A Spooky Time of Year

As kids get settled into their new academic routine, Halloween is almost here. Usually the day provides a much needed opportunity to unwind after a couple of months of new school year monotony, but this year is anything but familiar. As we go to print, most towns have not finalized plans for Halloween events and trick-or-treating, while some have already cancelled their yearly activities due to COVID-19. The usual manufactured scares and spookiness of the holiday have been replaced by real fears about the safety of trick-or-treating and attending costume parties.

While I would love to be able to take my 3 and 5-year-olds door-to-door, I’m afraid that we’ll have to sit the tradition out this year. That doesn’t mean we won’t have our end of October candy binge, as I’m planning on borrowing a tradition from the Easter Bunny and having a costumed Halloween candy hunt around our house. We’ve also included a number of other COVID-friendly Halloween ideas in this issue to help you celebrate safely.

I hope your family’s return to school hasn’t been too scary. Whether your child attends school in-person or at home at their laptop, I’ve been impressed with how well students have been adapting to all of the changes. I think most parents would agree that our kids are adjusting to the changes much better than we would have at their age. Whether they’re keeping up with European History from home or managing to keep their mask on for seven hours at school, it’s inspiring to see them rise to the occasion.

If you find that your child’s educational needs are not being met, however, you may want to consider other options for schooling. In this issue we highlight the headmaster, or head-of-school, of many independent schools in your area. These schools may provide a better fit for your child’s educational needs as well as the opportunity for full-time in-person instruction. If you’re considering a change, be sure to review these dedicated leaders and what their schools can offer.

Remember to focus on the positive during these tough times. There are still plenty of joyful and fun experiences to be had at home with your family. Many activities are beginning to resume after being adapted for social distancing, so take advantage of them before the weather turns cold and we’re forced back inside. For my family,

we’re back watching my oldest daughter tear up the soccer field with the other kids in town. Their youthful exuberance in the face of everything going on helps me put it all on back burner for a while. Hopefully, we’ll get this COVID situation dealt with by the time next soccer season comes around. Until then, stay safe and I hope to see you out and about soon.

Best,

Dan