With Halloween less than two weeks away, it’s the perfect topic for the latest episode of Tot School.  Tot School teacher Kathy Reese and four youngsters dressed as superheroes enjoy a craft, a ghoulish snack, and a presentation about Halloween safety from Paducah Police Officer Gretchen Morgan.

Tot School: Halloween can be seen on Government 11, the governmental access channel of the City of Paducah, and on Paducah-2.  The episode also is online at www.paducahky.gov and the various social media outlets for the City of Paducah including Youtube and Facebook.  Check the website for Government 11 program information, videos, news releases, and broadcast schedules.

During the first segment, Officer Morgan provides the youngsters with several tips about staying safe while trick or treating.  Officer Morgan says, “The safest time to trick or treat is right before it gets dark when it’s still daylight and you can still see.”  Other tips about Halloween safety include

• Make sure to trick or treat with an adult;
• Carry a flashlight;
• Wear comfortable shoes;
• Select costumes that fit appropriately and are not tripping hazards;
• Take masks off while walking to the next house;
• Avoid walking in the road; walk on sidewalks or the edge of yards;
• Select houses with their front porch lights on in familiar neighborhoods;
• Don’t go inside any house;
• Don’t pet or approach any animals;
• Have an adult check the candy before eating it; and
• Have a good time!

 During craft time, the kids make a decorative votive holder using a glass baby food jar.  The kids have a great time using glue and orange tissue paper to make the outside of the jar look like a pumpkin.  Add some black construction paper cut out in a jack-o-lantern face and you have the perfect candle holder for your Halloween parties.

Tot School always includes creative snack times.  During this episode the kids spread green icing over two Nutter Butter® cookies to make goblin feet.  Add some cashews as claws, and then you have a scary Halloween snack.

The Paducah Parks Services Department coordinates Tot School, a preschool program for 3 to 5 year olds.  Tot School helps prepare children for kindergarten through developmentally stimulating activities that enhance a child's learning and growth.  For more information about Tot School, contact the Parks Services Department at 444-8508.

For more information about Government 11 programming, call Tom Butler, WKCTC Television Production Coordinator, at 534-3208 or Pam Spencer, City of Paducah Public Information Officer, at 444-8669.

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