I was never a fan of math so had no qualms, one way or the other, when ‘new math’ was introduced as a means to make students more proficient with numbers. Though I am a strong advocate of cursive writing, I understand the degree to which keyboards play a larger role in ‘writing’. In other words, I grasp the turning of the page towards the needs of newer generations.
Up to a point, that is.
I became aware this weekend of a letter sent to all Leopold Elementary (MMSD) parents a mere three days before Valentine’s Day. Perhaps the note was to remind parents to not put any nuts into goodies that kids might take to share with the entire class, or to remind everyone to make sure they made a small handmade valentine for each of their classmates.
But no, that was not the mission of the missive.
Dear Leopold Familieis, (that is the way it was spelled in the letter)
As a professional learning community of educators, we strive to be inclusive and culturally responsive each and every day. The rich diversity of languages, abilities, and backgrounds of our families and staff are important aspects of what makes Leopold Elementary such a special place to work, learn, and play! As a staff, we continuously reflect upon how we celebrate and acknowledge different holidays that come up in the yearly calendar to make sure activities connect with our core beliefs about being an inclusive school. You will notice less emphasis on ‘holidays’ such as Valentine’s day and more emphasis on social-emotional development and celebrating things we have in common at Leopold Elementary.
Given these reasons, we ask that families not send commercial or other Valentine’s cards or treats to be passed out to classmates next week. We feel that by focusing on common themes and practices across our classrooms, we are being responsive to our children’s diversity. Together we will celebrate kindness, positive interactions with others, and the growth of our interpersonal skills in both big and small ways.
What is next on the chopping block, Groundhog’s Day?
I recall, rather fondly in second grade, when Carol Lisak (with brown hair and giggles galore) would turn around in her seat upfront and make funny faces at me, which in turn would crank up my laughter. One year, I recall she made a little packet of candy, wrapped in a napkin of sorts, and put it inside my desk for Valentine’s Day. Her family moved near to the sixth grade but her memory remains. Without the celebration of that day, that warm memory would not be mine.
My childhood had us making little boxes with a slit for others to drop their homemade cards in as they sat on our desk. I still have scores of those cards in my childhood memory boxes. Such activities made us aware to write neatly for others we cared about and even sprucing up this or that card to send a message of true friendship. What possibly could be the downside of Valentine’s Day?
Whatever purity test that is playing out at Leopold Elementary is depriving today’s children of a time to be young and carefree…and eat some homemade treats in the process. There will be many a day to sit in cubicle hell as an adult. With nothing more than a vending machine nearby.
If this action at Leopold Elementary is indicative of what is occurring in our school district there needs to be a serious conversation about introducing common sense to school staff.
And so it goes.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 