Even the mini horses — yes, the mini horses (Puzzle the Pirate and Georgina the Magical Princess Pony) from our community partner Hope, Horses & Kids — stopped by Rancho Cielo’s “Trunk or Treat” last week. Instead of going door-to-door, Trunk or Treat participants park several decorated cars at one location, each handing out candy to the students. The parking lot looked like a shimmering carnival of imagination. Trunks transformed into candy-coated universes, each one a tribute to creativity and sugar. There was a Cookie Monster trunk, all blue with googly eyes, and across the way, the Kansas farm from “The Wizard of Oz”—straw, bales of hay and the Scarecrow!
Students swarmed from trunk to trunk, laughing, shrieking, filling bags with enough sweets and treats to power them through winter. You could feel the electric hum of celebration that happens only when everyone’s gone all in.
We’re incredibly grateful to TJ Silva’s All Good Things Farm and Frank Devine, owner of Fresh from D’Vine and The Patch, for donating truckloads of pumpkins, ensuring that every student had one to carve or paint. The result? A glowing orange army of jack-o’-lanterns, each one, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Stewie from “Family Guy,” grinning in its own mischievous way.
Meanwhile, Día de los Muertos (a two-day holiday honoring the deceased and celebrating both life and death) unfolded across campus, a gorgeous counterpoint to the candy-fueled love fest, a celebration of remembrance and reverence. Ofrendas (altars) appeared in hallways, classrooms and corners, each one unique, personal, tender. They were adorned with photographs, candles, offerings and brilliant bursts of marigolds (a heartfelt thank-you to Happy Girl Kitchen for gifting us those vibrant flowers of commemoration).
Our exceptional teachers transformed the moment into a teaching opportunity, blending culture and curriculum. Students learned about the traditional lanterns used for Día de los Muertos and crafted their own. These activities included a reflection component, allowing students to earn academic credit while engaging in a meaningful experience.
And because Rancho Cielo never does just enough, the day rolled on with a feast. Chef Efren, Chef EJ and our talented DCA students prepared a spooky-good barbecue chicken lunch that sent aromas drifting through the air like a haunting smoke signal.
It was a Halloween to remember. The kind of day that blends joy and meaning, light and reflection. Huge thanks to all the faculty and staff from Rancho Cielo, John Muir Charter Schools and Silver Star for making this year’s festivities unforgettable!
