How do you mend a jack-o'-lantern? 
Answer at the end of the newsletter

Whether you're out in the neighborhood or staying in with friends, here are some tips to have a safe Halloween:

• Costumes:

  • wear costumes that fit properly and don't obstruct your vision to ensure physical safety

  • avoid carrying anything that resembles a weapon

  • be aware of the impact your costume might have on others, and be cognizant of any statements of discrimination or stereotyping your costume may make

    • Board Policy 5145.3

    • Board Policy 5131

• Out in the neighborhood:

  • stick to well-lit areas so you are visible to drivers

  • be cautious of traffic; don't assume drivers can see you

  • travel in groups; keep each other safe

  • be respectful and responsible out in the community

• When driving:

  • be cautious and alert when driving in high trick-or-treat traffic areas

  • turn on headlights earlier than usual to ensure visibility

     

• Halloween Parties:

  • be aware and cautious; trust your instincts 

  • be careful not to disclose your location when posting to social media

  • never drink and drive, or get into a car with a drunk driver

These tips aren't meant to spook you, but to make you aware and help you feel prepared to have a safe evening.   

Día de los Muertos is a celebration held every year from November 1-2 (some regions begin celebrations on October 27th). Around the world, Latin American-- and even those who are not-- prepare for weeks to welcome their deceased loved ones when they visit for Día de los Muertos. Although there is a sense of mourning for the deceased, there is also celebration and joy for this yearly reunion between the dead and living.

The video below shows how people in Oaxaca prepare for Día de los Muertos.

Some words to know:

Cempacúchitl: Known in English as marigolds, their strong scent is said to attract the spirits to their mortal loved ones
Ofrenda: Offerings made to the deceased, like their favorite food, placed on the altar
Copal: Incense used to purify the environment so the spirits can enter the homes of their hosts
Papel picado: Colorful paper decoration used for all celebrations, often used for Día de los Muertos to add color to the altar
Pan de muerto: sweet bread typically made to be placed on altars, but is delicious dunked in coffee or hot chocolate
Tapete de arena: sand sculptures/art practiced in some regions, sometimes other materials are used like beans, flower petals, seeds, and sawdust.

This month, Analy welcomed dozens of families with 8th graders for Showcase Night. They congregated in the theater for performances from the jazz ensemble, chamber choir, video production, and drama. Then families migrated to the gym where they were provided with light refreshments from the culinary program, learned about various resources and activities on campus, and enjoyed watching the dance team 

Laguna High School had their Model School visit this month, a recognition program for continuation schools that provide comprehensive support that serves the whole child. The visit welcomed a panel of continuation administrators who validate the district's recommendation for recognition. The final decision will be made by the California Department of Education.

The video below shows highlights from the Fentanyl Awareness trainings held on the El Molino Campus. 

For their preview night, AIA hosted families for a Halloween Spooktacular. To give prospective students a taste of what it's like to be a student at the Academy, current students created a space for their visitors to play, learn, and enjoy some tasty treats. The highlight of the evening was roasting marshmallows from the mouth of Divoc, the fire-breathing dragon. 

Over the summer, Micah's Hugs, a local non-profit educating youth about the dangers of substance abuse and fentanyl poisoning, reached out to the District to help them set a Guinness World Record for the largest opioid overdose reversal training. Micah Sr.'s son, an Analy alum, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2019. Their mission is to break the stigma of substance abuse so that other families don't experience the same pain they did. On October 17th, at the Homecoming rally, Analy students assisted in breaking that record. The District is grateful to Micah's Hugs for including Analy in this historic moment for their organization and for the community. 

In addition to the record-breaking event, Micah's Hugs also held trainings with the students at Laguna High School and the Academy of Innovative Arts, prompting thoughtful questions and conversations among students. 

On the District's Fentanyl Awareness Day-- and Micah Jr.'s birthday-- Micah Sr. facilitated a panel discussion for the greater community. The discussion humanized substnace abuse 

Micah's Hugs just launched a new feature on their website, which allows you to find their Narcan boxesaround the county. 

@analyhstigers

@academyofinnovativearts

@laguna_high_school

@wscuhsd

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Answer: With a pumpkin patch