I recently looked at this Edutopia's poll and the comments on how schools should observe MLK Jr. Day. I know many schools do have the day off. I wonder how many family's actually do something to honor MLK or serve others? When I was in school at Fowler and now as a teacher at PW we do have class. As a student I do not remember our school doing anything out of the ordinary except for maybe the History teacher mentioning something at the beginning of class. I also recall fellow students complaining that they should have the day off. Only because they wanted to be home. I do not remember an official response but the consensus among the students was that we do not have MLK day of because we do not have any Black students. I now believe that is the exact reason why as a community we need to take note of Black history and do something to honor those who gave their life to the cause. But what to do?
What does your school do? or should do?
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At my school, where I was recently hired to be a kindergarten assisstant, we have MLK day off. Keep in mind that about 99% of the students at my school are African American. We read 2 or 3 books about him, the kids colored a whole book about him, and there is a display set up in the school lobby.
ReplyDeleteI feel that students/schools should have the day off only if it is meaningful to the student body and the holiday will be observed in some way. If it is simply a day at home in front of the TV, then that day would be better spent at school.
In my district, students have the day off, teachers have Professional Development. We meet as a whole district and review the finances of the district (The State if the District). Then, usually there is some presentation or piece on Diversity presented by our Diversity Task Force (DTF). Then we split up and go to our individual buildings and continue with building professional development.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find "interesting" is that up until recently the DTF was comprised of caucasian members. The district's stance is that diversity in inclusive of all races, ethnicities and beliefs. However, I feel that there is still a HUGE focus on Black vs. White. I am not diminishing the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
However, if we are truly celebrating diversity - then lets celebrate true diversity.