Teaching in December...

 

Below are some reminders to help you manage December in our classrooms. Each of our students have different home experiences that determine how this time of year will feel for them. A variety of backgrounds, beliefs, demographics and family situations can impact how our students will react during these next few weeks. Consistency will assist these students with success.  Keeping our schedules and learning expectations consistent will help students feel grounded, even if their lives outside of school are not.  I know each of you see your students practically like your own, and will support your students, however they need it, through these next few weeks. As always, let me or Sarah know if you have a student or family you are concerned with during this holiday season.

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 anyone religion or religions 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 year. Holiday activities, parties and showing of videos should be a minimal part of the school day. Based on district policy, the showing of videos is limited to those shown with direct alignment to current curriculum and require prior approval. Note: the Parent Group's movie license expired November 30th.
• 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 provide.

May the upcoming weeks allow you time to enjoy the spirit of the holidays,

both at school and at home!