Post by Tomspy77 on Jan 3, 2014 12:52:49 GMT -6
NPSD accused of “banning Halloween,”
A North Penn School District rule centered around holiday celebrations caused a ruckus in the fall, later resulting in an amendment of the regulation.
The controversy started Oct. 9 when someone contacted a Philadelphia television news station about a letter sent to parents of Inglewood Elementary School students and signed by Principal Orlando Taylor.
In the letter, Taylor cited a school district policy that says some holidays considered by many to be secular — including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day — are viewed by others as having “religious overtones.” Therefore, Inglewood would not be hosting Halloween parades, parties or any other events, the letter said.
This controversy garnered wide media attention and made national headlines, with many believing that the North Penn School District had “banned Halloween.”
However, district officials said Taylor misinterpreted Administrative Regulation 6119(a), adopted by the school board in the spring.
The guideline allows elementary school principals to decide whether or not to allow holiday parties in classrooms.
This had been an understood guideline for some time, but the school board voted to make it policy in April, along with a recommendation that no more than two classroom parties are scheduled per school year. However, more could be held at the principal’s discretion.
It says the classroom parties may include activities that help students understand various customs “to maintain the distinction between acknowledgement and celebration.”
Referring to a party as “Halloween,” “Fall,” “Holiday,” “Winter,” “Valentine’s,” “Spring” or “End-of Year” is permissible, the regulation says.
The controversy started Oct. 9 when someone contacted a Philadelphia television news station about a letter sent to parents of Inglewood Elementary School students and signed by Principal Orlando Taylor.
In the letter, Taylor cited a school district policy that says some holidays considered by many to be secular — including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day — are viewed by others as having “religious overtones.” Therefore, Inglewood would not be hosting Halloween parades, parties or any other events, the letter said.
This controversy garnered wide media attention and made national headlines, with many believing that the North Penn School District had “banned Halloween.”
However, district officials said Taylor misinterpreted Administrative Regulation 6119(a), adopted by the school board in the spring.
The guideline allows elementary school principals to decide whether or not to allow holiday parties in classrooms.
This had been an understood guideline for some time, but the school board voted to make it policy in April, along with a recommendation that no more than two classroom parties are scheduled per school year. However, more could be held at the principal’s discretion.
It says the classroom parties may include activities that help students understand various customs “to maintain the distinction between acknowledgement and celebration.”
Referring to a party as “Halloween,” “Fall,” “Holiday,” “Winter,” “Valentine’s,” “Spring” or “End-of Year” is permissible, the regulation says.