Chilren are predisposed to have fun, and once we take those opportunities away, such as American traditional holidays, learning suffer's and or children suffer. School should be a place where children want to run into every morning not run out of every day at 3. I have fond memories of Valetines day that go all the way back to kindergarten. I want my children to have the same. Red Hawk is always preaching for the kids to be kind to others. Well Valentines' day does just that! It teaches our children to be kind and express them selves. It's hard to learn how to give compliments and tell others how you feel. Card exchanges help with this. This is a day to show how much you care for others. Sometimes with how busy life can be we forget to express our feelings. Valetines day is a great way to show the ones you care that you haven't forgotten about them.
I was given many reasons why the second grade teachers decided not to participate in a card exchange this year. It was a last minute decision by the second grade team. Some of the so called factors were because some children couldn't afford Valenties, that candy and food are no longer allowed, not all children and their parents follow the rules, that the district only allows three parties a year and that it cuts into class time. One of the first reasons given was for religious purposes. I understand that the teachers and school want to be sensitive to all backgrounds but what about those kids that do celebrate? Why should they suffer? I welcome my children learning other cultures, religions and or practices. It helps them build character, tolerance and mutual respect for others. I feel that it is important for the parents at Red Hawk to finally take a stand! The family like feeling that used to exist at Red Hawk has slowing diminished over the years. And I firmly believe that is a result of stricter rules for some and not others. I adore Red Hawk and all the teacher there. However I feel that parents no longer have a voice. My calls and emails only got me so far. I'm afraid that our children will continues to suffer in the future if we don't take a stand now. They will continue to take more and more away if we fail to speak. Some of my kids will be bringing home Valentine's while my one daughter will be left out. How is this fair? Please take a stand with me! And let's stand up for our children and what we believe is right. No more sitting back and letting the district or the ones in control call all the shots. I believe by signing below you will be preventing future scenarios such as this one. As of today the second teachers have to decided to allow the kids to hand out cards during recess. I guess that's something and I am grateful but I don't want this to be a problem next year. Please sign and stand with me!
