As Halloween approaches, teachers bring on the spooky spirit with classroom decorations, fall plushies and creative bulletin boards. From ceiling light covers to pumpkin garlands, classrooms are adorned with fall decorations both inside and out, in order to give students something to look forward to during Halloween week.
The annual door decorating contest has commenced . Teachers are able to take any creative direction with their students to set the spooky autumn mood. PreMed teacher and co-director Dr. Diana Sood decorated her door with a Curious George theme, featuring the show’s central character in a pumpkin
“The door decorations are some of the funniest Heritage traditions. It’s laughably corny, but teachers get so excited for it and who am I to deny them their fun?” senior Yusuf Sheikh said. The tradition serves to brighten students’ days as they walk from class to class.
Some teachers center assignments, units and extra credit opportunities around Halloween activities and history. While AP US History classes cover early Puritan settlements in America, AP English Language classes expand on the Salem Witch Trials with Arthur Miller’s historic play “The Crucible.”
“I’m here for the spooky vibes. In AP English Language, we’re doing an assignment in which we research witches, which also adds to the Halloween preparations. I’m looking forward to seeing what people have come up with,” junior Angeliah Pierre said.
Additionally, teachers take the opportunity to encourage students to come up with positive mental health messages that can surround their learning environments. Chemistry teacher Mrs. Rebecca DeLeon decorates her classroom with pumpkin-shaped messages to make the experience of learning science more enjoyable. “Mrs. DeLeon has some amazing decorations in her room that talk about mental health awareness and add a fun vibe for Halloween,” sophomore Ishaan Garg said.
Teachers and students bring the autumn spirit to their classrooms in order to make learning cozy, spooky and engaging this Halloween season. With all kinds of magnets, garlands, drawings and posters, teachers enhance the learning experience.
AP English Language teacher Mrs. Raquel Bolaños has introduced a new friend to her class: Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus. Sitting on her unicorn throne, Ms. Sanderson looks over Mrs. Bolanos’s class while the Halloween season passes. (Photo/Alina Sukhovskaya)
The Science Hallway goes all out for the door decorating contest. Dr. Sood, Ms. Brill and Ms. Deleon all decorate their doors for the spooky season. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
