Miranda Biggers masqueraded as a Monarch butterfly and Mrinal Joshi as a terrifying vampire for the Teacher Treat Trail at Heritage Elementary School. Biggers and Joshi are sixth-grade teachers at Heritage. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON — Approximately 300 ghosts, pirates and princesses (actually costumed children) roamed Heritage Elementary School’s halls on Oct. 24 for the first school’s first annual Teacher Treat Trail.

Heritage Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson had enjoyed seeing the school families in the treat trail at Madison Elementary School when she was assistant principal. At Heritage, she proposed the idea to the PTA and staff about a hosting a similar free event.

“Our PTA President Melissa Price is responsible for all organizing. The PTA did a fantastic job,” Nelson said. “Community participation was outstanding with a line out the door from 5:45 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. and steady traffic until 8 p.m.”

Teachers waited in their classrooms as students meandered down a trail through the building to collect Halloween treats and candy.

“Students traveled the entire trail getting the treats from teachers. The trail ended at the cafeteria where students could purchase pizzas and drinks,” Nelson said. Then, the youngsters had the option to play on several bounce houses in the gym.

Most of Heritage’s teachers and staff, about 35 brave souls, masqueraded in costume.

Sixth-grade teacher Mrinal Joshi was especially menacing as a vampire, complete with fangs, in a floor-length black and burgundy shroud. Resembling a monarch butterfly, sixth-grade teacher Miranda Biggers wore a striking costume with bobble antennae, wings and orange, gold and yellow fabric.

“We saw lots of Queen Elsas along with Minnie, Mickey, Cinderella, Snow White and cowboys, pirates and fairies,” Nelson said. “One of the most talked about costumes was that of third-grade teacher Katie Henley who wore a full flamingo outfit.”

“The students and teachers had a blast. I believe the adults had just as much fun,” Nelson said. “We’ve heard nothing but high praise about the entire evening. It was a great community event that we plan to grow in years to come.”