PSA- Diwali day off date change

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

[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:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

Seems inequitable to recognize Jewish and Hindu holidays, but not Orthodox holidays when there are alot more Orthodox in APS.

It is! Also, Orthodox Good Friday is April 10, 2026. There’s a scheduled grade prep day on Monday, April 13. If they actually cared they could have put that grade prep day on Friday, but they don’t.

Ugh that makes me so sad. I am generally against all these religious holidays - but in a situation like this making an adjustment for the bus drivers would be so nice. Hopefully they don't do it at the last minute though!!!!

[Anonymous]

It’s messed up. Give them Easter Monday, or do away with all of it. That’s equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why we homeschool.

You homeschool because of religious holiday date mistakes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

[Anonymous]

Just follow the federal calendar stop waiting time for these stupid holidays with religions and cultures to compete in the woke Olympics. If they want to take that day off they can have an excused absence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just follow the federal calendar stop waiting time for these stupid holidays with religions and cultures to compete in the woke Olympics. If they want to take that day off they can have an excused absence.

For some background, the driver that spoke at the school board said that so many of them celebrate this holiday that their requests for leave are denied. I’m not necessarily saying we should have a day off school for every religious holiday, but since there are so many- why not theirs?

[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:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

Not remotely. And why is "devout" the standard for Catholics and Protestants and not "observant"? Take a look at the parking lots in the Catholic Churches in Arlington on Easter Sunday. For no other religion do we entertain asking "yeah, but how much do you really believe it?"

This is a separate issue from whether or not "Easter Monday" is an actual religious holiday, which it certainly is not and there's no good reason for giving it off, especially when the previous week has already been declared spring break.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

Easter yes, but Christmas? How does one even write this.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

Easter yes, but Christmas? How does one even write this.

Google Orthodox Christmas date. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

Not remotely. And why is "devout" the standard for Catholics and Protestants and not "observant"? Take a look at the parking lots in the Catholic Churches in Arlington on Easter Sunday. For no other religion do we entertain asking "yeah, but how much do you really believe it?"

This is a separate issue from whether or not "Easter Monday" is an actual religious holiday, which it certainly is not and there's no good reason for giving it off, especially when the previous week has already been declared spring break.

If you’re only there on Christmas and Easter, you aren’t observant. You’re culturally Christian and that’s all. I think we should consider the general level of observance and number of adherents for any religious holiday. Apparently that’s not a thing we do because I don’t think Diwali or the Jewish holidays pass any kind of operational hardship test for APS. The Eids probably don’t either. I would ditch them all.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

Not remotely. And why is "devout" the standard for Catholics and Protestants and not "observant"? Take a look at the parking lots in the Catholic Churches in Arlington on Easter Sunday. For no other religion do we entertain asking "yeah, but how much do you really believe it?"

This is a separate issue from whether or not "Easter Monday" is an actual religious holiday, which it certainly is not and there's no good reason for giving it off, especially when the previous week has already been declared spring break.

If you’re only there on Christmas and Easter, you aren’t observant. You’re culturally Christian and that’s all. I think we should consider the general level of observance and number of adherents for any religious holiday. Apparently that’s not a thing we do because I don’t think Diwali or the Jewish holidays pass any kind of operational hardship test for APS. The Eids probably don’t either. I would ditch them all.

+1 I worked in APS at a title one school before we started adding all these holidays. A few people would be out on holidays, but for most part people they aren’t getting the day off work to celebrate anyway or they start celebrating when they get home at 3 or 4pm. We did have one year where orthodox Easter caused some bus driver delays. It’s time to scrap all of them and start getting out before June 18th, or go back after Labor Day

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

I don’t disagree. I was explaining why I think APS chose some over others. I say get rid of them all, unless there will be enough people absent to cause operational difficulties. Allow 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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Religious holiday closures are a failed experiment. Give all students and staff 2 personal holidays. If you want to ensure operational efficacy have them be payable if they don’t get used.

+1. The only winner of this experiment is Syphax. Syphax gets a paid holiday for every single one of these holidays. They want more holidays on the schedule.

This is so true.

I have heard that it can be an issue with getting bus drivers and that's one that's difficult to find adequate subs.

Based on a school board meeting I watched, most APS bus drivers are a different religion than those recognized with school closer days by APS (I believe most are Orthodox Christians). According to one bus driver testimony, they have to work during their most sacred day of the year.

The thing with the drivers was really unfair.

Yes, but APS bends to Muslims more than orthodox Christians, it gets them more woke points.

There have to be more Orthodox Christians than Muslims in APS. Staff and students. And definitely more of either than Hindus. APS' choice of religious holidays doesn't make any sense.

We have a lot of Orthodox Christians (Ethiopians) and Muslims (many countries of origin), only a sprinkling of Hindus and Jews (most of whom are minimally observant like my spouse).

So why does APS observe Hindu and Jewish holidays but not orthodox ones? It makes no sense.

Virtue signaling, wokeness, equity . . . Pick a reason any reason.

But the orthodox Christians I know are non-white, including people who are African and Middle Eastern. So they are minorities too.

If we’re going to hand out religious holidays off like candy, what non-discriminatory reason can APS cite to for their selection? It seems at best arbitrary and at worst like they’re picking groups as favorites. I wonder if the school board ever regrets going down this path in the first place. It’s hard to turn back now without angering multiple groups of people. Such a dumb move.

They are minorities, but still Christians. I thought the idea was to add non-Christian holidays to the calendar to diversify.

The dates for Christmas and Easter are completely different most years. Not sure why that’s less valid than Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid and Diwali. There are probably more devout Orthodox Christians than devout Catholics/Protestants in Arlington when you get down to it.

I don’t disagree. I was explaining why I think APS chose some over others. I say get rid of them all, unless there will be enough people absent to cause operational difficulties. Allow excused absences.

APS doesn’t care about operational difficulties. PP said they won’t give orthodox drivers the day off because there are too many. So if you’re Jewish, you can get your holiday because it would be an operational difficulty if APS remains open, but a lot of orthodox bus drivers don’t qualify as an operational difficulty.