Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not many 9 year olds in our group even discuss Santa. I am one that as very pro separation of church and state. However, I think your 9 year old needs to get some thicker skin. My 8 year old isnt allowed to play video games, he is fine when his friends talk about all their video games.

Did you really go there? Did you really just equate your parenting decision not to allow video games with children feeling singled out when they are part of a minority religion? Religious identity for families and children can be a serious issue. In this country it is very hard to be a member of one of the minority religions as so many people believe that the cultural norm of Christianity should be catered to predominantly. Additionally, allowing Christmas into the public schools lends itself to kids segregating out the "weird" kids who don't celebrate Christmas. But this country was founded on the principle of religious freedom. People should be free to practice what religion they want. Allowing Christmas to dominate in public schools makes it much harder for non-Christian families during the holiday season.

For what it's worth, I'm Christian and celebrate Christmas. I recognize this because my best friend is Jewish and I've seen how easy it is even when people are well-meaning for the non-Christians to feel excluded or actually be demeaned by people who complain about the war on Christmas. You expect Christmas to be everywhere and for those who don't celebrate to just deal with it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is part of the reason why we are in a Catholic school. I heard that saying God bless you when someone sneezes is no longer acceptable.

You should definitely stay in Catholic school (from a Catholic). Watched. Wonderful 2nd grade holiday show today where they sang about all the major holidays. So refreshing for a school not to shy away from religion. And yes, DCPS school.

I was there too -- two of the many adorable songs brought tears to my eyes: "My friend's family celebrates Ramadan" (really captures the nonchalance and respect of diversity among our kids) and "Innkeeper" (a beautiful song of inclusiveness, pleading for someone to let Mary in). "December in Our Town" is a great tradition at our school, celebrating the spirit of the season and the diversity of our families. The kids were so poised and cute. Great job teachers!

PP here. So glad I wasn't the only teary one. I grew up in Catholic school and had no idea about other holidays. I love that my kids get to spend time at school leading about what their friends are celebrating. The 2nd grade team did an awesome job.

Oh, great. So now the meaning of Christmas has to be "inclusiveness." How PC of them.

Anonymous wrote:People need to get a grip. I'm sick of the politically correct war on Christmas. You don't have to celebrate it, but it is part of the American tradition. If that bothers someone, let him emigrate to Israel.... or ISIS Syria....or where ever floats your boat. And have a Merry Christmas!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is part of the reason why we are in a Catholic school. I heard that saying God bless you when someone sneezes is no longer acceptable.

You should definitely stay in Catholic school (from a Catholic). Watched. Wonderful 2nd grade holiday show today where they sang about all the major holidays. So refreshing for a school not to shy away from religion. And yes, DCPS school.

I was there too -- two of the many adorable songs brought tears to my eyes: "My friend's family celebrates Ramadan" (really captures the nonchalance and respect of diversity among our kids) and "Innkeeper" (a beautiful song of inclusiveness, pleading for someone to let Mary in). "December in Our Town" is a great tradition at our school, celebrating the spirit of the season and the diversity of our families. The kids were so poised and cute. Great job teachers!

PP here. So glad I wasn't the only teary one. I grew up in Catholic school and had no idea about other holidays. I love that my kids get to spend time at school leading about what their friends are celebrating. The 2nd grade team did an awesome job.

Anonymous wrote:Not many 9 year olds in our group even discuss Santa. I am one that as very pro separation of church and state. However, I think your 9 year old needs to get some thicker skin. My 8 year old isnt allowed to play video games, he is fine when his friends talk about all their video games.

Anonymous wrote:A Jew here...why on earth couldn't the children sing the song at recess?? It's not promoted by school, it's not bad or offensive. Censoring kids form singing a religious song because some other kid doesn't celebrate that same religion is going way too far. Our public MCPS school doesn't have a holiday party at all, that's fine I get it (though I honestly never cared growing up and uses to love making gingerbread houses at the school party because I never did at home!).

But let the kids sing what they want on the playground! This is going too far.

Anonymous wrote:A Jew here...why on earth couldn't the children sing the song at recess?? It's not promoted by school, it's not bad or offensive. Censoring kids form singing a religious song because some other kid doesn't celebrate that same religion is going way too far. Our public MCPS school doesn't have a holiday party at all, that's fine I get it (though I honestly never cared growing up and uses to love making gingerbread houses at the school party because I never did at home!).

But let the kids sing what they want on the playground! This is going too far.

Anonymous wrote:So glad we are on school break now. Let's leave religion to religious schools and actually learn some math and grammar.

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing there is more to this story. Must have been annoying, disruptive or something if it even came to the teacher's attention during recess.