Newtown Middle School’s Labels Are For Jars club started preparing for October 31 more than a week before the date arrived.

Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, students in the club sorted candy into small black pouches with the words, “Happy Valentober… Spread the love… Tell someone you love them” written on red labels.

The club, which began about six years ago, formed when four eighth grade girls were concerned about mean behaviors. The girls, said NMS art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather, who is co-advisor for the club with school counselor Kate MacKinney, wanted to make the middle school a place that is kind and safe. The name of the club came from the concept of “don’t label me,” according to Ms Spoonfeather.

Ms Spoonfeather also said the club focuses on finding ways to make the school a better place.

NMS eighth grader Fallyn Kirlin said she joined the club because she always looks for a way to contribute, and thought the club offered opportunities to make ideas become actions. Many of her fellow Labels Are For Jars club members agreed, all sharing that they enjoy the club.

Last year, one boy, according to Ms Spoonfeather, questioned why Valentine’s Day shares love between couples and came up with the idea of creating a celebration for Halloween that combined sharing love and candy with everyone.

Near the start of October this year, for the second year in a row, signs begin going up around the school warning students to, “Beware Valentober is coming.”

While eighth graders at the school already knew this year what Valentober would involve, seventh grade students were kept in the dark, according to the club members.

For Friday, October 31, the club members handed out their black pouches and unveiled Valentober for the school community.

NMS students were asked to share a pouch with one teacher, one non-teacher adult, and share the rest with their fellow students, spreading love on Halloween, with candy.