While Halloween has certainly become more known around the world, America still holds the history and traditions for this storybook holiday. In ResLife, we hope to not only show but also share these customs with the students. One such tradition is the Jack-o-Lantern. Each year, we provide an opportunity for students to carve their own pumpkin. From scooping out the seeds and slimy pieces from inside the pumpkin to carving creative and fun designs out of the shell, students are given the whole experience complete with Halloween music and candy. As the students gathered in Marcy Hall for the carving competition, it was great to see different nationalities gathered, even teaming up together. And the results were quite amazing. This was a great kick-off to Halloween week as our Middle School students participated in handing out candy during the Halloween Parade on campus. And of course, on Halloween night, many of the boarding students connected with day-student friends to go out and experience trick-or-treating, the American tradition of dressing in a costume and walking door to door to show off the costume and get candy in return. Indeed one of the more unusual customs, but one that the boarding students enjoyed. Now we turn our attention to teaching students about Thanksgiving at the end of November, but my favorite time is teaching everyone all of the holiday traditions in December.
Important Upcoming Dates
November 22.....Thanksgiving Breaks Begins (after last class)
November 24.....Dorms Close at Noon for Break to students not attending the ResLife Trip
November 26-29.....Thanksgiving Break Trip
November 29.....Dorms Open at 5pm
December 2.....Classes Resume
December 16-19.....Semester One Exams
December 20.....Dorms Close at 5pm for Winter Break
January 4.....Dorms Open at Noon for Semester Two
January 7.....Classes Begin for Semester Two