Last week, on October 30, Wheatley students from various clubs came together to organize Wheatley’s annual Safe Halloween. This activity highlights the importance of safety when trick-or-treating by creating a child-friendly experience for the younger students within the school district.
Upon the young trick-or-treaters’ timely arrival at the glass doors at 4 pm, they were greeted by the spooky cobwebs and bats that were hung up at the entrance of the 100s hallway. Fueled by the dozens of candy bags and great quantities of sugar surrounding them, the young North Side and Willets Road students entered a frenzy of excitement. They eagerly advanced through the hallways, going door-to-door and opening their small bags or pails to the Wheatley students who awaited them with handfuls of candy.
The bleak wooden doors of the 100s and 400s hallways had disappeared, and they were all disguised under numerous decorations, ranging from spooky witches, skeletons, bats, and ghosts to cobwebs and caution tapes.
Students from the Spanish Club welcomed the young students through a door inspired by the vibrant cultural designs used for the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Ms. Martinez’s Spanish 400 classes’ small pumpkins that outlined sugar skulls could be seen at each door, summoning the diverse culture celebrated in the fall season.
Clubs that participated in Safe Halloween included the Book Club, Key Club, French Club, Spanish Club, Italian Club, Medical Club, Tri-M, Vintage Club, Newspaper Club, Debate Club, Student Senate, NHS, and EAC. Club members spent the previous day decorating the doors in the 100s and 400s hallways with elaborate designs representing their respective clubs.
Several activities were also held in the commons. Young children dressed up as their favorite Disney princesses or as superheroes could be seen collecting Mario-themed stickers and creating their characters. Coloring sheets of zombies and Halloween-themed word searches were enthusiastically passed around by Morgan Doan. Abigail Okun, who represented Key Club, held a container full of candy and encouraged students to participate in a guessing game. Trick-or-treaters were also lined up by the Italian Club’s table, where Laila Vohra assisted the children in placing temporary tattoos on their arms and hands.
Zaynah Karim and Mecca Douglas rushed through the hallways and commons in their pink and blue onesies, mic and camera stand at hand. Representing the Video Club, they were ready to capture the lively spirit and showcase the wide variety of activities taking place as they stopped to interview club members and young trick-or-treaters.
As the time approached 6 pm, the trick-or-treaters began to leave in satisfaction, indicating that the 2024 Safe Halloween was a success! This resulted from the great effort and dedication of the Wheatley students and the clubs. The smooth and joyful conclusion of that evening was also thanks to Mr. Portente and Ms. Vulin, the advisors of the Student Senate.
