Social studies slays staff costume contest
The McLean staff dresses up for the Halloween Staff Costume Contest
photo courtesy of social studies department
After fierce competition, the social studies department wins the staff Halloween costume contest. The department dressed up as Disney villains and heroes this year.
October 31, 2019
A cloud of smoke moves throughout the hallways early in the morning, starting off Halloween with a bang. The teachers went all out this year in decorating their halls as part of the teacher costume contest, even going so far as bringing in a smoke machine. As the firetrucks pulled into the school’s parking lot, responding to the fire alarm, everyone knew this would be a year to remember.
Each department dressed up with a different theme in mind. The English teachers dressed up as characters from “Stranger Things;” administration as Sesame Street; the administration assistants as “Spice Girls;” math as the Nats; science as mad scientists; the librarians as characters from The Handmaid’s Tale; special education as the 80’s; student services as Mr. Olcott; art teachers as famous paintings; and lastly, social studies as Disney characters.
“All the departments had very unique costumes. They thought outside the box to make this Halloween special,” junior Ari Ablyazova said.
The winner is chosen by the Student Leadership class, allowing the students to have a voice in the school community.
“Usually what happens is we show the leadership kids all of the [department group] photos that get sent to us. Then, I let [the Leadership class] go vote,” said Karen McNamara, one of the Leadership teachers.
The competition began last year as a way to bring some fun into the school year. This year the staff’s spirit was ramped up.
“There was a little bit more competition [this Halloween]. English was fierce to say that they were going to win again,” principal Ellen Reilly said.
Last year, the English department swept the contest with their elaborate Harry-Potter-themed costumes, but this year, they were defeated by the Disney villains and heroes in the social studies department.
“Disney is something that all students recognize, and I think that we went over the top with some of our costumes,” McNamara said.
Regardless of who won or lost, this year’s teacher costume competition has been a huge success, and it’s certainly a great way to bring in the Halloween spirit at McLean.
“I think it’s a great way for the teachers to show a little bit more school spirit,” Ablyazova said. “It’s also fun to see all the costumes around the school as a way to celebrate Halloween!”
