Elementary school bans Halloween costumes

SEATTLE (WHDH) -- An elementary school has decided not to allow Halloween costumes at school this year.

“I wish that it weren't that way, but it's the school's policy. I have to go with it, I suppose,” said parent, Genevieve Kostich.

Kostich isn’t the only parent who's a little spooked about the new policy at Lafayette Elementary School.

“I was very disappointed when I heard that. I actually thought my daughter misunderstood the rule, because she said, 'no, no costumes.' I was a bit shocked, really,” said parent, Dianna Palmer.

“She was a little upset. I was like, 'are you excited to wear your costume?'

She said, 'my teacher said we can't.' I was like, 'what?' I was totally surprised by it,” said Coby Spidell.

It was actually a unanimous vote by the Lafayette staff that led to the decision, in part because there is early dismissal that day.

“There are people who feel very strongly that kids should just be able to have fun, and we certainly don't disagree with that, but our primary mission is to educate our kids and make sure that they're ready to graduate from school,” said District spokesperson Teresa Whipple.

Seattle public schools have no official Halloween policy as it's up to each school's principal to decide.

“I think that some people have conflicting feelings about it,” said another parent.

Lafayette’s principal Shaunna Heath wasn’t available for comment. But some Lafayette parents did.

“No, I don't think it's any big drama. Last year our teacher didn't want the kids wearing costumes and there were a few parents up in arms about it. I just don't think it's that big a deal.”

The district spokesperson said the decision was based on the costumes being a distraction.