Ghosts and goblins, princesses, Pikachu, and too many superheroes to count could be found among the eager crowd of Elm Street Elementary School students lined up for a much-anticipated parade-style march around the neighborhood on Friday, October 29.
With the Rome City Police Department and Elm Street Principal, Laura Walley and Assistant Principal, Brant Amerman in tow, students in their colorful Halloween costumes lined up behind them with nothing but smiles on their faces.
“The Elm Street Halloween Parade has been going on since the early 1980’s, when I was a student here,” smiled Walley. “It is a tradition that we all look forward to that brings our students, teachers and their families together to celebrate this neighborhood’s school.”
Elm Street students in pre-k through third grade came dressed in their Halloween best, prepared to strut their stuff as they paraded around the parking lot of the school.
Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students were encouraged to dress as superheroes, as Elm Street celebrated their last day of National Red Ribbon Week, with the theme, “Real Heroes Don’t Do Drugs.” These students also served as spectators during the parade, which allowed them to join in on the fun, but in a different way.
“Allowing our older students the chance to cheer on their peers from the sidelines not only gets them involved as well, but it teaches them parade etiquette, how to be a spectator, as well as how to be respectful members of an audience,” explained Walley. “We feel that is very important as well.”
Elm Street’s sixth grade band also marched in the parade, leading the students behind them in song.
Happy Halloween, Wolves!
