Homecoming spirit week themes are always slightly controversial — not everyone can be satisfied, and they often spark mixed reactions. This year, however, is truly something special. I don’t want to be harsh, as I appreciate all the work that student council and Sea of Gold do to make our school spirited and fun, but can we talk about some of these theme choices? 

I’m not sure whether it’s Wacky Wednesday or Ages that throws me off more, but either way, the excitement that usually comes with Homecoming week is hindered by the fact that no one actually owns a diaper or a walker. I mean, for all of Menlo’s talk about sustainability, these themes seem to require an awful lot of Amazon purchases.

Let’s start with Monday: Ages. First of all, why do the sophomores get “teens” when they literally are teens? That’s like giving the freshmen “awkward middle schooler” as a theme —  it hits way too close to home. And don’t get me wrong, I love school spirit, but asking freshmen to show up to school dressed like babies feels a little weird. Seniors have a pretty easy one here (elders), just wear a cardigan and some glasses or borrow your grandpa’s cane. But what are juniors supposed to do? What does an adult even wear that’s distinct? All I see teachers wearing are plain T-shirts and jeans. 

On Tuesday, we move on to Patterns. In the email announcing the themes, I read animal print and thought, “Maybe this one will actually be kind of fun.” But actually, only the juniors get to look normal while the sophomores have to dress up like walking chessboards. For the seniors, camo print works if you want to look like you’re enlisting, but for school, it seems a little overdone. And as for the freshmen, they get to look like they just got back from summer camp. Tie-dye? I’d rather tie-die.

Then comes the not-at-all cliche Wacky Wednesday. This might just be the most common dress-up day in middle schools and summer camps — but we’re in high school now. Realistically, you can only dye your hair crazy colors so many times before it gets old. Also, this one is dangerously vague. Am I supposed to wear two different socks or buy an inflatable tube man costume? 

Thursday almost makes up for the week: Adam Sandler Day. Now, this one I actually love. Oversized basketball shorts, T-shirts and a backwards hat. It’s comfy, funny and instantly recognizable. It’s also the one day of the week you don’t need to load up your Amazon cart. Most of us can thrift or dig out a huge pair of gym shorts (from your dad’s closet??) and call it a day. Adam Sandler, if you’re reading this, thank you for your service to our spirit week. 

Luckily, spirit week ends with the cherry on top. Friday is the classic: School Colors. This one is timeless, and along with Adam Sandler Day, makes the other themes worth it. There is nothing better than showing up to the hoco game decked out in school spirit. 

Here’s the thing: spirit week is supposed to be fun, easy and something that brings us together. While this year’s themes definitely bring us together, it’s mostly in confusion and shared disappointment. But don’t get too sad because we’ll always have Adam Sandler Day.