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So my friend has a few kids, they live out of town and are homeschooled.  
 
So here is the scenario, someone she knows told her that her kids were not allowed to go to the Monster Mash in Brandon because they are not residents and the kids do not have proper ID? Is this ridiculous or is it just me?  
 
She was born and raised in Brandon, loves the city but loves her kids even more. It absolutely broke the kids hearts that they couldn't go. They were so excited!  
 
So my question is, has any one else expereinced something like this? And why is it okay to turn them away when it's suppose to be a "safe and fun" place for kids to celebrate halloween? I thought it was about THE KIDS! Not about an address. I am very disappointed with this  
 
 
 
Edited by mycrazylife, 2015-10-29 09:23:50

http://police.brandon.ca/community/monster-mash  
 
The above link will take you to BPS's page on the monster mash. It clearly states that it is for kids in the Brandon School Division. I'm assuming that is like this so the numbers can be controlled. Open it up to any and all, and there could be 5000 kids trying to get in - that would create more trouble than them being on the streets.

http://police.brandon.ca/community/monster-mash  
 
Looks like it's geared to Brandon School Division Students - Grades 7 - 12.  
 
I suppose they have to draw the line somewhere.  

 
 
Perhaps that could be a project for her homeschooled children to create and run a similar event in their community next year! They could possible fund raise in their community this Halloween while they are out trick or treating. Make some flyers to leave with neighbors. or carry donation boxes and explain their cause.  
 
 
Edited by sharon kucher, 2015-10-29 09:36:40

gowheatsgo said "http://police.brandon.ca/community/monster-mash     The above link will take you to BPS's page on the monster mash. It clearly states that it is for kids in the Brandon School Division. I'm assuming that is like this so the numbers can be controlled. Open it up to any and all, and there could be 5000 kids trying to get in - that would create more trouble than them being on the streets. "

is not suppose to be for kids? I honestly don't think their address should play a part in this.  
 
They only live 10 minutes from Brandon. And if the numbers rose, then advocate for more volunteers?  
 
If a child causes an incident at the event, then yes I could definately agree with putting them on a "naughty list" lol. I don't think it would be that difficult to identify them, most kids have some sort of ID and for out of towners, my suggestion would be the parents either have to stay and monitor OR escort their kids in with ID and leave a number to where the parents can be reached should an issue arise.  
 
Sharon: They would do this but her kids are a bit older, and not really into trick or treating anymore. And as mentioned, they live 10 minutes from Brandon. So when they did trick or treat they drove to Brandon and treated at friends homes  
 
Edited by mycrazylife, 2015-10-29 09:42:30

Your argument is that these kids are only 10 minutes away. If that is allowed, then the people 20 minutes away will say "it is only another 10 minutes", then so on and so on. Rules are rules.  
 
I agree with Sharon - get in touch with other rural areas and create your own. Problem solved.

As the links above mention, it's for kids in the Brandon School Division and sponsored financially through the Brandon business community - run by volunteers.  
 
There are contact names and info in the link if you have any questions or concerns. Why not give them a call or email?

Its for Brandon School Division kids run by volunteers from Brandon and the BPS. I wouldn't expect that my kids be able to attend events in other towns specifically for their school division kids. This is why the kids are required to show their student cards.  
 
Advocate for more volunteers?? Perhaps your friend can advocate for volunteers in their community to hold something similar.  

As stated above, this event is put on for children in the brandon school division. The children that go are required to bring their school ID card. This is for safety of the children. They have to draw the line somewhere, and I am glad they do. The numbers could get out of control.  
These kids wouldn't just go play football for crocus cause "it is for children", they actually have to attend school there to play. Same with this. They need to be students of the brandon school division to attend.  
 
I agree with forming something in their own community, possibly with other home-schooled children.  
 
 
 
Edited by Cheezies, 2015-10-29 10:58:41

My question would be...What is the school division that she lists on her fall registration form?  
 
If is IS the BSD, then the money that the division receives for her kids (even though they are not physically attending) would go there and she should be allowed to send her kids. They have the right to attend...but only if she falls in the same school division catchment area.

if the fact that it's for BSD kids only was made clear at all? It was all over the radio so I imagine she made plans as soon as she heard and has every right to be disappointed. I guess better advertising next year is in order.

Flutterby said "My question would be...What is the school division that she lists on her fall registration form?     If is IS the BSD, then the money that the division receives for her kids (even though they are not physically attending) would go there and she should be allowed to send her kids. They have the right to attend...but only if she falls in the same school division catchment area. "

This makes sense too. But then they should be required to get a school ID card, as our children need them. Also this event is put on by the brandon city police, and they have choosen the rules, nothing to do with bsd funding.  
 
Edited by Cheezies, 2015-10-29 10:57:46

mycrazylife said "    gowheatsgo said "http://police.brandon.ca/community/monster-mash     The above link will take you to BPS's page on the monster mash. It clearly states that it is for kids in the Brandon School Division. I'm assuming that is like this so the numbers can be controlled. Open it up to any and all, and there could be 5000 kids trying to get in - that would create more trouble than them being on the streets. " is not suppose to be for kids? I honestly don't think their address should play a part in this.     They only live 10 minutes from Brandon. And if the numbers rose, then advocate for more volunteers?     If a child causes an incident at the event, then yes I could definately agree with putting them on a "naughty list" lol. I don't think it would be that difficult to identify them, most kids have some sort of ID and for out of towners, my suggestion would be the parents either have to stay and monitor OR escort their kids in with ID and leave a number to where the parents can be reached should an issue arise.     Sharon: They would do this but her kids are a bit older, and not really into trick or treating anymore. And as mentioned, they live 10 minutes from Brandon. So when they did trick or treat they drove to Brandon and treated at friends homes     Edited by mycrazylife, 2015-10-29 09:42:30"

The students at ACC and University go "trick or treating" collect food for their own school pantries.  
 
Your friends children would be able to do the same collect funds or promises of support and hand out flyers explaining their wish/plan/idea.  
 
I keep a bag of groceries by my the door and also offer candy to the older students.  
Sadly they did not stop by my area last year. I have not heard if they are doing that this year.  
 
This is also an idea for older students no matter where you live : Parents talk to your older children maybe they could dress up and collect food for Samaritan house or turn the collection into your local town hall they would be able to get it to families in need?  
This would keep the kids busy for the early evening hours.

as someone who home schools her children Im surprised she would want her children to go. Any that I know do so to keep there family values instilled and keep the outside world and its influences out, as much as possible. But since the children are not registered at any school division it would be understandable to me that they would unfortunately not be included.

Cheezies said "    Flutterby said "My question would be...What is the school division that she lists on her fall registration form?     If is IS the BSD, then the money that the division receives for her kids (even though they are not physically attending) would go there and she should be allowed to send her kids. They have the right to attend...but only if she falls in the same school division catchment area. " This makes sense too. But then they should be required to get a school ID card, as our children need them. Also this event is put on by the brandon city police, and they have choosen the rules, nothing to do with bsd funding.     Edited by Cheezies, 2015-10-29 10:57:46"

Each homeschool family does get a card stating each child's name in the family that is homeschooled & a number for the family & also each child as registered within the province. They do not state a school name of course, and do not list the school division on the card, even though it is required to be stated on the registration form which division they are in. They are technically in the division according to the official form.  
 
I imagine if she wished, that she could contact the homeschool liason and request an official letter stating which division she registered under.  
 
If the child is registered as being homeschooled within the school division, they legally have the same rights and privileges as those attending the brick & mortar school in the same division. It is a matter of those who are administrating the event being informed (through a respectful meeting) and the family providing the card. They might still be refused, but sometimes that is what happens to those homeschooled.  
 
If the parents are concerned, it is a matter of obtaining the papers, perhaps with a clear explanation, & that includes the needed information, from the liason. Then, those parents should meet with whomever they need to and talk over their concerns with them.  
 
Alternatively, they could bring up this scenario with the liason and ask if anything can be done about also listing the division on the card for next year.  
 
Maybe doing both would be the way to go.  
 
It really depends on how important it is to this family if they really want to go through all of this. For myself and my family, I would consider this a minor issue and not something important enough to make a big deal out of, much less pursue. It is an extra curricular (the most relative term I can think of) type of social event and has nothing to do with the direct education of my children. They could survive without it and I would use it as a character building lesson opportunity that you can have or do everything that you or others want...but that is just me.

Jaxon said "as someone who home schools her children Im surprised she would want her children to go. Any that I know do so to keep there family values instilled and keep the outside world and its influences out, as much as possible. But since the children are not registered at any school division it would be understandable to me that they would unfortunately not be included. "

It would not be our choice either for various reasons, but not everyone holds the same convictions nor holds to the same ideals as every other homeschooler.  
 
Not everyone homeschools for the same reason(s) either. It could easily be for a medical reason alone and not anything else.  
 
If everything was dictated, homeschoolers would lose their freedom to choose obviously. I think that being the same as everyone else would lead to a dull life experience and not the rich and varied experience that homeschoolers have the opportunity to enjoy.  
 
BTW, Jaxon, feel free to pm me. It would be good to meet you..haha...and maybe I already have!

and I appreciate everyone's input. I have told her that I posted on here and to read what all your suggestions are. Thanks  
 
Jaxon - if I am correct, is it not mandatory to have your children attend extra curricular activities while being homeschooled? From what she has told me it is. It is so they have a social life outside of the home. And IMO I don't think going to a dance once in awhile would affect their way of learning/living. They are very well behaved educated kids. It's not like she sends them downtown Winnipeg at night to explore. lol

I do not know all the ins and outs as I myself have never done it. Only have known others from the church that do it and listened to their reasons. And doubt any of those mothers would allow their children. These families seem to involve the children in church, music and acting activities.

It is not mandatory in MB to have your children attend extra curricular activities while being homeschooled, but every homeschooling family should be providing these opportunities.  
 
The great majority of parents who do homeschool see and understand the need for meeting and interacting with others both young and old...not just their age group, so that they can converse with everyone intelligently, learn from others, and be more well rounded individuals.  
 
I would say as well that while homeschooled children do get the opportunity to go outside more often during the day for "free play" (so, the phys. ed. part), it is still important to involve your children in away from home organized activities that will develop good physical development. These activities should also build on respect for self and others and other positive character traits. If a person inquires, they will find that homeschooling families often recognize this need in a big way and are quite involved in and supportive of their children's extra activities.

Your friend doesn't pay city taxes, a portion is for the school division. Therefore why would they be entitled to attend an event hosted by the BSD?

It's my understanding the Brandon Police Service do this all on their own (Brandon School Division does not fund this). The event was initially started to keep kids off Brandon streets...now morphed into a tradition even if not taking place on Halloween nights sometimes (depends on yearly calendar). What a great event!  
 
There are Brandon Businesses that donate and make this happen with many volunteers involved.  
 
Why would one think they're entitled and disappointed just because they loved Brandon, possibly got the kids excited (without checking into the criteria), live out of town, are homeschooled, etc. When it's for BSD students, in Brandon?  
 
Could turn into a nightmare if no criteria was set for boundaries!