The letter Yellow Cluster students wrote to Ms. Logue and Dr. Gaynor.
Halloween is known as a time of pumpkins and candy, as well as costumes that let you become someone else for a day. However, except for the Early Childhood program, students at Gaynor have been unable to wear costumes to school since the school was established in 1962. This year has been unlike any other, and a group of Yellow Cluster students felt like that rule needed to be amended in light of current circumstances.
Head Teacher Jensen Pincus, Assistant Teacher Peter Tedesco, and Science Teacher Jackie Smith’s class asked last week if they could dress up for Halloween.
Ms. Pincus said, “After asking them a few questions, I realized they were thinking about this as much more than just a fun opportunity to wear cool costumes — this meant something to them.”
She then suggested that the students write a letter to Lower School Director Donna Logue and Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor petitioning for the ban on Halloween costumes to be lifted.
Both Ms. Logue and Dr. Gaynor agreed that students in all clusters could wear school-appropriate costumes this Friday.
By writing the letter, Ms. Pincus said students learned that when you speak up in a respectful and reasoned way, action and change can happen, even if temporarily.
“They understand that they have a real responsibility on Friday to have fun, but also demonstrate to the school and to Dr. Gaynor that they made the right decision,” she said.
One student, Will F., said he felt proud but also calm, because they had accomplished something big for the school. Ms. Pincus said that was what it was really all about for the class.
“The thing that touched me the most, is that these young people weren’t interested in gaining something for themselves, this was a one-for-all plea — they didn’t want to dress up without the whole school having the same opportunity,” she said.
Ms. Logue echoed these sentiments, saying that she was proud of the students for taking the initiative to create change and write a letter, instead of just complaining about the no costume policy.
“I hope that this experience motivates them to be advocates for change and to recognize that people in power often respond positively to calls for change that are grounded in well-reasoned, heartfelt arguments,” she said.
Check out Dr. Gaynor’s video announcement to students announcing the change in policy: