Madrona K-8 Nongraded School
Holiday Policy at Madrona
A note from Mrs. Fischer about Holiday observances in school:
As a school principal it is my job to support our District Board policy regarding the teaching about versus celebration of various religiously based holidays.
According to Board Procedures 7300-R, "Factual and objective teaching about religion may be included in classroom instruction where such is related to the district's educational goals and student learning objectives…"
Teaching about "religion, which is permitted, must be distinguished from "religious instruction," which is not permitted. The distinction includes:
- The approach is academic not devotional. The teaching must align with Curriculum Frameworks.
- The school strives for student awareness of religions, not for student acceptance of any particular religion or any religion at all.
- The school may expose students to a diversity of religious views, but may not promote or denigrate any religion.
Concerning celebrations and parties, our Board policy provides clear guidelines as to the nature of any celebrations people might plan: they are not to be presented as celebrating a clearly "religiously-based holiday." Decorations should reflect taste and respect for diversity, and displayed only as a part of a balanced, multicultural celebration. Attention should be given to assuring that all students will fell welcome and included in activities and special events.
At Madrona, we respect the diversity of religious and cultural views. We are focused on using our time to support learning and certainly believe there is much to celebrate throughout our school year. Classroom teachers may choose to teach balanced unites about holiday and cultural traditions, which represent the diverse backgrounds of our students. It will not be appropriate to plan parties, which promote religious or religiously-based holidays during school time. While I recognize and respect the diverse perspectives on the issue of holiday celebrations in schools, we will honor the Edmonds School Board policy at Madrona.
Lynda Fischer, Madrona Principal
425-431-7982
