In response to the recent “creepy clown” hoax that is currently scaring the country, Chatham Central School District has decided to not allow clown costumes at school, school events or on school buses this Halloween. This ban applies to students, employees and visitors to upcoming school events. Although there is little evidence that anyone dressed as a creepy clown has broken any laws, Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo, said that the school district had received reports of clown sightings. In a letter to parents, Nuciforo wrote that the district had spoken with law enforcement and were assured that there was no credible threat.
Nuciforo informed parents that the district’s safety procedures had been reviewed, and that police would be paying close attention to the campuses. “I want to assure you that the safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us here in Chatham and that makes school one of the safest environments for our children,” Nuciforo wrote. “All outside doors are locked throughout the day, our staff is on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary and we work very closely with our school resource deputy and other local law enforcement agencies to make sure our students stay safe and secure.”
As of now, there is no ban on clown costumes in the New Lebanon Central School District, including the Trunk or Treat event at Walter B. Howard Elementary School on October 31. The event, which takes place from 5-6 p.m., invites adults to decorate their cars and fill the trunks with treats. Kids in costume can then go from car to car, trick or treating. The district asks parents and students to avoid scary or gory decorations and costumes.
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