At one Eden Prairie elementary school, Halloween parties have been replaced with "curriculum related parties" such as a "Fall Festival," that includes pumpkin carving,  harvest-related activities, etc.

One reason for this is to have the focus be more on learning. Another reason is that kids who may not have a costume would not be left out with such activities.

Good idea? Anyone have thoughts on this?

It seems like a more fair system. It's also a way to keep sugar-filled parties out of the school day.