Pittsford elementary students “Prowl” halls for candy

by Emily Hines

The Pittsford Prowler for elementary age students was on October 29th at 5:30- 6:30pm. The lower elementary opened their hallway to Pittsford students ages preschool through 5th grade for trick or treating. Parents and their children were invited to join their classmates and teachers to celebrate the holiday of Halloween. Parents and children both enjoyed this special event hosted by Pittsford Elementary.

What is all involved in the Pittsford prowling? Of course, trick or treating, but how does it work? “What we do is, we set boxes of candy outside each teacher’s door and they just go in a single file line through the hall,” said elementary principal and PAS superintendent Mr. Shaw.

The prowling event is a good way to encourage some family time. “It makes it easier on the parents and it gets the whole family involved. Sometimes parents will come in all dressed up with their kids too,” said Mr. Shaw. Safety is also an issue when it comes to trick or treating. Normally the prowling would be on 31st of October but there is a football game on our home field for that night. Mr. Shaw also expressed his concern for the children’s safety during this event. “If we had the prowler on the 31st, it would be risking the safety of the young kids since there will be people coming in and out from the football game; so we moved the date,” explained Mr. Shaw.

The idea of trick or treating at school was a famous topic among the children that attended. Their comments about the school function had kids talking about their experiences and favorite parts of the evening. Second grader Dustin Burnette commented, “I was a racecar driver and I liked when we got to get candy!” Kennedy Chenesiney, also a second grader, echoed Dustin when saying, “I liked seeing my teacher and getting my picture taken, and getting candy.”
Not only was this night an adventure for the kids but comments from the teachers also showed that they too had a great time. “I thought it went really well. Mr. Shaw thought we had well over 300 people. I just like seeing all the kids and seeing how they get excited to dress up, and they like to see the teachers. I think the teamwork and just everything went well. The kids went through, and we had a lot of teacher participation,” said third grade teacher Mrs. Saunders.

Another teacher who participated was first grade teacher Mrs. Winchel. “All the kids really enjoyed it. I enjoy seeing the kids get excited. The parents and kids participation went well because you can’t come without your parents, so it’s a fun night,” commented Mrs. Winchel.

The Pittsford prowling for trick or treating has been an annual event for some time now. If you did not get the chance to attend this year with your children or if you know of someone who would enjoy this event, let them know about this activity that includes fun, excitement, and safety for Pittsford’s elementary students. Trick or treating is a fun time and with the help of staff and parents making it a safe, memorable time it will stay with each child for years to come.