We have developed a holiday policy that we feel is respectful to all our families. Seasons and holidays define and drive the curriculum in many schools. La Escuela Fratney’s policy discourages the overuse of holiday/seasons in our curriculum. Instead, we believe holiday activities can contribute to a multicultural and antiracist perspective. Our curriculum includes authentic and sensitive experiences that reflect our students and the broader community.

We are not advocating eliminating holidays, or depriving students of the opportunities to celebrate. Our intention is to think about the many questions that holidays and celebrations pose, and rethink “traditional” holidays by looking through a multicultural lens. The holiday is integrated into the regular curriculum. Learning is connected to our community and includes developmentally appropriate activities.

Many holidays have religious origins and aspects. Information shared is to be accurate and sensitive. We recommend that a person knowledgeable about the holiday be asked to inform or share information with staff and students. It is important that the information shared is correct, that it dispels stereotypes and generalizations.

In our school community, there may be families who do not celebrate holidays. It is important that we know who they are and respect their perspective and/or restrictions. As needed, we will work with families to make plans that meet their children’s needs and ensure they are not “left out.”

We do celebrate with our school. We celebrate learning throughout the year, at Theme Presentations, Writing Celebrations, Celebramos el español and more. You are always welcome to join us.

As a school community, we do not celebrate or dress up for Halloween. We have many inclusive spirit days throughout the school year for students to wear La Escuela Fratney t-shirts, specific colors, and other themed days.

We believe that the primary emphasis with holidays should be to “educate” rather than “celebrate.” We are proud to be bilingual, multicultural learners!