Nightly News 12/7

 I don't have any items of major importance, but will share a few things that came out from the district today. 

• WINTER HOLIDAYS: DECEMBER DILEMMA OR TEACHING OPPORTUNITY

The ADL provides educators with guidance and resources during this festive time of year to help consider how to be inclusive of the many holidays celebrated by people from different religions, cultures and races. This time of year is often spent with family and friends, connecting with our faith or culture, giving and receiving gifts and enjoying special foods and treats. However, this time of year—especially in schools and whether it's in-person, online or hybrid—can be a time where some children can feel uncomfortable, excluded, insulted or marginalized.

Every November and December, public school students, parents, teachers and administrators face the difficult task of acknowledging the various religious and cultural holiday traditions celebrated during that time of year. While there are appropriate educational benefits to teaching about the diverse religious traditions and cultures of our country, school officials must be thoughtful about being inclusive and ensure they do not give students the impression that one set of holidays or beliefs is more important or more acceptable than others.

Be accurate and sensitive

Religious and cultural holidays offer excellent opportunities to teach about culture, religion and their historical importance. During the winter season and especially in December, we celebrate

• Diwali (depending on the Hindu Lunar calendar)

• Hanukkah (depending on the Hebrew calendar)

• Winter Solstice (December 21)

• Christmas (December 25)

• Kwanzaa (December 26)

• Three Kings Day (January 6)

• Ramadan (depends on Islamic calendar and periodically aligns with winter holidays—next time is 2030).

Be aware that some religions teach that celebrating holidays and birthdays is unacceptable

Children should always be permitted not to participate and should have the opportunity to engage in other optional, enjoyable activities.Consider activities which include all children.

Do not make assumptions

Children in our public schools represent a myriad of religions, cultures and traditions. Within those groups, not all members of the same cultural or religious group necessarily observe the same holidays or celebrate them in the same way. Many children, being multi-denominational and/or multiracial, commemorate more than one holiday.

Be inclusive

In-person or online events, winter holiday school activities such as assemblies, choral presentations and plays should be inclusive.

• Lexia English PD Opportunity for ELD Teachers of Grades 1st-5th

Lexia will be providing virtual training on December 13, 2021 from 4:00-5:30. This PD is a repeat of the PD offered on 11/30 during staff meetings.

Teachers will be paid extended hours if they attend and record their attendance in Pepper.

Please register on Pepper to receive the Zoom link.

Pepper Course Name: Lexia English Beyond the Launch

The sessions will cover:

• Review the data reports available in myLexia

• Generate next steps to support students’ English language development

• The Blended Learning Model and explore scheduling

• Integrate Lexia’s instructional resources as a part of a learning plan