Newsletter Special Edition: SPOOKARAMA

10/20/2023 1:15 pm

Hi BCS Community,

It's almost time for Spookarama. We can't wait to see you on Friday, October 27.

We have a lot of information to share in this message:

  • Event Details
  • Ways to Help (we need you!)
  • Know Before You Go
    • Food information - come hungry!
    • Haunted House
    • Environment
    • Code of Conduct

Event Details

Friday, October 27

  • 5:30 PM - Gentle entry for grades K-3 or any students who need accommodations.
  • 6:15 PM - Open to all.
  • 8:00 PM - Event ends and clean-up begins.

View the Spookarama Map

What is Spookarama?

Spookarama is our fall community event with carnival style games, entertainment, food, and Haunted House! It’s a family friendly, BCS tradition that began in 1989 as a sweet carnival with a few games at Hollyrood. The event has grown, now taking over the building at Fernwood and no longer charging admission…yes, it’s free! What has not changed is the spooky fun AND the amount of volunteers needed to run it each year.

How can you help?

Over 170 volunteers are needed to decorate, run games, provide security, clean-up and more!

Volunteer Sign-up 

Email spookarama@beverlyclearyschool.org for more information.

Volunteer Options

  • Day of (before 5pm): Transform BCS into Spookarama - Decorate, set-up games, activities, and food area.
  • During event (between 5:00-8:00pm):
    • Games/Activities - Help instruct younger participants with one for the carnival games, organize the line, and award prizes. Games are pre-planned and the supplies, directions, and prizes are already on site.
    • Welcome table - Greet attendees and direct them to key areas.
    • Food Sales - Ring up food sales and keep the line flowing.
    • Security - Help with crowd control and behavior against our code of conduct
  • Post-event (8pm until done): Clean up and tear down Spookarama decor and games. The more hands we have the quicker this will be!
  • Middle School Students can volunteer, too! Have your student contact Ms. Kobs to sign up. (Only 8th grade volunteers for Haunted House).

Donations

  • Monetary donations are appreciated to support BCS PTA sponsored programs and activities.
    Make a Donation
  • Treat Trot - Donate a sweet treat!

    What is the Treat Trot? One of the more popular games at Spookarama. Participants walk in a circle until the music stops… and winners who land on the lucky numbers literally take the cake (or donuts or cookies)!
    What we need: Donations of cakes, cupcakes, donuts, and cookies - or whatever other treat you’d like to donate, it can even be as simple as a box of cereal or bag of oranges. Treats should be pre-packaged treats from a store or bakery, preferably in an eco-friendly packaging. Nut free is ideal. Gluten Free and Vegan options appreciated. We cannot accept items that are home baked or need refrigeration.
    When/where to drop off: October 27th at BCS.
    Sign Up To Donate Treats

Know Before You Go

Food and Beverage: Pizza from Blind Onion (including gluten free and dairy free pizza), Caesar Salad, and beverages will be available for purchase in the Cafetorium. Cash (small bills appreciated) or cards accepted.  NEW: We will also offer some quick grab, cash only, snacks! Everything is $1: drinks, chips, popcorn, candy bars, and cookies (Including GF and Vegan cookie options).

Haunted House: Enter the dark depths of the Beverly Cleary basement if you dare! We will offer a gentler version of the haunted house from 5:30 - 6:15 pm and anyone may request the strobe lights turned off.

What to expect: We know part of the Spookarama experience is the carnival environment! Please talk with your students beforehand about:

  • Being respectful of our volunteers, the building, and decorations.
  • Make plans to meet up if you’re separated.
  • Costume expectations - Yes! Wear a costume, but please no masks and no weapons (toys or real – guns, swords, knives, etc.). Be creative and culturally sensitive! See the Spookarama Q&A for more info.
  • There will be high noise and activity levels in the carnival (gym areas) and haunted house.
  • Quieter options found in the quiet activity room - signs will be posted to easily find that area.
  • Carnival game prizes may be candy, small toys, or stickers. Have your student bring a small bag for the prizes they collect.

Code of Conduct:  The BCS PTA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience. By entering Spookarama, guests agree to honor the Code of Conduct. Please read and share with all guests attending.

Questions

Feel free to contact the Spookarama committee at spookarama@beverlyclearyschool.org.