FCPS schools hosting religious events?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF, Why was Superintendent Reid at a BAPTIST CHURCH on the school system's dime and why is she writing about it in an official FCPS Newsletter?????

I made my way to the First Baptist Church in Vienna for the Pathways to PEARLserverance: Young Ladies Summit.

In accordance to Karl Frisch’s religion, he was sworn in on a stack of pornographic books for his second term on the FCPS School Board. Most likely, she brought him to church for the laying on of hands, and prayer for deliverance from his demons. That was a good use of taxpayers’ money!

Please note: The keynote speaker was Nardos King

https://www.newsbreak.com/e/67ade3686509cbb876226a4d-pearlserverance-young-ladies-summit

But, I do not see this as a conflict. I'm just kind of amazed at all the "visiting" that Reid does. I appreciate a superintendent getting out there to the schools, but I would prefer that --instead of going to special projects, etrc--that she just walk the halls of a school to see what is going on.

She might want to pay attention to the normal, everyday programs in the schools: reading, writing, and arithmetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

Do you also want to get rid of Declaration of Independence?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

Do you also want to get rid of Declaration of Independence?

Nope. It is not so explicitly religious or endorsing of a specific religion as forcing schools to post "In God We Trust" In fact, Declaration is more vague if you look at the language.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

Do you also want to get rid of Declaration of Independence?

Nope. It is not so explicitly religious or endorsing of a specific religion as forcing schools to post "In God We Trust" In fact, Declaration is more vague if you look at the language.

Which specific religion is supported by "In God We Trust?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

Do you also want to get rid of Declaration of Independence?

Nope. It is not so explicitly religious or endorsing of a specific religion as forcing schools to post "In God We Trust" In fact, Declaration is more vague if you look at the language.

Which specific religion is supported by "In God We Trust?"

Certainly not mine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, I'm more bothered that in Virginia, it's required to post "In God We Trust" in the entrance to schools.

Seems so ironic to see it in my kid's school posted next to the Bill of Rights.

I think it's time for a new national motto that doesn't violate the 1st amendment. Perhaps something about liberty?

I hope you don't spend any US currency.

You might want to look at it sometime.

Well aware and does not seem the same as requiring it to be posted in a school. Furthermore, you seemed to have missed my general point which is that we should change the US motto to something more consistent with 1a, frankly.

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Not sure that it is against First amendment.

This atheist says it is. Or Hindu. Or Buddhist. Or whatever. Our motto can highlight our freedom rather than calling out a God.

Do you also want to get rid of Declaration of Independence?

Nope. It is not so explicitly religious or endorsing of a specific religion as forcing schools to post "In God We Trust" In fact, Declaration is more vague if you look at the language.

Which specific religion is supported by "In God We Trust?"

Certainly not mine.

And as a personal expression, I have no issue. But I do mot believe it should be our national motto nor should schools be legally forced to display it.

[Anonymous]

Would also note that Thomas Jefferson himself believed we should scrap the constitution now and then and rewrite it to ensure it served the people and that we do not stay beholden to an out of date document. Instead we have amended the constitution and so no reason not to amend the motto. Something focused on liberty makes much more sense for a USA motto than trusting in God.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations for getting the Iftar cancelled! What a noble cause you’ve championed. 👏

I bet you anything a ton of white mommies from DCUM emailed about this - people who have no association with the school whatsoever. They are just jealous that their majority religion that gets winter break and spring break and all sorts of other accommodations given to them FOR GRANTED, aren't acknowledged. Well guess what big mommas? Next year, winter break is going to be renamed to Christmas Break and spring break is going to be renamed to Easter Break because BIG DADDY TRUMP is in charge!! You got what you wanted, fat white witches!!!

Giving the time, content, and tone of your posting, I bet you anything you are:

Not from this area.
Not a parent.
Not a teacher.
Intolerant of white people.
Intolerant of Christians.
Intolerant of mothers.
Intolerant of overweight people.
Intolerant of the majority of Americans, particularly of the working class of all races who voted for Trump.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:MAGA, amirite? God forbid we celebrate any diversity. The war on Christmas, blah blah blah. Just shut it, privileged brats.

The privileged groups are actually the ones we aren't allowed to criticize.

+1 I'm an atheist and don't want any groups inserting their religion into schools. The school where I work does not celebrate Halloween, all music is completely secular. We have stripped every custom that is vaguely related to religious custon away-except Muslim students are given space to fast and pray. Our principal sends out a Ramadan message. I have no idea how this happened other than fear. They are a large but not the largest minority population in my district.

Oh good heavens they’re given space to fast and pray?!

What’s next a moment of silence to begin the day that was campaigned for by Christians trying to back door school prayer in?


A pledge to god to begin the day?


An academic calendar built around Christian holidays?



Being an atheist doesn’t absolve you of being a bigot. You’re just blind to how much Christianity is ingratiated into our culture that you see it as “non-secular”.


Also, assuming you work at FCPS, the county is quite clear that literally any student is free to have time and space to pray.


Sincerely,

Another atheist

I don't work for FCPS. I'm actually ok with being bigoted if that means I oppose one religious group getting to do whatever they want in a public school. Maybe everyone is free to pray and fast at my school but only Muslims have been explicitly invited to do so. That's wrong.

So you’re upset you didn’t get an invite…


Something tells me this is a recurring grievance in your life.

I'm an atheist, I don't pray

And yet here you are offended on the behalf of others who were never excluded but they simply weren’t “invited”.


You might be an atheist but you’ve clearly picked a religious sect to align yourself with.

I like for all my students to be offered the same opportunities.

Is it possible… and stay with me here, that because Ramadan literally requires daily prayer and fasting for the month that it makes sense to preemptively tell students their options whereas your other students are not in that position?


Radical idea

Lent is 40 days of fasting, or at a minimum, fasting on Fridays and Ash Wednesday.

Correct. However, FCPS often make accommodations for students who are fasting, including providing access to prayer rooms and Meal kits. Per West Potomac HS website:
Ramadan Meal Kits
FCPS is offering fasting meal kits for students who are fasting for Ramadan (February 28-March 28, 2025).  Please see this page for more information and to request the meal kits. 

It appears that no other faith represented in FCPS requests such accommodations for religious reasons, nor are they announced by FCPS if they were.

Radical practice.

Was this for the free lunch kids?

It’s for everyone:
https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/food-and-nutrition

The point is not who pays for the meals, or who uses the prayer rooms. The issue is that FCPS is officially involved in accommodating for religious practices of one faith (Muslim).

To the PP: Not a radical idea. A radical practice.

Exactly. This should be offered to all students who may be fasting or none. It’s an exclusionary practice

You mean to say free for everyone, including non-Muslim? Because that would be the only way to make it non-exclusionary.

The issue is that a faith that represents a small section in FCPS is being officially accommodated for their religious practices when it comes to prayer and fasting. Why is that?

Probably because they asked! Try asking for accommodations during your next religious thing that requires accommodations, I bet they will give it to you.

Let's go back to where this thread began. Frost sent out an email inviting people to an Iftar. That is what people on here challenged.
It was poor judgement on the part of whoever at the school made that decision.

You are free to have an Iftar at the school, but you are not free to send an official invitation through the school email. It is that simple. The same goes for the churches that have services or meetings in the schools.

As for the breaks in December and April, that is when many students and staff are away and the schools would not be able to function without them. This has been tradition for many, many years. I think FCPS is bending over backwards to accommodate other religions, as well, even though there is not the number of absences you would find with the traditional holidays.

This is an "if you build it they will come" situation. If there was a two break in January, people would travel for two weeks in January, friend.

You are ignoring the FACT that the majority of people in Fairfax County do celebrate Christmas and many travel to visit relatives at that time for family celebrations.

Ah there's the "we are the majority so you have to do what we want to do" attitude we all love to hear from FCPS parents. You're the majority, so it's okay. f* you, lady.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF, Why was Superintendent Reid at a BAPTIST CHURCH on the school system's dime and why is she writing about it in an official FCPS Newsletter?????

I made my way to the First Baptist Church in Vienna for the Pathways to PEARLserverance: Young Ladies Summit.

In accordance to Karl Frisch’s religion, he was sworn in on a stack of pornographic books for his second term on the FCPS School Board. Most likely, she brought him to church for the laying on of hands, and prayer for deliverance from his demons. That was a good use of taxpayers’ money!

Must you bring this up in every single thread related to FCPS? It's old now, PP. Really old. You hate Karl Frisch, you are homophobic, you want to ban books. We get it. You've been going on about this for at least four years now, enough. Go back to the Frisch-specific threads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF, Why was Superintendent Reid at a BAPTIST CHURCH on the school system's dime and why is she writing about it in an official FCPS Newsletter?????

I made my way to the First Baptist Church in Vienna for the Pathways to PEARLserverance: Young Ladies Summit.

In accordance to Karl Frisch’s religion, he was sworn in on a stack of pornographic books for his second term on the FCPS School Board. Most likely, she brought him to church for the laying on of hands, and prayer for deliverance from his demons. That was a good use of taxpayers’ money!

Must you bring this up in every single thread related to FCPS? It's old now, PP. Really old. You hate Karl Frisch, you are homophobic, you want to ban books. We get it. You've been going on about this for at least four years now, enough. Go back to the Frisch-specific threads.

Chill out… I was only replying to the PP who had an issue with Superintendent Reid setting foot in a Baptist church to attend a school event.

You must not be from here, but Frisch swore in for his second term a little over a year ago, so there’s still hope his soul can be redeemed. Since he is the Chairman of our SB, it would beneficial for our children, particularly because many don’t share his religion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree, people like OP are the ones that have caused the school system to have to shut down anything even remotely religious or cultural and she doesn't even realize it!!

Our school doesn't even do multi-cultural night anymore because of people like OP complaining about religious dances at a multi-cultural event. It's outrageous. Let's celebrate people's culture. Yes, sometimes celebrating someone's culture includes something related to their religion. That's okay! It's also an optional event, it's not like someone is saying "It's Ramadan, nobody in the entire school can eat today, you must come break fast with us after sunset", they're just saying "hey, we are doing this to celebrate the Muslim population in our community and we invite you to join us and learn about our culture".

But, the problem has become that only the minority factions are showcased.

Oh please there are plenty of little swedish blonde boys and girls wearing clogs and little paper hats and yodeling at cultural nights at my DCs school.

What is american culture? Friday night football games? Don’t blame these people because your people came over and assimilated and their culture into a grave. You and yours did it because you wanted to fit into white culture or whatever that is. So here you are plain old vanilla ice cream in a sea of butter pecan, rocky road and chocolate.

Get over yourselves. The event sounds interesting. I’m not too old, closed minded or assimilated to appreciate a window into a good old cultural event.

When a group reaches out to people not like them and invites them to break bread, why is that an insult, or a violation of your rights? Do you think you are going to be forced to convert? Do you think they are going to drug you and sell your daughter off into the white sex slavery while you are passed out in the prayer room?

What are you afraid of? The others? You know this group could choose to have their event at a mosque or a local Islamic school, or a community center, but they aren’t. They are trying to build a bridge to the larger community which includes Muslim and non-Muslim brothers and sisters and the audience is the people whose children go to school
with their children. They have roots here in this country and in this community. They aren’t others and they come in peace.

I suggest grab your fork and maybe a box of cookies from a neighborhood halal store. and step out and into your fear. Feel free to leave your daughters at home if you must. Report back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree, people like OP are the ones that have caused the school system to have to shut down anything even remotely religious or cultural and she doesn't even realize it!!

Our school doesn't even do multi-cultural night anymore because of people like OP complaining about religious dances at a multi-cultural event. It's outrageous. Let's celebrate people's culture. Yes, sometimes celebrating someone's culture includes something related to their religion. That's okay! It's also an optional event, it's not like someone is saying "It's Ramadan, nobody in the entire school can eat today, you must come break fast with us after sunset", they're just saying "hey, we are doing this to celebrate the Muslim population in our community and we invite you to join us and learn about our culture".

But, the problem has become that only the minority factions are showcased.

Oh please there are plenty of little swedish blonde boys and girls wearing clogs and little paper hats and yodeling at cultural nights at my DCs school.

What is american culture? Friday night football games? Don’t blame these people because your people came over and assimilated and their culture into a grave. You and yours did it because you wanted to fit into white culture or whatever that is. So here you are plain old vanilla ice cream in a sea of butter pecan, rocky road and chocolate.

Get over yourselves. The event sounds interesting. I’m not too old, closed minded or assimilated to appreciate a window into a good old cultural event.

When a group reaches out to people not like them and invites them to break bread, why is that an insult, or a violation of your rights? Do you think you are going to be forced to convert? Do you think they are going to drug you and sell your daughter off into the white sex slavery while you are passed out in the prayer room?

What are you afraid of? The others? You know this group could choose to have their event at a mosque or a local Islamic school, or a community center, but they aren’t. They are trying to build a bridge to the larger community which includes Muslim and non-Muslim brothers and sisters and the audience is the people whose children go to school
with their children. They have roots here in this country and in this community. They aren’t others and they come in peace.

I suggest grab your fork and maybe a box of cookies from a neighborhood halal store. and step out and into your fear. Feel free to leave your daughters at home if you must. Report back.

Wow. You still don't get it. They were welcome to have the Iftar at the school. FCPS should not be sending out an invitation to it anymore than they should send out an invitation to a Christian event.

And, if you do not understand the difference between Swedish dancers (which I don't ever recall seeing at a school, or anywhere for that matter) and a religious event, then you are mistaken.

And, you sound like you resent people who have assimilated. We used to be a "Melting Pot." Sounds like you want a tossed salad.
You want to keep your culture. That's fine, but the laws apply to you, as well. And, that means the principal should not be sending out invitations to religious events.

This country is 250 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've DEFINITELY seen cultural events and markets for Christmas events and holiday shopping.

DCPS schools hold christmas markets and the kids are pulled out of class and encouraged to buy presents for their parents,friends and family. I remember being slightly annoyed b/c we dont celebrate and my 4 year old spent her allowance on presents for all of us but we DONT actually celebrate and i did think it was cute to teach teh kids to be thoughtful and stuff but also its a public school and not all the families celebrate christmas.

The previous poster is right, this isnt france, its america which means that you include people and bring back halloween, have a Shabbat dinner, holi party, diwali party and sing ave maria at the winter concert. We need to have a worldy and urbane, educated class of children, not parochial and stupid. Voluntary events attended by families is 100 % better than whatever the heck they have been doing in public schools the past 20 years. We had iftars, halloween parades, intl night, Hunnakah presentations/celebrations in MCPS in the 90s and we were a helluva lot better educated then.