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Post by carol on Nov 27, 2006 14:03:41 GMT -6
I don't recall having "holloween parties" when I went to Grade school....I don't think it scarred me. Then again I went to a Catholic GS and we had Mass on "All Hallowed Eve" instead. Personally I don't care one way or the other for the parties, but sure seems to be other more weighty issuses to be resolved than a silly party. Regardless of what topic is being discussed, there will always be more weighty issues. That's not the point. And I am sure that my daughter and her friends will not be "scarred" by the removal of Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthday recognitions at school. All of those things can be characterized as "silly" if that's what you want to do. Which, in my opinion, is kind of the point. I'm tired of the anti-fun brigade...those who see other people enjoying themselves and immediately want to see it stopped. I am over-simplifying, but that's at least part of it. I would like for my daughter, and her schoolmates as well, to actually enjoy their school years. A room party may be silly to you, but it is fun for the kids, and it helps them to create an experience that they will look back on fondly. It also gives them something to look forward to, and provides a context for social bonding that you don't get in math class. So, frown on me for getting a little riled about this if you like. Feel free to call me silly or frivolous. You know what they say about opinions. Regardless, I think this is worth voicing my opinion over, and I doubt I will be discouraged by someone else's opinion that parties are "silly." I don't think parties are silly. I think that social occasions are just as much a part of the school experience as math and social studies, and I want my kids to be able to enjoy them.
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Post by Avenging Eagle on Nov 27, 2006 14:38:47 GMT -6
I don't recall having "holloween parties" when I went to Grade school....I don't think it scarred me. Then again I went to a Catholic GS and we had Mass on "All Hallowed Eve" instead. Personally I don't care one way or the other for the parties, but sure seems to be other more weighty issuses to be resolved than a silly party. Regardless of what topic is being discussed, there will always be more weighty issues. That's not the point. And I am sure that my daughter and her friends will not be "scarred" by the removal of Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthday recognitions at school. All of those things can be characterized as "silly" if that's what you want to do. Which, in my opinion, is kind of the point. I'm tired of the anti-fun brigade...those who see other people enjoying themselves and immediately want to see it stopped. I am over-simplifying, but that's at least part of it. I would like for my daughter, and her schoolmates as well, to actually enjoy their school years. A room party may be silly to you, but it is fun for the kids, and it helps them to create an experience that they will look back on fondly. It also gives them something to look forward to, and provides a context for social bonding that you don't get in math class. So, frown on me for getting a little riled about this if you like. Feel free to call me silly or frivolous. You know what they say about opinions. Regardless, I think this is worth voicing my opinion over, and I doubt I will be discouraged by someone else's opinion that parties are "silly." I don't think parties are silly. I think that social occasions are just as much a part of the school experience as math and social studies, and I want my kids to be able to enjoy them. I agree. Those who consider themselves the enlightened ones who classify these types of gatherings and celebrations as "silly" are the same ones leading us down the wrong path on countless other issues with their hard-lined, extremist viewpoints. Being a contrarian, I believe that we should strongly consider doing the exact opposite of most of what these blowhards are spouting, and we might make a move in the right direction. For example, for all we know, Halloween and other parties might be the only path to peace on earth: 1. We allow the halloween celebrations at school. 2. Kids of all races and creeds walk in the shoes of the druids and wear burger king masks and enjoy themselves for a brief moment. 3. As a side-affect of this enjoyment and happiness, we might all learn to develop tolerance towards others viewpoints. 4. Because of the newfound popularity, all countries on earth spend most of their time planning parties and celebrations instead of planning suicide bombings and wars. 5. The best side-affect of all will be to put the people out of business who specialize in "PC phrase changing" who changed the term "Halloween" to "Fall Celebration". It is time for a round of layoffs for these idiots.
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Post by bubbagump on Nov 27, 2006 14:56:45 GMT -6
I remember letting my kids do Halloween parades at Steck. The rules were horrendous (zero tolerance was the rage) meaning your little soldier/indian/cowboy/policeman could not come to the parade with a toy weapon. etc. or risk being expelled. I just seems to me that people are getting worked up in a tizzy on a relatively minor issue.
IMHO you want a party/parade fine - no party/parade also fine.
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ilove204
Soph
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Posts: 50
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Post by ilove204 on Nov 27, 2006 15:43:24 GMT -6
"It is time for a round of layoffs for these idiots." as stated by Avenging Eagle
It would seem to me that calling people "idiots" who have a different opinion than yours isn't putting forth the best example.
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Post by carol on Nov 27, 2006 16:46:12 GMT -6
I agree. Those who consider themselves the enlightened ones who classify these types of gatherings and celebrations as "silly" are the same ones leading us down the wrong path on countless other issues with their hard-lined, extremist viewpoints. Being a contrarian, I believe that we should strongly consider doing the exact opposite of most of what these blowhards are spouting, and we might make a move in the right direction. For example, for all we know, Halloween and other parties might be the only path to peace on earth: 1. We allow the halloween celebrations at school. 2. Kids of all races and creeds walk in the shoes of the druids and wear burger king masks and enjoy themselves for a brief moment. 3. As a side-affect of this enjoyment and happiness, we might all learn to develop tolerance towards others viewpoints. 4. Because of the newfound popularity, all countries on earth spend most of their time planning parties and celebrations instead of planning suicide bombings and wars. 5. The best side-affect of all will be to put the people out of business who specialize in "PC phrase changing" who changed the term "Halloween" to "Fall Celebration". It is time for a round of layoffs for these idiots. Lordy....this must be the reward for one of my rare moments of sincerity.....
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Post by Avenging Eagle on Nov 27, 2006 21:04:52 GMT -6
"It is time for a round of layoffs for these idiots." as stated by Avenging Eagle It would seem to me that calling people "idiots" who have a different opinion than yours isn't putting forth the best example. Yes, I realize that I was rough on those people who specialize in changing the terms of holidays to the PC-equivelent ones. Possibly they could get a new job writing revisionist history books for use in 204 schools instead. OK, I will agree to retract my "idiotic" statement, if we will agree to drop the debate and go back to the days of having school halloween parties once a year, and instead, expending our energy (and our principals' time) discussing how to improve the education of our children instead of catering to the mutterings of squeaky-wheel PC troublemakers.
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ilove204
Soph
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Posts: 50
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Post by ilove204 on Nov 27, 2006 21:21:54 GMT -6
"... instead of catering to the mutterings of squeaky-wheel PC troublemakers." as stated by Avenging Eagle
There you go again.
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Post by bubbagump on Nov 27, 2006 21:32:54 GMT -6
Too late - The PC people were let out of the lamp and won't go back in. We are stuck with them. As I said before I really don't care one way or the other, however, it should be an all or nothing venture....Either all the schools have a Halloween party or none do.
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Post by Avenging Eagle on Nov 28, 2006 0:32:34 GMT -6
"... instead of catering to the mutterings of squeaky-wheel PC troublemakers." as stated by Avenging Eagle There you go again. Since you are a red devil, I side with you. Once long ago, I wore my Hinsdale Central Red Devil jacket to church and the foundation cracked....
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Post by doctorwho on Nov 28, 2006 10:01:27 GMT -6
Regardless of what topic is being discussed, there will always be more weighty issues. That's not the point. And I am sure that my daughter and her friends will not be "scarred" by the removal of Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and birthday recognitions at school. All of those things can be characterized as "silly" if that's what you want to do. Which, in my opinion, is kind of the point. I'm tired of the anti-fun brigade...those who see other people enjoying themselves and immediately want to see it stopped. I am over-simplifying, but that's at least part of it. I would like for my daughter, and her schoolmates as well, to actually enjoy their school years. A room party may be silly to you, but it is fun for the kids, and it helps them to create an experience that they will look back on fondly. It also gives them something to look forward to, and provides a context for social bonding that you don't get in math class. So, frown on me for getting a little riled about this if you like. Feel free to call me silly or frivolous. You know what they say about opinions. Regardless, I think this is worth voicing my opinion over, and I doubt I will be discouraged by someone else's opinion that parties are "silly." I don't think parties are silly. I think that social occasions are just as much a part of the school experience as math and social studies, and I want my kids to be able to enjoy them. I agree. Those who consider themselves the enlightened ones who classify these types of gatherings and celebrations as "silly" are the same ones leading us down the wrong path on countless other issues with their hard-lined, extremist viewpoints. Being a contrarian, I believe that we should strongly consider doing the exact opposite of most of what these blowhards are spouting, and we might make a move in the right direction. For example, for all we know, Halloween and other parties might be the only path to peace on earth: 1. We allow the halloween celebrations at school. 2. Kids of all races and creeds walk in the shoes of the druids and wear burger king masks and enjoy themselves for a brief moment. 3. As a side-affect of this enjoyment and happiness, we might all learn to develop tolerance towards others viewpoints. 4. Because of the newfound popularity, all countries on earth spend most of their time planning parties and celebrations instead of planning suicide bombings and wars. 5. The best side-affect of all will be to put the people out of business who specialize in "PC phrase changing" who changed the term "Halloween" to "Fall Celebration". It is time for a round of layoffs for these idiots. While there are those who will say we are spending a lot of time on nonsense, remember that these are grade school kids we are talking about, and a little 'fun' mixed in with their education just might create more comradery amongst some of them then just having their heads down in a book 100% of the time. No one is advocating fun over education - we are talking about a few minutes in the course of a school year. At the age I am now, things that are easier to 'remember' fondly are times like halloween parties, what teachers brought goldfish crackers for Christmas parties, exchanging of valentines, even if done anonymously by some, etc etc....everyone participated, no one was warped and most went on to much academic success. I somehow 'survived' these parties to move on to high school and 3 subsequent degrees. But what is easier to remember today; my older cousin bringing me to her halloween party at grade school when I was but 3 and the carrot from my bunny suit which became a missile to embarass her...( believe it or not she and I just had this conversation a few weeks ago and she is now 57 and I 51) - or every minute of every algebraic expression lesson ? School I thought was also a learning ground for social competence and ability to participate in one's surroundings ? I certainly want the best education for my children, and yes there needs to be focus on moving forward with all classroom learning, but a few 30 - 60 minute breaks during the year I do not believe takes away from that goal. Just my 2 cents
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Post by wvhsparent on Nov 28, 2006 12:51:42 GMT -6
Dist. 204 can’t disguise feelings about costumes By Sara Hooker Daily Herald Staff Writer Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The idea of eliminating costumes from fall celebrations in Indian Prairie schools evokes both rational and emotional responses, Superintendent Howard Crouse said.
Unit District 204 board members expressed both Monday evening at a policy committee meeting to annually review the district’s policy manual.
In a tense, hour-long discussion, board members heard from administrators who want to eliminate costumes from Halloween parties during school hours by amending the school ceremonies and observances policy districtwide.
Officials said the costumes aren’t sensitive or inclusive to the beliefs of everyone in the district. Religious and cultural beliefs typically keep about 10 children per school out of class on the afternoon of costumed parties, said Donna Crawford, assistant superintendent for elementary education.
District 204 has 21 elementary schools and six middle schools.
By moving parties after school, parents from single-parent households could participate, Crawford said, and not just stay-at-home moms.
Currently, principals make that decision for their building based on discussions with building faculty and the PTA, according to the policy.
This year, a handful of schools — including Brooks, Clow, Cowlishaw, Owen and McCarty elementary — opted for fall parties minus costumes.
Members hesitated at the idea of making it an across-the-board mandate, citing the large public outcry, among other reasons.
A handful of parents spoke at a recent board meeting against the idea of eliminating costumes, and members have received many e-mails.
Board President Jeannette Clark called eliminating costumes “silly” and said it flies in the face of educators’ efforts to teach children to be creative.
Today, traditions are becoming watered down in an effort to unsuccessfully please everybody, she said.
“It’s not just about (District) 204. It’s an American tradition,” she said. “It’s bigger than the costumes and costume parties. We’re erasing America.”
People with other beliefs should be encouraged to share them with others in the schools, rather than this idea of eliminating an educational experience, said member Alka Tyle.
Whatever the decision, member Christine Vickers said people would prefer to feel as if they are treated the same throughout the district, which includes portions of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield.
“It’s unfair that not all children are treated the same,” she said. “The equality piece isn’t the same across the district.”
The policy remains under discussion.
Board members said they would like to establish a plan for dealing with the issue at the next board meeting, but likely won’t make any decision on the matter.
That meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at the District Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WOW...JC actually said something that made sense!
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Post by gatordog on Nov 28, 2006 12:55:15 GMT -6
Who has exactly protested the Halloween celebration? I do not know one person who has said that the Halloween party/parade should be stopped. Well, Halloween is Satan's holiday, ya know. Kidding!!! Carol, I dont think you are kidding... this is the crux of the issue. We are dancing around this, discussing whether or not something is "PC". The issue is a handful of ultra-fundamentalists who think kids dressing up is an evil thing, an affront to their religious beliefs. The vast majority of posters, which I am certain reflects the vast majority of parents in our District, think the Halloween parade is a positive, fun, school event for our 5-10 yr olds. (I am squarely in this camp). The very small number ultra-fundamentalists do not participate in this forum, yet they do meet with principles and communicate with Board members. The loss of curriculum time is a non-issue to me. In fact, this is merely a smokescreen, in my opinion. It is much less of a "curriculum disruption" than field day, or movies shown, etc. This is also a non-issue for the Brooks principle, who states his primary motivation: "...create an environment that was comfortable for ALL of our students EVERY day - including those students from families with personal opposition to Halloween. Attendance data showed me that we had between 5-10 more students on average staying home on the day of our grand parade. I will not promote anything that keeps kids away from school." Is the threshold set to not promote anything that keeps kids away from school? Some are offended by discussion of human sexual reproduction...should this be eliminated? Some are offended by evolution theory....should this be removed from biology curriculum? Some are offended by Harry Potter books...should they be removed from the shelves? Our School have a constitutional role to not promote or endorse religion. Having a costume party is not promoting or endorsing any religion, its a custom party. The common interpretation is that a Christmas party does endorse a religion, that is why we dont have them. Is the Halloween party the world's most important issue? No. Yet, as a parent and citizen, my major concern is allowing a handful of ultra fundamentalist to impose their well on the rest of us. If a very small number choose to pass on a certain event, so be it. That is exactly what happens with the sex education talk for the fifth graders.
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Post by wvhsparent on Nov 28, 2006 13:19:09 GMT -6
Nicely said GD
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Post by title1parent on Nov 28, 2006 16:34:46 GMT -6
Hey AE,I was a Red Devil also, Hall High School....70 miles west. Always loved playing the local Catholic school. We have an awesome devil head painted on the wall in the gym. It feels like his eyes follow you as you walk from one end of the gym to the other.
Anyway, I feel that more and more of the customs are being "sanitized." Especially in the schools. I agree with Gatordog.
I remember when my son was in 1st grade. The kids dressed up as Pilgrims and Native Americans. They did a little play on Plymouth Rock in the MPR and then sat down together and had lunch. Don't do that anymore.
What frustrates me more is that the district has been inconsistent. We were told by our principal that parties were being removed, and yet 6 years have gone by, and obviously most of the schools still have parties. And then to replace those parties with curriculum parties......not a great substitution.
The point is it starts with the Halloween party....then where does it end, what else gets removed? What customs remain...if any?
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Post by justvote on Nov 28, 2006 16:50:46 GMT -6
I agree with the sentiment that one rule (for or against) should be applied across the board. Clow did away with Halloween during the school hours this year. Although the PTA hosted a very fun Halloween party after hours, it still would have been nice to celebrate in the "traditional" manner (during school hours). I'm going to pay close attention to the outcome of this, because if the board opts to allow Halloween celebrations, then I will be contacting our Principal to let her know the inequality of taking Halloween away from Clow students, while other schools within the district are allowed to celebrate this holiday during school hours.
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