APS Holiday 6/6

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

Yes, it was initially a superintendent recommendation. They weren’t going to vote on it.

It was on the consent agenda, which meant they were going to vote without even discussing it assuming all would approve. That stuck me as especially galling - all those impacts and it wasn’t even going to warrant a discussion.

[Anonymous]

Glad the parents stood up and forced the board to hear their concerns. I have to think this thread was influential, given the last-minute nature of the vote. Kudos to the op.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

Also at the May 15 meeting, a school-system bus driver, Mulugeta Yimer, asked Board members to permit Orthodox Christians a day off for prayer in future years.

https://www.arlnow.com/2025/05/16/divided-school-board-rejects-late-calendar-change-to-mark-islamic-holiday/?utm_source=ARLnow&utm_campaign=f767ac1e0b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_16_08_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d7fd851ea7-f767ac1e0b-391358548&mc_cid=f767ac1e0b&mc_eid=7b8859f6f8

Last comment: Again, the slippery slope. At some point, the act of recognizing every religious holiday and need will interfere with the actual mission of the school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

I haven’t seen any blowback on that outside of one upset teacher. If they wanted to bring a lawsuit it might lead to all non-federal holidays getting tossed, which I’d be fine with.

[Anonymous]

What about Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year? Oh ww don’t get those holidays but sure this one is so important all end if year activities should be cancelled on short notice and APS is discriminating against Muslims.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year? Oh ww don’t get those holidays but sure this one is so important all end if year activities should be cancelled on short notice and APS is discriminating against Muslims.

My cynical take is that APS isn’t trying to increase their parental involvement so they don’t bend over backwards for their holidays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

The real problem IMO is lack of planning. When should staff have known this holiday was going to be on June 6? Surely that was knowable in advance. I would have no problem with this day off if there had been enough lead time. My issue was you can't just do this 2 weeks ahead of time after plans have been made, especially in a busy time of the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

The real problem IMO is lack of planning. When should staff have known this holiday was going to be on June 6? Surely that was knowable in advance. I would have no problem with this day off if there had been enough lead time. My issue was you can't just do this 2 weeks ahead of time after plans have been made, especially in a busy time of the year.

The problem is that the exact date is not known until 3 weeks before, that alone should disqualify it from being an observed holiday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

The real problem IMO is lack of planning. When should staff have known this holiday was going to be on June 6? Surely that was knowable in advance. I would have no problem with this day off if there had been enough lead time. My issue was you can't just do this 2 weeks ahead of time after plans have been made, especially in a busy time of the year.

The problem is that the exact date is not known until 3 weeks before, that alone should disqualify it from being an observed holiday.

Or you plan for all scenarios and have 2 days off.

Which leads me to think we should have zero days off for everyone for religious holidays - let them be excused absences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

The real problem IMO is lack of planning. When should staff have known this holiday was going to be on June 6? Surely that was knowable in advance. I would have no problem with this day off if there had been enough lead time. My issue was you can't just do this 2 weeks ahead of time after plans have been made, especially in a busy time of the year.

The problem is that the exact date is not known until 3 weeks before, that alone should disqualify it from being an observed holiday.

Or you plan for all scenarios and have 2 days off.

Which leads me to think we should have zero days off for everyone for religious holidays - let them be excused absences.

This, unless a high enough percentage of people celebrate to cause operational difficulties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

When pressed they admitted that it would be impossible to reschedule or make up some events, the dances, and in particular the music department trip to PA, which… cost a lot, all paid by parents, fundraisers and kids’ work.

This whole situation is embarassing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's really important to vote in the School Board caucus. Three School Board Members did NOT vote to keep schools open on June 6. Only two did. Everyone else ignored all of the emails. You need to speak to School Board Members, and vote in sanity.

We don’t know how many emails there were? It’s puzzling to me that Duran and staff were moving to close schools without a second thought, especially in light of the magnitude of the economic impact and the newness of the holiday.

Are we sure he wanted to close? He can look like the good guy to some groups from an inclusion perspective, knowing full well it would be voted down.

If you watch the video of the board meeting, it's obvious that staff was all in on adding this holiday. They actually seemed angry that they had to defend their decision. All of their answers about other scheduled events were dodges about how they would work with the school communities without actually committing to anything at all. It really makes me question their competence, frankly.

How exactly would they work with the schools to replan events that have been paid for with vendors booked for months? Travel plans made? Or for the graduation, are they going to reschedule Gramma and Gramps hotel and flights who are already booked to come?

They didn’t care about that or even consider it. They wanted kudos from the Muslim community and over the top white liberals

It’s clear the Islamic community now feels discriminated against because the school district did not shut down on short notice to “celebrate” their holiday. APS is practically begging for a lawsuit at this point. The best policy is not to pick winners and losers among ANY religion. Accommodate religious practice, as you must, but for heaven’s sake stop pretending that it is progressive to “celebrate” it.

Exactly, you either recognize (and accommodate) all of them, or none of them. This is the slippery slope APS fell into.

My dislike about accommodating religious holidays notwithstanding, I reviewed the video and didn't see a disagreeable attitude by staff - as some previous posters suggested. However, for staff to not have foreseen the pushback on this (very) last minute calendar change shows remarkable naiveté.

The real problem IMO is lack of planning. When should staff have known this holiday was going to be on June 6? Surely that was knowable in advance. I would have no problem with this day off if there had been enough lead time. My issue was you can't just do this 2 weeks ahead of time after plans have been made, especially in a busy time of the year.

The problem is that the exact date is not known until 3 weeks before, that alone should disqualify it from being an observed holiday.

Okay then APS should state in the calendar that there will be a day off within a certain window (eg June 2-4) so schools and PTAs know not to plan events during that time.