Most middle school students in Westport think of Halloween as a time to get together with friends and celebrate in many different ways.

Middle school students have a reputation for always having parties or trick-or-treating. At Bedford, there is even a school-sponsored party for sixth graders called the Monster Mash!

This year, these celebrations are on hold. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) rates traditional trick-or-treating and traditional Halloween parties as “high-risk activities.” This year’s Halloween is yet another socially tough spot for students already stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many students are feeling anxious because they do not know if a Halloween celebration will be safe. Despite the challenges, people are finding new and inventive ways to still celebrate Halloween. “It is challenging for people to be flexible and have to make changes, such as potentially not going trick-or-treating, and not having a Halloween celebration at school, but ultimately I think students will find new ways to celebrate,” said sixth-grade counselor, Ms. Jessica Rabine.

This author believes that you can be with friends or relatives during Halloween, as long as you follow all the CDC guidelines. You can be spooky and socially distant.