One of the benefits of being a teacher who writes is that when you can't find exactly what you are looking for as an example, you simply write it yourself.
My 7th grade students are studying the US Constitution and they are looking at current applications of the Bill of Rights. As there have been many similar articles in the news as of late, I decided to bring this issue to our school as noted within the text.
My students were to read this article, note central idea, create a claim supported by evidence, note vocabulary, among other standards-based practice.
The article is below.
Santa Grams questioned as
Constitutional.
Constitutional.
December 7, 2018
As school in a suburb of Chicago called Lukancic Middle School has run into trouble
due to a tradition that started many years ago. Now the practice is being questioned
to decide if the practice is constitutional or not.
due to a tradition that started many years ago. Now the practice is being questioned
to decide if the practice is constitutional or not.
Every year, a few weeks before winter break, the Romeoville school sells Santa
Grams which are candy canes with a nice message attached. These are messages
of good will.
Students send them to other students and teachers. Teachers also send them
to other teachers and students. It is a sign of caring that the middle school has
come to be known for through the years. The problem? These nice messages
and candy offerings have become a topic of controversy in the community.
Grams which are candy canes with a nice message attached. These are messages
of good will.
Students send them to other students and teachers. Teachers also send them
to other teachers and students. It is a sign of caring that the middle school has
come to be known for through the years. The problem? These nice messages
and candy offerings have become a topic of controversy in the community.
As there are students that practice varying religions and beliefs that attend
the school, the real question here is, “Is this practice a violation of constitutional
rights?”
the school, the real question here is, “Is this practice a violation of constitutional
rights?”
There are students that attend the middle school that practice such religions that
do not follow or celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas. These include
Muslim, Jehovah's Witness, and Jewish Students. They have been brought up
in a religion or culture that does not recognize these days as holidays. Is it fair to
have these students subjected to only one faith’s belief system?
do not follow or celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas. These include
Muslim, Jehovah's Witness, and Jewish Students. They have been brought up
in a religion or culture that does not recognize these days as holidays. Is it fair to
have these students subjected to only one faith’s belief system?
People asking for this practice to be stopped have filled a petition and are
expecting this to be brought to the state Supreme Court as early as Wednesday
of this week. They are afraid that if they wait too long, that these Santa Grams
will be sold and rights may be violated.
A spokesperson from the school has suggested that they be named something
different such as Holiday Grams. This idea was rejected as many still felt that this
did not satisfy all groups concerned. With one final attempt at settling this in time
for the sale, there as a push to change the name to Winter Grams. Students at the
school have commented that they are not willing to change the name of the greeting
from Santa Gram unless the courts force them to do so.
expecting this to be brought to the state Supreme Court as early as Wednesday
of this week. They are afraid that if they wait too long, that these Santa Grams
will be sold and rights may be violated.
A spokesperson from the school has suggested that they be named something
different such as Holiday Grams. This idea was rejected as many still felt that this
did not satisfy all groups concerned. With one final attempt at settling this in time
for the sale, there as a push to change the name to Winter Grams. Students at the
school have commented that they are not willing to change the name of the greeting
from Santa Gram unless the courts force them to do so.
________________
It is fun to be able to help my students think in terms of their own school and
community while tackling bigger issues in learning. Being a teacher who writes
allows me to do things like this...
community while tackling bigger issues in learning. Being a teacher who writes
allows me to do things like this...
Be Mindful.
Peace.
Mark Levine
#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites
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