"Spring" Egg Hunt for DCPS PK Class - Is this usual?

[Anonymous]

DD is in PK at a DCPS school. Her teacher contacted all the parents yesterday asking that they contribute plastic eggs and candy for a Spring Egg Hunt for the class this Friday (before Spring Break). We do not celebrate Easter and DH and I were pretty taken aback that a public school was holding such a characteristically Easter tradition. Is this a normal occurrence? This is our first year in DCPS.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't surprise me if you're at a school that is just beginning to gentrify and some of the teachers haven't gotten the memo. From their perspective, if they're working with really seriously disadvantaged kids, what the school provides might be all that some kids get.

I would forward it to the principal with a calm but forthright note that you don't think this is appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Mmmmmm religion in school. Good times.

[Anonymous]

Just be thankful the school isn't teaching anything about Passover. I wish I could be shocked to learn what some teachers might think about the origin of matzoh.

[Anonymous]

It is unusual - decide what you want to make an issue and either let it go OR escalate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is in PK at a DCPS school. Her teacher contacted all the parents yesterday asking that they contribute plastic eggs and candy for a Spring Egg Hunt for the class this Friday (before Spring Break). We do not celebrate Easter and DH and I were pretty taken aback that a public school was holding such a characteristically Easter tradition. Is this a normal occurrence? This is our first year in DCPS.

Which school is this?

[Anonymous]

Although egg hunts are obviously associated with Easter, they ultimately do not have anything to do with the religious part of the holiday. They are calling it a spring egg hunt, it does not sound like they are making any Jesus associations, so it just sounds like a fun activity for the kids. I would not make a big deal out of this, let kids have fun as it is at nobody's expense.

[Anonymous]

Um, while associated with Easter, eggs/egg hunts are not part of any official religious Easter celebration. So, I think you could just relax and let the kids have fun.

[Anonymous]

Legally, this easily passes muster.

If you want to ask the school to stop your child from participating, that is your right.

In the end, this event will occur with or without your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, while associated with Easter, eggs/egg hunts are not part of any official religious Easter celebration. So, I think you could just relax and let the kids have fun.

Ha, yes, +1

[Anonymous]

This is like getting mad about kids doing a Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer craft at school around Christmas, pardon, winter holidays.

[Anonymous]

I responded before, but on second thought, pretty sure you're trolling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, while associated with Easter, eggs/egg hunts are not part of any official religious Easter celebration. So, I think you could just relax and let the kids have fun.

Ummnmm. Easter is a religious holiday, and eggs/egg hunts are indeed part of church sponsored religious celebrations. So, I think you could try not centering yourself and policing people who are not Christian from worrying about religion in public schools. Yikes!

[Anonymous]

Eh, it's a scavenger hunt. Wouldn't bother me, but I admit I'm very laid back (maybe too much so!) But really, it's not like my 4 year old would take away anything religious from that. Just candy.

If it really bothers you, I would address first with teacher before going to principal. Just write her back and say you're not comfortable. Maybe you could suggest a non-egg scavenger hunt, to avoid the Easter connotation?

[Anonymous]

sounds like fun to me!