games At HH The Same Every Year?

The challenge of creating new games is a mathematical challenge. Did you know?... When we invent a game it must have this criteria: it must be suitable for all ages, it must be efficient enough to allow 500-700 children to play in a two- hour period, and it must have an “odds ratio” to reward everyone in a small way, while others win big. Maybe you have an idea to help us improve for next year – let us know!

What Is The Cake Walk?

A CONTEST and a game! SES children are invited to submit cakes that they’ve baked and decorated on their own (under the supervision of a parent/adult, of course), to be judged in the HH cake-decorating contest. The cakes are put on display in the SES auditorium and are judged by HH staff as well as students; the staff awards 3 winners per grade, and the students also award 3 winners per grade. All winners are awarded a prize; staff awards can be picked-up the night of HH, and student awards will be given to winners the following Monday, at school. Look forthe cake decorating application in your child’s backpack, come October. Important: Note that you will not take home the cake you submit, unless you win it back in the Cake Walk…

The GAME! The cakes in the competition become prizes for those who play the Cake Walk game. Children enter the auditorium stage to play a “musical mats” game, and the winner of each round gets to choose a cake to take home. Also, all children are welcomed to vote for their favorite cakes. Cake Walk winners can pick up their cake to take home after 8pm the night of HH.

What Is The Haunted Hallway, And Is It Appropriate For Your Child?

The haunted hallway was originally added to the evening’s events to have something a little more frightening for the older kids. As the kids get older, Halloween is more about scary, gross and creepy stuff. The haunted hallway is intended to fit that bill. It’s dark, there are things jumping out to scare you, and you don’t know what’s around the corner. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT PARENTS USE PARENTAL DISCRETION; IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR EVERYONE.

We Look Forward to Seeing You at Halloween Happenings!

If You Have Any Questions and/or Would Like to Volunteer,

Please Contact Elaine Beebe -- or 749-7362.