At Locust, Sleeping Beauty (a.k.a. Principal Jean Ricotta) led her students around the school for the annual parade. A beautiful fall day welcomed children as they marched in this year’s Storybook and Halloween Parades around their schools at Hemlock, Homestead, Locust and Stratford Schools. Delighted to spot mom, dad, grandparents, and costumed siblings and pets who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of bejeweled princesses, ornery pirates, and scary ghosts and goblins, children waved enthusiastically to the hundreds of Storybook Parade attendees.

At Homestead, the Stratford School band led the kindergarten and first grade children along the streets surrounding their school with a mournful dirge. Later, the band led their costumed schoolmates as they paraded along the queues formed by family and friends on their playground and athletic field.

Principal Dr. Suzanne Viscovich (second from left), pictured here with staff members, dressed as Snow White for Homestead’s Storybook Parade. In addition to attending the very special Grade 2 Halloween program at Stewart, children were invited to participate in Crazy Hat Day, to bring canned goods to donate to a local soup kitchen, and for grades 3, 4, and 5, to march in the Monster Mash Mile on Stewart’s playing fields.

Mrs. Hayes’ class saw many familiar faces as they walked around Locust on Storybook Parade day.
Children cuddle with Hemlock Principal Audrey Bellovin as they begin their Storybook Parade.
Football players, kittens, and mermaids were just some of the wonderful costumes the Homestead children wore on Storybook Parade day.
Ms. Lione’s kindergarten class could barely contain their excitement as they got ready to march in Locust’s Storybook Parade!
This Hemlock princess was looking for her royal family as she marched around her school.
A wave of her magic wand and - PRESTO! - this fairy’s family appeared along the sidewalks of the Hemlock School!
Before dismissing to their classrooms, Stewart Principal Linda Norton reviewed some important reminders for keeping her students safe on Halloween.
This Homestead police officer gobbled for a donut in one of the fun activities which took place prior to their parade.
Recognize these “50s” beauties? - that’s Stratford’s Assistant Principal Janet Gonzalez (left) and Principal Diane Hopkins!
At Stewart School, second graders recited Halloween poems for attending family members and schoolmates.
Members of Stratford’s band led their schoolmates on a loop of the playing fields through queues of waiting family members.
Stewart’s grand finale included the second graders singing Apple on a Stick and In the Pumpkin Patch.
Stratford students struck a pose for the cameras as the Jackson 5 during their Halloween Parade.