This class in Georgia showing off Halloween costumes is rare for the season.
I miss having Halloween costumes in school.
Most classrooms across the state do not allow for Halloween dress up and opt for "fall festivals," if there is a recognition of the holiday at all.
I know the arguments: It takes away from instruction time, it's a distraction, it has roots in the 1,000-year-old Celtic festival Samhain and kids don't need encouragement to eat candy.
With regard to how it impacts a school day, it's not a day-long party.
We're talking an hour, which won't drop a test score and makes school fun for a little while.
In terms of cultural beliefs, the traditional Halloween is celebrated in a secular, not religious way.
Kids like dressing up - young kids for play and older kids for fun.
Schools always set limits on what could be worn, making them not too scary, cumbersome or skimpy.
Growing up, even in conservative rural Oklahoma, donning a costume for a day was a highlight.
It was never presented as a religious or cultural holiday, just something fun to do once a year.
In terms of candy consumption, no school allows for that anymore.
Kids might get a cookie or cupcake during an extra special celebration, but most of the time they eat fruit snacks and low-sugar treats.
Now that Halloween has creeped away from schools, it won't likely return.
Interestingly, many area churches and faith groups host "fall festivals" encouraging costumes, offering candy and holding games.
In fairness, schools do need to be sensitive to all cultures and faiths.
Many teachers have embraced the fall harvest celebrations, with classroom pumpkin, apple and corn themes.
But I still miss seeing the creativity and personality kids show in their Halloween costumes.
