Received the following from the town superintendent of schools.....
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Within the past few weeks, we have received feedback from parents regarding the decision to eliminate costumes as part of third graders’ Colonial Day experience. While there were many families who welcomed this change, there were other families who felt that the change so close to the event did not seem reasonable given the time and resources parents had already put into planning their child’s costume.
The intent of the original decision was to create a more inclusive experience for all students in response to concerns expressed by families and community members who believe that because of their family’s history or cultural heritage, the historical narrative of Colonial Day has not been reflective of what their ancestors may have experienced. We realize, however, that information about this change could have been communicated more clearly, earlier in the year, and have been informed by additional input from parents and community members.
For this year, therefore, in the elementary schools that have a "Colonial Day", students will be given the option of wearing a colonial costume, but will not be required to do so. Students are also welcome to dress in a manner that represents their culture and heritage.
Next fall, we will convene a committee of parents, teachers, and administrators to examine Colonial Day as an event - how it fits into the social studies curriculum and how it can be meaningful, relevant, and inclusive for all students. We apologize for any undue stress or confusion that the recent announced change may have caused. We hope to use this experience to create a wider dialogue about issues of diversity and multiculturalism in our schools.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Bodie, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Keep in mind that my town was formerly known as Menotomy and it was the scene of the biggest battles on April 19,1775. As the British retreated from Concord, the Regulars had been harassed and were in a mood to kill. The Minuteman in Arlington by this time had news of what was happening in the immediate west, they were also a bit pissed off. 80 plus year old Samuel whittemore was a good example of what the British faced....
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/whittemore.html
But now we should bury Sam Whittemore again because our country's history isn't what someone that came here to be part of the country finds consistent with their past.
Am I racist for wondering "Than why did you come here if you want us to be like what you left?"
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Within the past few weeks, we have received feedback from parents regarding the decision to eliminate costumes as part of third graders’ Colonial Day experience. While there were many families who welcomed this change, there were other families who felt that the change so close to the event did not seem reasonable given the time and resources parents had already put into planning their child’s costume.
The intent of the original decision was to create a more inclusive experience for all students in response to concerns expressed by families and community members who believe that because of their family’s history or cultural heritage, the historical narrative of Colonial Day has not been reflective of what their ancestors may have experienced. We realize, however, that information about this change could have been communicated more clearly, earlier in the year, and have been informed by additional input from parents and community members.
For this year, therefore, in the elementary schools that have a "Colonial Day", students will be given the option of wearing a colonial costume, but will not be required to do so. Students are also welcome to dress in a manner that represents their culture and heritage.
Next fall, we will convene a committee of parents, teachers, and administrators to examine Colonial Day as an event - how it fits into the social studies curriculum and how it can be meaningful, relevant, and inclusive for all students. We apologize for any undue stress or confusion that the recent announced change may have caused. We hope to use this experience to create a wider dialogue about issues of diversity and multiculturalism in our schools.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Bodie, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Keep in mind that my town was formerly known as Menotomy and it was the scene of the biggest battles on April 19,1775. As the British retreated from Concord, the Regulars had been harassed and were in a mood to kill. The Minuteman in Arlington by this time had news of what was happening in the immediate west, they were also a bit pissed off. 80 plus year old Samuel whittemore was a good example of what the British faced....
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/whittemore.html
But now we should bury Sam Whittemore again because our country's history isn't what someone that came here to be part of the country finds consistent with their past.
Am I racist for wondering "Than why did you come here if you want us to be like what you left?"
