I agree with Charyllee,let the children be children. They grow up so fast. I think the Parent /Teacher Organizations should help out on these special days, giving the teacher's some well derserved break time. It's difficult to get enough willing parents/guardians to help out,with everyone's job schedules. But take help from all who offer it. Keep the parties playful with fun and games and not so much on food and treats.

Thank you Charyllee .

Excellent snynopsis Crissleigh.

I think it is a parents job to teach their child traditions not the schools . How ever I do feel it is up to the schools to try to keep education fun. A school party is a real treat for most kids . While yes prek -2 usually are the most excited the other kids have a lot of fun also . It is a chance for the kids to relax and have fun with other kids they may not see outside of school.
Before the birth of my daughter I know that at my job we always looked forward to coworkers bringing their kids in to trick or treat at our desks .We loved watching the kids visit with Santa and have milk and cookies at Christmas time . We also enjoyed the parties our employer had for us .
For me it is not so much about tradition in stopping a school party (I teach my 2 kids those traditions at home ) it is more about the fun being taken out of the US Education system and kids being used to beat the test scores of other Countries .
Education has a purpose of teaching our kids skills they will need for the future and social kills are a big part of that . Kids get to use social skills at parties get a sense of giving and are made to feel special that day . A school party teaches a lot to kids even though is seems like just a day of fun .