Dear Staff,
As we approach the holidays, I want to share a reminder about inclusiveness (in what feels like a divisive world). As you know, our students have different home experiences that determine their feelings about this time of year. A variety of backgrounds, beliefs, demographics and family situations can impact how our students will react during these next few weeks. Keeping our schedules and learning expectations as consistent as possible will help students feel grounded, even if their lives outside of school are not. Thank you for the commitment you show to our students each and every day.
REMINDERS
The holiday season can be tricky when acknowledging the various religious and secular holiday traditions celebrated during this time of year, while also balancing the need for sustained quality teaching and learning. The following guidelines can help:
● Public schools must never appear to endorse religion over non-religion or one particular religious faith over another.
● Public schools must be careful not to cross the line between teaching about religious holidays (which is permitted) and celebrating religious holidays (which is not).
● Religious music, literature, art or other religious activities should not dominate school activities. School events, assemblies, concerts and programs must be designed to further a secular and objective program of education and must not focus on any one religion or religious observance.
● Religious symbols are not appropriate seasonal decorations in public schools. At the same time, students should not be restricted from choosing to express their religious views in course assignments (e.g., artwork, personal narrative).
● High quality standards-based instruction and student learning is the expectation in December as it is throughout the school year. Holiday activities should be a minimal part of the school day. The district is working on guidelines for showing movies in school - I will share more information as soon as it has been clarified.
● The goal for our schools is that we provide an inclusive learning environment for all students. Every student should feel welcome and represented at a public school and should be able to participate in every activity we have.
May the upcoming weeks allow you to enjoy time with the people that are important to you, both at school and at home. Here is also a link from the Anti-Defamation League with more information on the December Dilemma. The article has five sections, and after you finish one section, you'll need to click to the next portion of the article.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Sue
