Classroom parties are planned for Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter, with these occasions being dress-down days. Children dress in costumes for Halloween but these costumes may not include toy weapons of any kind. At the beginning of the school year, each family is asked to make a commitment to help with at least one of these parties. If a family has more than one child in the school, it is helpful for parents to participate in at least one of each of their childrens class parties. Parents are required to make child-care arrangements for younger siblings while volunteering in the classroom.