The Bush SchoolAnnouncements
Middle School Halloween Dress Up Guidelines
Dear Bush Middle School Community,
With no classes on Friday, October 30, students who celebrate Halloween are welcome to come to school in costume on Tuesday, October 27. While many enjoy the creativity and fun of dressing up, not all members of our community observe this holiday. We ask everyone to help make this a day that feels safe and welcoming for all.
Costume Guidelines
- No masks that prevent community members from identifying who you are.
- No weapons, gore, or any other intimations of violence, real or fake.
- No costumes that prevent you from engaging in the regular school day activities.
- All costumes must align with the Middle School Bush Student Dress Guidelines, as outlined in the Middle School Handbook.
We ask that all students who choose to dress up bring extra clothes in case they need to change out of their costume during the school day.
We also see this moment as an important opportunity to open conversations about cultural appropriation, power dynamics, and the harm that stereotypes can have on individuals and communities at our school.
Culture is not a costume. As you consider the potential impact of your costume, we invite families to reflect on the questions below, from the work of Bay Area Educators E. Ito and Kat Lazo.
- Is the costume racially, ethnically, or culturally based?
- Do you belong to that group of people?
- If the costume is meant to be funny, why is it funny?
- How would everyone feel if someone wore that costume around that group of people?
Thank you for your care and reflection as we model empathy, curiosity, and respect - values that guide our Middle School community. Please reach out to me at Michelle.Amilicia@bush.edu or connect with your child’s advisor if you’d like support in navigating these conversations.
Take care,
Michelle Amilicia
Middle School Dean of Students
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 775 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities
3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status