15 & 16. Ya HaHa Ha Ha: Haunted Hallways: Parent and Community Involvement

This We Believe (NMSA, 2010).

·         *  The school involves families in the education of their children. Family Involvement

·         *  The school involves families and business partners. Community & Business

      This we believe (NMSA, 2010) provides sixteen characteristics associated with exemplary middle schools. This blog addresses characteristics fifteen and sixteen and is under the section that addresses culture and community.

On October 30-31, our PTA orchestrated a “Haunted Hallways” fundraiser. A small army of parents created creepy scenarios for community members to bring their families in for a frightful night of screams and eerie music. Teachers were told to choose Friday or Saturday night to participate as guides, zombies, creepy (Have I said that already?) beasts to worry and frighten guests. Parents and about ten students  participated.

So, reluctant teachers, enthusiastic teachers, and willing teachers (about 85% of the faculty) volunteered. We arrived early so that the local cosmetology school volunteers could paint us with makeup. In addition, there were masks and costumes, gory parts, props, and other gross things to enliven the night. Standing in line to be “dressed” was interesting. Those who were hesitant but willing watched as their teammates emerged as frightening creatures. And as we dressed and were adorned, it was as if we transformed from teachers to creepies. (Yah aha ha ha haha!)

I was a guide. In my gargoyle attire, carrying a creepy doll, with a hollow mask I stepped outside where children awaited. I felt very scary. One of my students looked over and said, “Hi Mrs. Ruppert.”  (So much for creepy. It must have been the Nike tennis shoes.) However, at one point, inside the hall, I had to take my mask off so a young child would stop screaming. (Okay, I only actually frightened two people all  night, and they were small children.)

We had “lights on” for the first hour to allow small children not to be too frightened; then the lights went out…. Faculty would jump out of curtains, or drape plastic spiders on people’s shoulders. A fine mist of water accompanied blood curdling screams, which was quite gross. Zombies would follow guests.

Initially, when the lights went out, we had a smoke machine. It was soooo cool! 

Oops. We set the fire alarm off so had to evacuate the building. 

The local fire department came through, inspected everything, and as they were leaving an eerie voice whispered seethingly, “You are welcome to stay. We will take good care of you. Yah haha haHA  AH HAHAHAHA.” They ran out the door! (Well, not really; they walked briskly.) (:

What I found was having the opportunity to work with a group of teachers as monsters, over the course of several hours, gave each of us a refreshing sense of belonging, a time to “play” together, in a setting of care and love for the community we serve.

On Monday, after the Haunted Hallways, the parent leadership team met to discuss the successes. They were pleased with the turnout and the participation of parents, teachers, and students. The next event they are wanting to participate in is a formal dance for the kids. Parents want their children to learn and want them to feel part of the community. Parents are an amazing part of a middle school and must be supported!!!

Advice:

1)   Even though you may think participating in events may seem a little corny; do it anyway. Sharing your time with colleagues goes far towards building team spirit.

2)   Your students want to see you outside the classroom. Ball games, plays, performances, and events allow your students and their parents to see that children in your school matter.

3)   Be sure and take pictures. It all came together when we took a group shot. (I have provided a cropped version above. I didn’t want to include pictures of the students “we dressed.”) Yah haha haha, I am holding the doll. My team mate is sitting next to me with the chainsaw. (:

4) Be sure and thank the parents for the work they do. Pulling off a Haunted event was no easy task. There is a PTA meeting on December 6. We will celebrate with them formally on that day.