MCPS class holiday party policy?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering if there is a district-wide policy against having one? Or does it depend on the school? I had always thought parties aren't allowed, but just found out individual classes are having parties at my DC's school. It seems weird that only some classes are doing it, but not others. I wish these things were communicated more clearly.

[Anonymous]

We have been in 2 ES and neither has a December celebration - just a fall harvest party (with no mention of Halloween allowed) and a valentine's day party.

[Anonymous]

No holiday party in my kid’s ES classroom this year. Not sure if it is school-wide, but Halloween parties (and birthday parties) have already been banned this year at our ES.

[Anonymous]

It's up to individual schools what they do, and even within the school it can vary. My school allows holiday parties, but it is up to the teacher. However, all the teachers have always done one

[Anonymous]

Up to the principal. We only had Halloween and Valentine’s Day.

[Anonymous]

Former elementary school teacher from 2005 - last year. None of the grade-level teams I taught on in MCPS ever had holiday parties. We might have had a fun snack or activity but nothing like Halloween or Valentine's Day.

[Anonymous]

MCPS policy used to be only parties for Halloween and Valentine's Day - these were held in each class, school wide and usually had the support of the PTA and room parents. If there was a winter holiday celebration it was usually tied to something they were doing in class (loosely) and was an individual class thing arranged mostly by the classroom teacher. Sometimes a snack after a winter concert or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Up to the principal. We only had Halloween and Valentine’s Day.

Agreed up to principal. Ours permitted Halloween, which was new for our school.

[Anonymous]

Only halloween, Valentines and end of year parties for us

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only halloween, Valentines and end of year parties for us

Same here for grades 1-5, but kindergarteners were allowed to decorate gingerbread houses in December, but there was no mention of holidays. Some teachers gave presents to their students before winter break. Not sure whether they called them holiday gifts.

[Anonymous]

C'mon - show some respect! It's St Valentine's Day! <ducks> <covers>

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can actually have a snack and activity without calling it a holiday party. I know of room moms who even "arranged" for gifts of books for all the kids in their kid's classroom, called the party "celebrating reading" and read a Christmas story for the kids. There are tons of creative ways to get around. Just depends on the parents and teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only halloween, Valentines and end of year parties for us

+1

[Anonymous]

Trick or treat thank you falalala la la la la la

[Anonymous]

Some schools celebrate and allow costumes and parties, others get a season festival and others do nothing. If you care so much, call the school and ask their holiday celebration policy before you move to that neighborhood.