The first few weeks of autumn have blanketed Fishtown sidewalks with yellow and orange hued leaves. Neighbors have placed carefully carved pumpkins on their stoops and candlelit skulls in their windows. Even the bags of fun-sized candy bars have gone on sale at Thriftway.

Halloween season is fully in swing, and eighth-grade pupils at Adaire Elementary School, Thompson and Palmer streets, are doing their part to ensure October goes out with a "BOO!"

In lieu of various fundraisers, eighth-grade pupils, teachers and the Home and School Association at Adaire Elementary School are hosting a "Haunted School" throughout the hallways and classrooms to benefit the eighth-grade graduating class. All profits from admissions will go toward each student's graduation costs - yearbooks, caps and gowns - and their annual end of year trip to either Baltimore, New York or Medieval Times.

In recent years, these annual fees have risen to about $100 per student, said Home and School President Tina Mil, whose daughter, Amber Mil, is among those anticipating graduation this year.

Some parents are finding out that they do not have the additional funds to send their children on the graduation trip, especially those that might have more than one child in the graduating class. Things are especially tight given the recent state of the economy, so Mil and other Home and School Association parents are making sure early on that everyone will be able to participate in both graduation and the class trip.

Other fundraising efforts are being held throughout the school year, such as "Fruitilicious," a healthy alternative to bake sales where students make and sell their own fruit smoothies during lunchtime. While students will still have some fees to come up with at the end of the school year, avid fundraising lessens the load.

"It's enough money to help everyone out a lot," said Jenna Zemek, an eighth-grader who is hopeful for a class trip to Baltimore, which is where last year's grads went for their trip.

But, as Mil explained, traditional fundraising techniques are making "less and less money" each year. It was time to think outside of the box.

The idea for the haunted house came about while brainstorming about raising money giving back to the community. Home and School members decided to create an affordable family event for Halloween - a haunted house throughout the school hallways and then a party with food and drink in the gym.

The admission price for Adaire's Haunted School is just $2 per person, compared to $25 for other haunted houses in Philadelphia. Although it won't be a professionally haunted house, it's for a good cause and association members are sure to have a couple tricks up their sleeves.

The "Haunted School" will be showcasing the spooky side of the students, some of which will be dressed up to jump out from the edges of every hallway.

The theme? "Zombies!" cried Zemek and her fellow classmates, Amber Mil, Regina Rzepski, Mone Gill and Tyler Bowdren.

Other pupils will adorn hallways with creepy decorations or hand out snacks and apple cider in the gym. Since this is their money, all students are expected to contribute to the event in some way.

So far, Mil said, the kids have shown enthusiasm for working as a team to bring the project together for their graduation, and they hope their efforts can be enjoyed by the whole neighborhood. Additional fundraising events are being weighed and planned for the rest of the school year.**

"Haunted School" at Adaire

Adaire Home and School will be hosting a "Haunted School" on Oct. 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Adaire School, 1300 E. Palmer St. Admission is $2 and all profits will go to the eighth grade to cover class trip costs and graduation fees. The entrance will be at the Thompson Street doors and will continue along the hall to the gym where music and treats will be available. If you would like to lend a hand with either acting or decorating, please call Tina Mil at 267-808-7750.