December Dilemma

 December Dilemma

As we move further into December, the following are some reminders for referencing. Because all of our students have different home experiences, their feelings around this time of year vary. A variety of backgrounds, beliefs, demographics and family situations impact how our students react throughout these upcoming weeks. We try and keep our schedules as consistent as possible because we know this can play into a feeling of unrest for some of our students. I know all of you still try your best to keep the learning expectations as consistent as you can to 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. Based on district procedure 330.1, the showing of full length movies is limited to those shown with direct alignment to current curriculum and require prior principal approval, and with the purchase of a movie license. You are allowed to show "snippets" of movies without a license (but not the entire movie).

● 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.

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that may arise.

Wishing you a wonderful week.