The Dilemma of Celebrating the Holidays Within School
"Which is it ... a Christmas tree or a holiday tree?"
You've heard the debate and most likely, have formed an opinion.
However, young children do not concern themselves with such questions and are quite unaware of political correctness and topics labeled sensitive issues. Considered a hot button, questions such as the tree, should not be addressed in school. Teachers must not opinionate or support a particular belief system. The Supreme Court has ruled that public schools may not sponsor religious practices (Engel v. Vitale, 1962; Abington v. Schempp, 1963) but may teach about religion.
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) literature states, "School-sponsored activities should also focus on more than one religion and religious holiday. Depicting a diversity of beliefs and customs is important to teaching public school students about religion and culture. It also helps to ensure that public schools remain neutral and do not promote or denigrate any particular denomination or custom."
Similarities & Differences
Many local teachers agree holidays are perfect avenues to explore similarities and differences, showcasing each child's diversity. For example, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, and Christmas share a commonality, involving celebrations with light. Oil lamps, menorahs, lanterns, candles, kinaras and trees are lit in honor.
Jessica Guertin, a kindergarten teacher at Kane Elementary School in Marlborough, feels that it is her obligation to learn more about the many traditions celebrated by the students in her classroom. "The holiday season is a time when children are able to take ownership of what they learn as well as what they are able to contribute," she said. "It is also one of the many times during the year when I'm learning just as much as I am teaching!"
Traditions
Each December, Guertin asks her students to bring in family recipes, which she compiles into a Family Favorites cookbook. Every child receives a copy to take home to their family.
First Grade teacher Lisa Regele seeks assistance from parents regarding the discussion of holidays and is always pleased with the positive responses. "My December newsletter invites parents to come into the classroom and share a holiday tradition," Regele said. Quick to credit parents for their creativity, sensitivity and participation, she recalls past years when children spun dreidles, made paper lanterns, wove placemats and welcomed St. Lucia into the classroom.
To support family discussions about holidays, one of Regele's latest projects incorporates the
use of Tradition Bags. Each canvas bag contains a book about celebrations throughout the world for students to bring home and read. For homework, they write about their family's holiday customs. "The children mostly write about the foods, crafts, and songs enjoyed around their holiday," said Regele.
Programs
and Recitals
"Songs evoke many different feelings especially around holiday time," said music teacher Chrysanthe Manual, who looks for songs that are well written, have interesting harmonies, and captivate students.
Using a mix of winter-themed and secular lyrics, Manual creates a holiday show, which is "welcoming and brings forth feelings of brotherhood and humanity, goodness and kindness."
Preparations begin in early Fall with Manual sorting through countless songbooks and CDs, looking for "the perfect lyrics or rhythm." Her efforts continue up until the final day. Manual collaborates with professional choreographer Kathy Taylor and classroom teachers to create a one-of-a-kind, non-traditional school presentation.
Audiences, comprised of students, relatives, friends, and staff, have given Manual high praise, "They say, we never repeat ourselves!"
With more than visions of sugar plums dancing in her head, kindergarten teacher Melissa Ducharme of Page Hilltop School contacted the Ayer Education Foundation. Thanks to Ducharme, the Foundation has funded in full, a diverse educational program focusing on December holidays and traditions.
Throughout the curricula this month, "...Kindergarteners will participate in merry celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, The First Day of Winter, New Year's Eve... and others," said Foundation board member Heidi Hynes.
Debbie O'Carroll's Magical Theater for Children will address cultural and holiday awareness to the 116 Kindergarten students and their families at Page Hilltop. History, literature and language arts will be taught throughout the curricula.
"This exciting and colorful program captivates students with stage magic, dance and holiday lore," said Hynes.
The Right to Say No!
Parents may request their child not partake in activities they deem associated as religious, including but not limited to Halloween (All Saints Day) and Saint Valentine's Day. Schools will grant reasonable excusals without penalties to students upon request. Many schools are now choosing to eliminate these observances, sighting time on task and food allergies as reasons.
Policies and Curricula
According to the National Association of Elementary School Principals, "Many districts have switched from traditional American holidays to seasonal fairs, flings, or carnivals, with an emphasis on learning about the holidays of many cultures."
When a school is familiar with its student population and the needs of its community, everyone benefits. Parent workshops and development training for teachers can further address holiday policies and related curricula.
School systems should work alongside parents, teachers and administrators to ensure sensible and equitable practices regarding religious holidays.
Equity
To be equitable, schools are fastidious in their attempt to represent the diverse cultures present in their district. Guertin relies on parent input, internet searches and age-appropriate literature to gain knowledge to share with her kindergarten students. "I research all of the holidays that are celebrated by my students," she said. "I also make sure to spend an equal amount of time on each holiday and to not place one tradition in higher regard than another."
Diversity
"My kids learn best by participating in celebrations and reading literature," said Rutland resident Darlene O' Connor. A teacher herself, O'Connor believes students learn more when using a hands-on approach to learning. "I think it's important for my own children to learn and value their classmates' customs, so in turn, they can respect and value their own traditions," she said.
Does it r-e-a-l-l-y matter whether it is a Christmas tree or a holiday tree? Only you, as a parent, can answer. School is a place where peace and tolerance bring together acceptance and friendship, making the world a tighter-knit and safer place for all of us.
Amy Benoit is a third grade teacher at Worcester arts Magnet School and a Massachusetts-based
freelance writer.
TIPS • Read through your child's School Policies Handbook (concerning celebrations) • Educate yourself on The First Amendment and Supreme Court rulings • Ask the teacher what holidays are celebrated in the classroom/school wide • Join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to make suggestions
