Eagles!
There is a lot of stir about our upcoming events here at Woodlawn. I am excited to experience November's FALL FEST, an age-old tradition by our Proud PTO! I like to rub in other principals' faces that the community in Eagle nation is alive, well, and growing.
I am excited to bring a new tradition to Woodlawn Academy! This year we will host a "Trunk or Treat" event in the parking lots on campus to benefit our Eagle Athletics organizations. The goal is to provide the neighborhood with a safe place to trick or treat and for the community to gather and get to know each other. I am encouraged by the community outreach and support for the event. Many staff members, myself included, are also excited to participate. We continue to provide information as the event develops.
According to History.com:
The American Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food, and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives.
The church encouraged the distribution of soul cakes to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The method, referred to as "going a-souling," was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and receive ale, food, and money.
The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low, and many feared the dark; the short winter days were full of a constant worry.
It was a traditional belief that on Halloween, ghosts came back to the earthly world; people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits.
As winter approaches and the days get shorter, I am glad we don't share the same fears we once did and am encouraged that even now, the traditions of the community are what have always helped get us through.
I am proud to count myself as one of the Woodlawn community.
Mr. De La Garza
