Dear Cradlerock Community,

As part of our school system’s commitment to equity and inclusion, we continue to focus on building community and creating welcoming environments for all students. Over the past few years, more and more students within our Cradlerock community and across the county are not celebrating Halloween.  Clearly hosting events during the school day that force a separation in our school community doesn’t support the sense of belonging we work to create each day at Cradlerock.  

With this said, the decision has been made to NOT hold Halloween activities during the virtual instructional day.  

While Halloween is not part of the Howard County Public School System’s curriculum, we recognize that the Halloween activities/parade held during the school day have been a long standing tradition at Cradlerock and other Howard County schools. Nonetheless, the decision has been made to not hold Halloween activities during the virtual instructional day this year or in the future.  

In previous years, the Cradlerock PTA has offered a Trunk ‘n Treat celebration one evening near Halloween for any students and families who would like to participate. With the current COVID pandemic and social distancing requirements, the PTA is looking at other possible options to continue some form of Halloween celebration.   

We realize that the decision to not host school sponsored Halloween events may be frustrating for some, and appreciate your willingness to keep the larger Cradlerock community in mind.  As always thank you for your ongoing support and willingness to support Cradlerock.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions at jonathan_davis@hcpss.org.  

Thank you, 

Jonathan Davis, 

Principal Cradlerock Elementary