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whoanelly Member
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 A letter was sent home by the Stokesdale principal with a list of "don'ts" that parents and teachers are to abide for classroom celebrations. Trying to stay in line with political correctness, the principal has once again gone too far in her commands. Instead of celebrating and sharing our differences, we are only allowed to celebrate with snowmen. There was a beautiful Winter Concert last year by the music teacher that celebrated many of the winter holidays, including Kwanza, Hanakah and Christmas. While I am on this topic, another offensive statement came from the principal earlier this year. Parents who have a change of plans in transportation for their children during the day or fail to send a note alerting the staff know that their child will be dismissed early may face being called in to the principal's office. GCS states that all schools tend not to celebrate traditional Christian holidays. I don't think that is or was the issue. The issue is and will remain inclusion; not exclusion. Ms. Williams thinks that by celebrating with angels or holly, red or green; we may exclude some children that may not celebrate "Christmas". Perhaps a walk through classrooms to observe pictures of Menorahs and trees side by side is a more inclusive approach instead of eliminating all traces of traditional celebrations. We are moving towards a totalarian government at Stokesdale Elementary and it must stop. When leadership voted on this topic, I don't believe that they meant to exclude every thing important to people. I believe that they voted to assure that each holiday was treated with respect for all cultures and religions. I would appreciate others thoughts on this issue. |
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Cracker Jax Member 
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Howdy whoanelly. Stokesdale's PTA president, Vicki White-Lawrence, commented on this over on the "Reflections on Dr. Grier and the school board" forum if you haven't seen it already. She gives insight as to why this decision was made. As far as I know, we (Summerfieldians) can have parties, but we have to serve tofu and grapenuts To my knowledge, our teachers have never gone into depth and discussed any specific Christian beliefs though the parties are centered around the Christian holidays. Usually before winter break, an entire week is dedicated to the introduction of different cultural celebrations in the classes we've been in with the intent to make children more TOLERANT of the differences in our world- sort of like what your Music teacher did. I feel that this is a wonderful way to teach kids to be tolerant and respectful of others beliefs. It also goes a long way in the battle against prejudice and racism and we are taking steps backward if we remove these lessons. I know people think parents should teach this at home, but sometimes the parents themselves might not know enough about other's beliefs or they weren't taught to have respect for those beliefs. They might have reached children who aren't lucky enough to have open minded parents. Last edited on Oct 7th, 2006 03:25 am by Cracker Jax |
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Starcatchr Member 
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Whoanelly,what an interesting approach! There is a book titled Holidays Around the World and one called (not sure of exact title) Religious Holidays for Children. Every school should own one or more books like these. Last edited on Oct 7th, 2006 03:32 am by Starcatchr |
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Cracker Jax Member
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whoanelly wrote: While I am on this topic, another offensive statement came from the principal earlier this year. Parents who have a change of plans in transportation for their children during the day or fail to send a note alerting the staff know that their child will be dismissed early may face being called in to the principal's office. I'm not sure I understand this statement whoanelly....and I forgot to comment on it last night. Who gets called to the principal's office if the parent doesn't send a note? |
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whoanelly Member
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If I remember the bulletin correctly, the parents will be asked to come to the office for a meeting with the principal if the rules aren't followed. This is her second year and she doesn't seem to be making many friends with her policies. I have a student at the middle school and they have always asked for parents to write notes so that class will not be interupted. Notes to alert the staff are a great thing! I have no problem with pre-planning and writing notes. But to threaten reprimands before a problem has even begun seems a bit overkill in my opinion. Many parents feel like they are treated like subordinates. The notes that continue to come home confirm to me that their feelings are justified. |
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DToney Member 
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whoanelly wrote: If I remember the bulletin correctly, the parents will be asked to come to the office for a meeting with the principal if the rules aren't followed.so is she not a parent or is it that her family has never had an emergency? seems like there is a lack of understanding on her part... |
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macca Member 
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I haven't had this happen to me, but I have been in the office when someone shows up to pick up a child and that person isn't on the list of authorized people. I've seen the secretary there make all kinds of calls to get in touch with someone who IS authorized to explain to them that she cannot just release their child to this person. She tries to explain that she is just following Guilford County Schools policy and that it is her responsibility to make sure the person who has shown up really is ok to pick up this child. I've been impressed that staff takes their responsibility to protect the children so seriously. I'd certainly want them to be that careful with my little ones!!! ♥♥♥ |
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whoanelly Member
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Absolutely that is what Mrs. Knight should do! No unauthorized person should ever be allowed to waltz up there and take a child! Go Gail! BUT, What if a parent comes to pick up their child early for whatever reason without a note? Do they get lectured? I know that I have forgotten about a drs. appointment and had to run up and pull my child out of school without prior notification. Heaven forbid me forget more than once! Hopefully, the warning was just a lot of hot air, but it leaves me hot under the collar!  |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I've even seen cases where ex-spouses for instance didn't have rights to pick up a child and tried to get to them at school. I'd much rather be safe than sorry. If we ever have a change of transportation, I'll usually call the school and fax a note. |
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whoanelly Member
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I should clarify that the note with the lists of no nos came from the first grade teachers, but states that the policies come from the principal and the leadership team. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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whoanelly wrote: BUT, What if a parent comes to pick up their child early for whatever reason without a note? Do they get lectured? We were posting at the same time nelly.... I didn't see the note, but if that was the jist of it, I can see why you're huffy about it. Surely that wouldn't happen. They might try to lecture me - once. Perhaps the principal just lacks communication skills and can't get her point across very well. |
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blessingsalways2u Member 
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Hi Group, I dont have little ones at home anymore, but when my kids were in school (granted we were in another state) the parents were the decision makers of how schools were run. The more I hear from parents about public schools the more I understand why so many parents home school. I come from a state where homeschooling in not as common as is here. I cannot believe the way some schools are run and the way parents are treated? Are these not our children and our taxes that pay these teachers and administrators salaries? When our children are in these schools more than they are home and they are being influenced and molded by what they see and hear in school, it seems to me that parents should have more say about what their children are getting during their time at school? I send all of the parents out there with young children my compassion, empathy and prayers. Blessings to you all |
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kidwell Member 
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Hey everyone, Did anyone else think of the fact that we are sent home a fundraiser within the first month of school...Well the inside of that catalog is full of Christmas stuff, plenty of red and green, santas, snowmen, angels , etc...Now let me get this straight my child who is in 1st grade can not have a holiday party or decorate the room with red and green BUT you want us to sell at least 20 items in that catalog??? Something doesn't make sense here does it???!!! Well I tell ya I will not sell anything next year and hope many follow...You can't make money off the holiday we can't celebrate. |
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DToney Member
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they sent home fund raisers the 1st day of school at one of our schools...  |
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Cracker Jax Member
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kidwell wrote:
You make a good point there, but you gotta remember that the new policy is a GC Schools policy and the fundraisers are PTA fundraisers. Two separate entities. Plus if you don't participate in fundraisers, it only hurts our kids... not the staff or the school system who made the policy to begin with. Glad you've joined us!!! |
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macca Member
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Good points, Crackah!! ♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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parents need to stand up to this principal & anyone that supports her narrowmindedness... it is thoughts and actions like these that have us in the shape we are now... everyone is turning away from Christianity & it really ticks me off that we can support other religions and not the one this country was founded on! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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DToney wrote: it really ticks me off that we can support other religions and not the one this country was founded on! Which religion was this country founded on? Methodist? Presbyterian? Quaker? Baptist? Episcopalian? Catholic? Judaism? Lutheran? Mennonite? Southern Baptist? Disciples of Christ? Unitarian? Wesleyan? Pentecostal? Moravian? Jehovah's Witness? Free Will Baptist? Nazarene? Greek Orthodox? Seventh Day Adventist? And here I was thinking we all (our forefathers) left the Old Country to get away from the state imposed religion of the Church of England? I thought that the purpose of a school was as a place to teach and learn, and not a place to party and have parties? Am I missing something here? Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 10:39 am by Jim Flynt |
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macca Member
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DToney wrote:parents need to stand up to this principal & anyone that supports her narrowmindedness... it is thoughts and actions like these that have us in the shape we are now... everyone is turning away from Christianity & it really ticks me off that we can support other religions and not the one this country was founded on! DToney, Since you evidently have no children at the elementary school you probably don't know this, but this principal did a very brave thing on Thursday night. She walked into a meeting of folks, some of whom were very upset with her, and told them she was wrong, and that she hoped that everyone could get beyond the hoopla and back to the purpose of educating our children... All of this stemmed from misunderstandings and miscommunications. |
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DToney Member
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Jim Flynt wrote: DToney wrote: it really ticks me off that we can support other religions and not the one this country was founded on!
wasn't it Christianity?
Correct.... freedom of religion...
definitely.... but to say nothing goes... a little much |
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DToney Member
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macca wrote: DToney, Since you evidently have no children at the elementary school you probably don't know this, but this principal did a very brave thing on Thursday night. She walked into a meeting of folks, some of whom were very upset with her, and told them she was wrong, and that she hoped that everyone could get beyond the hoopla and back to the purpose of educating our children... All of this stemmed from misunderstandings and miscommunications.WONDERFUL that she is big enough to admit it! Kudos! |
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blessingsalways2u Member
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HI Folks, Macca, that is great news, hopefully everyone can take her lead and forgive and forget. The kids will be watching this whole situation and I am always amazed at how much kids take in when we think they are not aware of what is going on. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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macca wrote: this principal did a very brave thing on Thursday night. She walked into a meeting of folks, some of whom were very upset with her, and told them she was wrong, and that she hoped that everyone could get beyond the hoopla and back to the purpose of educating our children... Amen. I second her emotion. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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DToney wrote: DToney wrote:wasn't it Christianity? Can you tell us what "Christianity" means? The problem with "Christianity" as a concept is that there is no consensus of what it means. That is why our founding fathers created our government such with a clearly defined separation of church and state. And if you don't believe me, then ask all of the following if they agree with YOUR definition of "Christianity" instead of THEIR definition of Christianity: The Methodists. The Presbyterians. The Quakers. The Baptists. The Episcopalians. The Catholics. The Jews. The Lutherans. The Mennonites. The Southern Baptists. The Disciples of Christ. The Unitarians. The Wesleyans. The Pentecostals. The Moravians. The Jehovah's Witnesses. The Free Will Baptists. The Nazarenes. The Greek Orthodox. The Seventh Day Adventists. The other problem with teaching religion in schools is that everyone is in favor of it as long as what they teach is "our" (Fill in the _________blank) religion. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 11:10 am by Jim Flynt |
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Jim Flynt Member
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DToney wrote: Correct.... freedom of religion... Whether we agree individually or not, freedom of religion also extends to include freedom FROM religion. |
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kidwell Member
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Macca, My son goes there and I have not heard anything about a meeting !! What happened? Can we just leave things the way they were? And to the one who wrote school being just parties...that is not it ..it went beyond a party..When you can't even put red and green in your room or hang a spider for Halloween it takes away some fun for the classroom ...And teachers these days want to help make school fun for kids so they want to learn...They just were learning about spiders in the classroom...it may have been a little more fun with some spiders hanging around...  |
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FatPappy Member 
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Fergive yer ol' Pappy fer buttin' in. I ain't got no real practical solution for all this, just tryin' to make sense of it all in my own haid. It's not a easy thing to ponder. Religion (not God, but religion) is about somebody's interpretation -- right or wrong, good or bad -- an' neither I nor anybody else ought to have to live under somebody else's interpretation that we don't agree with. When the foundin' fathers said freedom o' religion, I take that to mean not a denial of our heritage (the ideas that somehow came together in 1776 obviously came from a specific somewhere), but rather freedom from someone else's interpretation bein' imposed on others. We should be, and are, free to listen or not, to God or anybody or anything that suits us. For a government, especially one devised by imperfect humans, to require otherwise has never an' will never work. By the same reasonin' though, there also ought to be freedom to express, or at least freedom to recognize the existence of, some of the basic foundin' principles o' this country. The United States of America officially recognizes the existence of God don't it? It says so, of all places, on our money. From before the beginnin' o' the country, when America was only a twinkle in our foundin' pappies' eyes, we have officially recognized that God not only exists, but He went so far as to endow us with inalienable rights such as life, liberty, an' the pursuit o' happiness. With such basic premises an' the authority fer makin' 'em squarely stated, our founders proceeded to set their brand new country smack dab on that foundation. Whatever you believe or not, it's hard to honestly get aroun' that set o' facts. The problem with openly admitting that such basic ideals as the existence of a Higher Being are officially recognized an' are woven into the very fabric of our country, is keepin' that broad declaration from turnin' into a narrow interpretation an' a justification of a officially sanctioned religion of one sort or another. In other words, I'm right back where we started. So, in conclusion (Hooray!!) an' despite all that ramblin' mess, let the poor little young'uns pursue a little happiness. Let 'em eat a little Halloween candy, let 'em hang up some Thanksgivin' decorations, let 'em have a little party (coincidentally along about the same time as Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/Sir Isaac Newton's an' Humphrey Bogart's birthdays), while we continue to sort it all out. An' don't give 'em no dang big project over Christmas...uh, I mean, Winter Break. Give 'em a break! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I need a hankie after that one Pappy!!! I swear I heard the patriotic music playin' in the background when I read that! |
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DToney Member
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Jim Flynt wrote: DToney wrote:To me... Christianity is a follower of Christ.... the different segments of the following is mere "methods of worship"DToney wrote:wasn't it Christianity? |
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DToney Member
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Pappy, you have the insight of the greatest of the forefathers! You say it as well as it can be said. I'm all for the "to each his own" concept... and wouldn't falt anyone for how they choose to worship the higher being of their choice... but by the same token, our "foundin' Pappies" DID weave the belief into the fabric of our country... for that I am truly grateful. AMEN, Pappy! The worst part of it all... is that the kids DO see the squabbling & they end up in the middle of it all. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 03:56 pm by DToney |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Amen Cracah. As usual our Ol' Pappy done hit another one right outta the ballpark! 'Cept I think all of that Halloween candy should be confiscated and shared here on the Forum with all us dogooders. And no one does gooder with candy than we'uns. Why all that Halloween candy liables to make those younguns teeth fall out. |
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FatPappy Member
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Ain't it the truth, DT. It's always the young'uns that pay the price. Crackah, it's amazin' how much effort I'll go to to keep from doin' some real work. Hee hee! Much obliged, Mr Jim. I'll he'p eat any chocolate y'all cain't handle. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 04:06 pm by FatPappy |
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Jim Flynt Member
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DToney wrote: To me... Christianity is a follower of Christ.... I wonder how some of you would feel if the schools and school teachers suddenly came to embrace your very narrowly focused point of view; and then proceeded to teach students the real 'meaning' of Christmas. What if those same schools and same school teachers then proceeded to teach that we put Christ back in Christmas and take Santa Claus out? What if your first and second graders were suddenly being told by their public school teachers that their parents have not been telling them the truth, and that there is no Santa Claus? Would those same parents thus abide the real teaching of Christianity in our schools? We say we want our schools and teachers to teach our kids the truth. But the question remains: Who's Truth? And Which Truth? From my reading of the Bible, I can find no references whatsoever to Santa Claus, reindeer, the North Pole, red and/or green decorations, Christmas trees nor Christmas lights, Christmas cards nor Christmas parties, nor holiday shopping. Again, am I missing something here in your arguments? Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 05:49 pm by Jim Flynt |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Edited by the Cracker because it was inappropriate for a 9 year old staying home from school sick..... Or any other 9 year old for that matter.
Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 04:37 pm by Cracker Jax |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edited. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 07:01 pm by Jim Flynt |
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macca Member
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From the forum policies: "Don't write anything you wouldn't want a 9 year old staying home from school sick to read." AHEM.....!!! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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macca wrote: From the forum policies:
Macca, I suppose that begs the question of whether or not Jesus Christ and Santa Claus are mutually exclusive in biblical teachings?
The "problem" with the argument being made and espoused by some is that you can't have it both ways!
The Bible of Christianity teaches us one Christmas lesson which is clearly at odds with the confused obfuscated lessons of our cultural mercenaries. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 04:29 pm by Jim Flynt |
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Cracker Jax Member
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I think parents would be happier if all beliefs were included instead of the exclusion that they thought was going on at Stokesdale. If others have different beliefs celebrate those beliefs too! And I don't know about Stokesdale, but the holidays were approached in a very "clinical" fashion at the schools I've been involved in. There was never any discussion of what the colors of the candy cane represented, but it was talked about as more of a tradition that we eat candy canes at Christmas time. If there was a kid who ate something else as a part of his/her religion, then that of course was welcomed into the classroom as well. |
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macca Member
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Pssst: Jimbo! Just wanted to make sure we didn't burst any bubbles about SC out there! ♥♥♥ |
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Cracker Jax Member
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macca wrote: Pssst: Jimbo! Just wanted to make sure we didn't burst any bubbles about SC out there! Shouldn't you have put ( ) around that statement Macca??? BTW Cracker! You are OFF TOPIC! Sorry! |
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macca Member
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I guess I have some doubts about how "inclusive" these parents are willing to be..... Are they willing for their children to be taught about the Muslim faith? What if there are Wiccans in our community? Will they be allowed to come in and share their story? We can all be generous about being "inclusive" when we assume that all that's REALLY going to be shared is stuff we are all comfortable with.....♥♥♥ |
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macca Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Yeah, maybe we should request that this discussion of religion be moved to a new category??? ♥♥♥ |
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Jim Flynt Member
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macca wrote: Pssst: Jimbo! Just wanted to make sure we didn't burst any bubbles about SC out there! Macca, Thanks. Please recall that my comments were posed in the form of a question and not in the form of a statement. By the way, I am working on my personal Christmas wish list to send to Santa this rainy afternoon. By any chance, does anyone have his mailing address and know what kind of stamp I need to use? (Macca, I did mention in my letter to Santa that you have been "good" all year!) |
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Cracker Jax Member
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macca wrote: I guess I have some doubts about how "inclusive" these parents are willing to be..... Are they willing for their children to be taught about the Muslim faith? What if there are Wiccans in our community? Will they be allowed to come in and share their story? We can all be generous about being "inclusive" when we assume that all that's REALLY going to be shared is stuff we are all comfortable with.....♥♥♥ ooooohhhhhh very good points macca. I wouldn't start a new religion thread. It's sorta like the political forum. Once you've voiced your opinion, there isn't much more to say. |
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FatPappy Member
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Jim Flynt wrote:By any chance, does anyone have his mailing address and know what kind of stamp I need to use? (Macca, I did mention in my letter to Santa that you have been "good" all year!) The Jolly Fat Man reads the forum, Mr Jim! Ever'body knows that! |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Ok Jimbo... Macca says everyone reads the forum and Pappy's just confirmed that the Jolly ol' fat man reads it so I edited my post (that was funny as heck by the way) You might want to edit those two of yours (that were funny as heck too) before SMS gets off the plane. Just a suggestion. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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FatPappy wrote:
But Pappy, I can't just post my list right here on the Forum for the world to see. Why some of the things I am a wishin' for are downright personal and would be considered shamefully sinful if not downright illegal in some alien cultures. Why is it that the good stuff is always considered bad for us? Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 05:00 pm by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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Jim Flynt wrote:But Pappy, I can't just post my list right here on the Forum for the world to see. Why some of the things I am a wishin' for are somewhat personal and could be considered shamefully sinful if not downright illegal in some alien cultures. Wuh-oh! Are you sure you've been good this year? Hee hee! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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FatPappy wrote: Jim Flynt wrote: Pappy, did I say I have been 'good' this year? |
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FatPappy Member
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To get back on subject, I don't think we need to get into teachin' specifics o' any type o' religion in public schools. That ought to be left up to the parents. But I don't think we should go out of our way to act like there's nuthin' goin' on, either. That's de-education an' it's confusin' to the young'uns. It'a tough one. At the very least schools ought to recognize the main cultural traditions o' the community somehow. But then, I don't know what to say about non mainstream beliefs except "Have some o' these green frosted triangular cookies. Uh, sorry...somebody ate all the chocolate." I don't know. We all got to get along somehow. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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FatPappy wrote:
Amen. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 07:02 pm by Jim Flynt |
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Jim Flynt Member
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In the past few days, I have been quite taken and touched by the beauty and grace and love those Amish families up in Pennsylvania have shown to the world through their forgiveness of the killer's actions and their embrace of his widow and family left behind. They are not torn by bitterness, anger or strife. They have no hate. Could we begin to be even nearly as good? I know they have torn that old Amish school down now, but I wonder if they worried about Christmas parties or holiday decorations or discussions of Santa Claus in that little one room school or if they concentrated more on teaching their children those much more important and meaningful lessons in life such as love, compassion, grace, humility, community and forgiveness. Just last night, on the television news, one of the Amish women made such a profound statement in saying: we turn over the bad things that happen in life to God, because He makes good things come from them. For so many years, outsiders have seen the Amish as being behind the times with their agrarian traditions and lifestyle habits and mannerisms. Some might even say old fashioned and old fogeys, byproducts and cast offs of a bygone era. Yet just in the past few days, the Amish have shown this country and the world how much more real they are than us and how much further along they are in their understanding of the teachings of Jesus. They teach us the real meaning of forgiveness and love and compassion in ways that most of us so called Christians can only pay lip service to. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 10:55 pm by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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Plumb profound, Mr Jim. I thought their reaction was nuthin' short of amazin'. |
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kidwell Member
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FatPappy, I love what you wrote!! ANd to let the kid be kids is exactly the point..They don't look at Halloween as evil , they think of candy and costumes .With all these bad things happeneing in schools today..Let them enjoy these little things. Last edited on Oct 17th, 2006 07:06 pm by kidwell |
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Kris McNeill Member
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kidwell wrote:
I picked up the NWO yesterday and have just finished reading about the new policy at Stokesdale Elementary. Intrigued by it all, I had to come check in here and see what everyone was saying about it. Kidwell, You make a very good point about the fundraising items. The PTA is an extension of the school and if the school is disallowing symbols of the holidays in the classroom, then they should not be asking (and often with school fundraisers it comes across more like a requirement) students and parents to sell items that symbolize the holidays either. I do not believe that a school's PTA and the school should be considered separately. To me, it sets a poor example if they are not supportive of each other's objectives and policies for the school. |
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FatPappy Member
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kidwell wrote:With all these bad things happeneing in schools today..Let them enjoy these little things. Much obliged, Kidwell. I agree...they're young'uns, not social experiments. They got 'em under too much stress these days an' fer no good reason, if you ask me. |
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Kris McNeill Member
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I think the root of the problem at Stokesdale Elementary can be summed up in 3 words - CHANGE IS HARD. It is hard for adults - parents, teachers, the entire adult community. And it is even harder for children. Just read what Patti Stokes wrote on pg. 33 about the change she went through when she was 10 years old! Change is often so difficult for children because they don't have any choice or voice in the matter. That said, I think it would have been much easier if this change at Stokesdale had been made a little more gradually. When my children attended Colfax Elementary (many moons ago!), these same changes were made there. But as I remember it, it was done gradually. For example, I remember one year when the parents and children were told that "scary" costumes (witches, devils,etc) would not be allowed at Halloween. The next year, I believe that only kindergarteners and first graders dressed up and then they may have discontinued costumes alltogether the following year. My memory of celebration of the "winter" holidays was gradual inclusion of all of the December holidays. I think it's just so unfortunate that this new policy was initiated so abuptly. I can see it being very difficult for many in Stokesdale who are longtime residents of such a small, close-knit community. I'd be willing to bet that there are 3rd, 4th, 5th (?) generation students at Stokesdale Elementary. I really like what Beth Rickerts said on pg. 14, "School is not just about book learning. It is about learning to deal with life. The reality is that we are all different and we will not always get what everyone else has. Whether we are in the minority of a religion, a celebration or a cause, we must learn to handle our differences and beliefs with dignity and respect for others." |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member 
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The decision as to which fundraiser to use was made last spring, before this controversy ever arose. It is a catalog fundraiser, and is the same one that has been used for at least the past 6 years. In terms of policy, the School-Based Leadership Team discussed this whole issue. Based on what the PTA Board of Directors understood to be a decision to change the policy, the Board did vote to do away with an activity specifically related to Santa, because we saw it as a conflict. (Now that it's been determined that it was never voted on as a policy change, the Board action may be undone...) I have to respectfully disagree that school and PTA should be viewed as one and the same. Policies made by the school are not PTA policies and vice versa. You are correct that ideally the PTA and school would support each other, but that doesn't mean that there is always total agreement. |
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kidwell Member
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What does a child making a gift for there parent have to do with Santa? Maybe because it doesn't bother me I don't see it as someone else would but the child just looks at is as a gift from them to there parent , mine is still young so maybe when they get up in the higher elem. grades they don't make things but I know my mom still cherishes the things I made for her. I don't mind change I think it was just the way it was so all of a sudden we felt blind-sided. |
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blessingsalways2u Member
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Why can't the teachers just do a short lesson on the different holidays for different ethnicities? When I was in elementary school people who celebrated Christmas were the majority so the calendar and events were directed around that. The Jewish students still took their Jewish holidays off from school but the rest of us did not get the day off. I can remember as a child wondering why they got our holiday off but we didn't get theirs? That is all there was, Christians and Jewish where I lived. Personally I like all the different holidays, I find it interesting and it makes the world an interesting place. We are not teaching peaceful co existance by all the quibbling over holidays or religious beliefs or politically correct language, we are teaching that we should be judgemental, confrontational and objectionable to those who are different from us. I don't understand? I also would like to say that Pappy and Jim wrote very eloquently, thank for speaking so well on behalf of some of us who may not be gifted in that manner. |
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FatPappy Member
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You're too kind, Blessin's, but I figger I owe y'all fer puttin' up with me. Lots o' good comments on here! |
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Steve Adkins Member 
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SMS is buried down south of the border somewhere, and just got caught up on this thread................holy mackerel, did this one hit a nerve with y'all. Even though the topic drifted all over the place, it appears the overall theme stayed intact. Many good comments from all. My question is.........did the principal retract the policy? I saw a comment where she stated she was wrong, but didn't see where she changed the policy. |
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momto3boysand1girl Member
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Hi all! I'm new to the board as I wanted to post my views on the new policy myself. I have 4 children myself 2 who have already gone through Stokesdale Elementary, 1 thats in 4th grade now and 1 that will be there in a few years. I have volunteered many hours at the school over the past 11 years from the book fair to class mom to many other things. As I recall the parents are responsible for the supplys and treats that are sent in for these parties as a class mom is responsible for the planning of the party itself. In all the years I have been to these parties not once have I seen any religion based plates, cups or treats even though there are plenty of those out there that we could purchase. As parents we have enough common sense to know what to send to school and what not to send for all parties. On the fact that religion should not be taught or practiced at school and this new policy. I wonder if the people involved in this decision know that by celebrating the seasons they are still practicing a religion? It's called paganism. That would be Summer Solstice, All Hallows Eve, Winter Solstice, and Spring Solstice. So either way you look at it you are still celebrating someones religion or beliefs. Also, I saw where Vicky White-Lawrence asked for any suggestions on how we could INCLUDE all instead of exclude any. Every year for the past few years we have had a walk-through program that celebrates Black-History Month, why not do a walk-through program with different countries showing how they celebrate the holidays? This would be a wonderful teaching oppurtunity to educate our children on the many different cultural celebrations across the world. Parents could also send in treat bags with candy, pencils, etc. for the children and we could also send in different foods and cakes that these countries use in there celebration. This would accomplish a teaching experience and a party all in one day for all the children. Also, to those parents that would like to volunteer to do a party for the holidays set up different centers and at each center have a different celebratory theme so ALL children in that classroom are INCLUDED. For those parents that would prefer their child not to be involved in any celebrations, why not set up a party for them? They could have a movie, popcorn, free play, etc. I'm sure that with a little imagination and creativity (which is also learned as a child and at school!) we can find many ways to include ALL the chidren in our school in holiday celebrations. I also have to agree with Cryss Marshall on what she said in the NWO. There are many learning disabled children that attend Stokesdale, two of which are my children. I have attended almost all Celebration of Success programs and have went home to console my heartbroken children because they didn't recieve any awards. They sometimes didn't even get a Perfect Attendance award because dear old mom over slept and had to take them to school 5 minutes late even though they were at school everyday. Not their fault, mine. Yet they were punished for it. If you are going to have celebrations for children who get wonderful grades than you need to also recognize those children who come to school and try their individual BEST even if it doesn't meet the government, state or even the teachers standards. Maybe if the school system tried to teach as much self-esteem and self-respect (instead of tearing it down, in some rare cases) as they do to teach subjects maybe our children would be that much better for it. I believe that as parents it is our resonsibility to teach our children to be open-minded, compassionate, human beings. The more that they can learn about other cultures the more their future generation will flourish. These are just my opinions on the matter. I sincerely hope it does not offend anyone. Last edited on Oct 18th, 2006 01:24 pm by momto3boysand1girl |
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Cracker Jax Member
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WELCOME to the forum momto3and1!!!!!!!! I'm glad you've joined us! I'm sure you didn't offend anyone by voicing your opinion. You made some good points. For you Stokesdale parents.... Momof4 says that they don't, as a rule, celebrate good grades and achievements of kids w/ learning disabilities. At Summerfield we have the "Pacesetters" program. All children have the opportunity to win awards and be recognized for personal achievements such as behavior, effort and of course good grades. Incentives are given out and ceremonies occur quarterly. Do you guys have a program like this? I don't know much about it except that it's PTA sponsored and that by the end of the year, most kids have made pacesetters at least once. |
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momto3boysand1girl Member
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Yes we do. Thats what Celebration of Success is. It is a program that rewards a certificate to those students with straight A's, A-B Honor Roll, and perfect attendance. The teachers are also able 2 give out 1 or 2 special awards called Teacher Certificates. More times then not those awards are given to children who excel in school. Not to the learning disabled students, even though I have seen a few L/A children that have recieved one. But there are several more L/A children that haven't recieved any. I do have a suggestion though. Why not allow the Resource Teachers to give out awards too? Are they not part of the teaching staff? Without these patient, kind, and understanding teachers those children with L/A would not progress as much as they do. Thank you for the welcome! |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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Wow, momto3boysand1girl! It is great to hear some specific suggestions about how to address some issues in our school! Thank you so much. I hope you don't mind, but I have already passed them on to our principal and to our PTA President-Elect. We are in the beginning stages of planning some kind of event that might look like what you describe.... You've also given us some ideas for another way to look at how we celebrate accomplishments of our children. Please feel free to call or e-mail me any time... |
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dmauser Member
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Here is another idea. AT NWMS, we do "spotlight breakfast" monthly. Each teacher (including EC, and electives) pick one child that has done a good job.. they range from working hard, being a good role model, etc and now, here is the part that Stokesdale might do.. we incorporate a monthly character trait.. This month was respect. So each team got together and picked one student that explified that character trait... This would give every child a chance to be recognized. Maybe persistance for the child that has a good work ethic but isn't a/b material. At Summerfield, turning in homework, being on task, working hard, following rules was important also.. not just grades. |
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