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Halloween, Valentine’s Day won’t be celebrated at one district’s elementary schools

Two traditional elementary school celebrations won’t be happening at elementary schools in East Lansing, Michigan this year.

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School officials have broken the news in a note to parents that there won’t be the usual Halloween or Valentine’s Day celebrations this year, WLNS reported.

They said the decision was made so no one has hurt feelings and so that families don’t feel uncomfortable, the Lansing State Journal reported.

Assistant Superintendent Glenn Mitcham said kids are left crying during Halloween events because they don’t have the same costumes or that they didn’t bring the same types of Valentines that others do.

Elementary school principals said that some kids can even be frightened or overwhelmed by the costumes on the dress-up day while others don’t come in costume at all.

As for Valentine’s Day, the principal said some are not comfortable with children exchanging valentines or being part of the celebration focusing on love.

But the holidays will not go unmarked. Instead, teachers will be able to work them into lessons, the State Journal reported.

The president of the Marble School Community Council said she wasn’t told that the decision was made until after it was done, and that she found out like all other parents, via email, but supports it.

“I got the email along with everyone else yesterday afternoon and my initial thought was I am so proud to be part of this district,” Tali Faris-Hylen told WLNS.

But one parent says it adds one more thing on kids in a year that has already been difficult.

“I know that it seems like we’re just taking one more thing from them but I think that it’s important that everything we do in schools is inclusive,” Brittany Bruens told WLNS.

Some kids are sad that their traditions have changed.

“I’m disappointed because the kids have a lot of fun and enjoy the holidays,” Rebecca Rook told WILX. “With Valentine’s Day, in the letter we received they don’t want to focus on a holiday about love. But I think the kids could use more kindness in their life.”