When I chose to move to Springfield and raise my children here, one of my major deciding factors was the quality of its public school system. Over the last few years I have not been disappointed with my choice. In fact, ever since my eldest daughter began attending Walton School, I have had nothing but praise and admiration for our schools and the district. However, over the past few years many parents, including myself, have noticed an unhealthy shift from moderation, towards extreme political correctness and inflexibility by the leaders in our schools.
First, when the Superintendent and/or Principals determined that there should be no sweets in our schools, I, like many others, felt it was bit excessive, yet I refrained from commenting. But, I can no longer remain silent. Completely discarding sweets from the school environment does not allow our children to make active decisions in choosing a healthy lifestyle over non-healthy one. Rather, it discourages them to make choices. We, as a community, should be teaching our children that there are choices to be made in life. By “hiding” a lesser choice, as our school district mandates, we demonstrate to our children that we prefer to conceal the choices offered in our world and pretend the lesser choice does not even exist. How is this teaching?
If this draconian policy wasn’t enough, I was further dismayed when I learned the policy forbade the celebration of a "treat" even on a child’s birthday. “Birthday boys and girls will be given a pencil?” Really?? Yes, I recognize there is an obesity epidemic; however, children do not become obese because they have a cupcake or two a month at a festivity. It’s about choices and moderation. I do not stand alone when I state this policy is excessive as many parents in the district agree. Why is it that many other school districts have been able to formulate much more reasonable policies regarding nutrition? For example, in neighboring Mountainside, parents of children celebrating birthdays in any given month come to the school on one mutually agreeable day. The parents may bring a snack in consisting of a combination of healthy and non-healthy treats. This type of "celebration" once a month clearly does not cause obesity.
This is a very healthy way to model eating habits. Any nutritionist will agree that healthy eating should occur 90% of the time with a treat 10% of the time. Complete deprivation of treats does not, and will not, eliminate obesity and does not exemplify a healthy lifestyle. In fact, studies have shown that complete deprivation of any one item causes increased obsession, not disinterest. Seriously, does the occasional cupcake make our children obese? Has the administration gone too far? Perhaps district personnel need to be reminded that sweets do exist in our world.
When Halloween festivities at school were brought to an end, I refrained again, this despite the extreme disappointment of many in our community. Other school districts have made very reasonable decisions to have children enjoy a Halloween activity in the last hour or so of the school day. Children should be permitted to bring their costumes to school and enjoy this event with their classmates. I suspect that many would agree the opportunity for social interaction on Halloween amongst peers is not harmful and actually can be a constructive social experience. Perhaps our Board needs to be reminded that “real life” includes occasional celebrations do (and gasp! with sweets too!). I am certain most in our community enjoys a holiday party, or gathering with family, friends and co-workers. Why must we deny our children of the same? Has the administration gone too far?
Yet, it does not end there. Now there is another example that the administration has exceeded its boundaries. I learned recently of the newest policy which forbids parents to provide a collective gift to the teacher at holiday time. I ask, what is the reasoning behind this policy? Is it that it leads to favoritism? Isn't this the reason why a "collective" gift is presented to the teacher with no indication of who contributed in the first place? Letters and drawings by the students as tokens of appreciation are being encouraged. Teachers may accept individual gifts from students and their families?? Really?? This policy has a greater propensity towards favoritism than a collective gift! To add to the ridiculousness, this policy is not district wide.
The job educating our children is hard enough, but their responsibilities do not end there. Our children deserve a community which fosters a desire to learn, and encourages appropriate social behavior and experiences.
Considering their responsibilities, teachers are not adequately compensated. Many teachers take money from their own pocket to provide a certain type of environment for their students. It’s about time the administration focuses on its own responsibilities rather than attempting to dominate our community with their unreasonable positions.
My views are echoed by many of the educated adults in our community. I ask again, has the administration gone too far? The answer is a resounding “yes.” This state of affairs is disheartening, and I maintain that I am not proud of our school district. Changes need to be made.
Sincerely,
a concerned parent
Addendum:
The following is the addendum to the letter, in response to my telephone conversation with the above mentioned principal:
At issue is the recent policy regarding teachers’ holiday gifts at some Springfield schools. It seems the principal feels the “idea” of a “collective gift” from the students from the students “just feels wrong,” and therefore, supports this policy. As one might imagine, “just feels wrong” is an unacceptable answer. When pressed for reasons for his newest mandate, the principal simply could not come up with any valid ones, instead, suggesting that the children would be subject to various safety concerns transporting such money back and forth in their backpacks.
This is nonsensical as “kid mail” via backpacks has been around ever since I was a little girl! Further, monies for PTA fundraising activities, lunch, milk, school pictures, and class trips are transported via backpacks, effectively negating this view. Besides, if we truly have to fear for our children because they are carrying cash in their backpacks, then I suggest we have even greater problems in our schools that need to be addressed immediately.
In any event, I then proposed that the class parent could set up a Paypal account or mail payment directly to the class parent to negate his concern. However, he said children may be feel uncomfortable if their families can't contribute.
Honestly, I have a very difficult time with this. How would a child know how much a parent has given? Participation would be voluntary with a suggested, but not required, donation amount. Any family could give more, less, or nothing at all. Further, there would be no indication to the teacher who has contributed and who has not and how much.
The Principal had an alternate suggestion of individual teacher gifts, but doesn’t this lend itself more to the alienation from those who cannot provide a gift at all? The children will notice if a child comes to school without a package in hand on the last day of class before winter break when everyone else brings one in. They will make comparisons, whose gift is larger and whose is smaller, even if the gifts remain wrapped in their presence.
In any event, I take extreme issue and offense to the Superintendent and principal of the school dictating a gift policy to the parents which makes no sense. If I choose to collect for a gift, I shall do just that. This incidentally, brings me to my next point, which is that I am extremely dismayed by the direction our administration has taken with its most recent mandates of “absolutely, no sweets” and “no Halloween celebrations.” These policies are not in agreement with the feelings of the majority of parents, and several educators, in our town.
Tell me, when will this administration listen to those in the community it serves? What will it take for you to reconsider? If I can demonstrate to you and the board support from the majority of the community, would the policies change? I can do so with a simple online survey to all parents. I implore the district to reconsider these mandates and work with parents to come up with more palatable solutions.
debra wolf
7:50 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
Well, can I just say that I am giving this "concerned parent" a standing ovation. Teaching should be left to teachers. And parenting should be left to parents.
Just look at the effect the so-called "healthy" lunch nonsense spearheaded by Mrs. Obama has had on the kids in middle school. The kids are not happy with the school lunch..... they hate the choices, or it's just not enough food.... so they wind up buying cookies, or fries. Or walking to Mountain Ave at 2:30 and doing the same. What's happening in our schools is just a reflection of what's happening in this country. WAY too much Government involvement in every aspect of our lives.
Jim Shamrock
10:20 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
my daughter in middle school either joins the crowds to the 2 Frozen Yogurt/Ice shops within 5 doors of each other or Tom's Pizza or the two bagel shops or off to Krausers deli.
So, at least it's keeping local businesses busy but the kids are starving.
Heather Krieger
8:10 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I commend this parent for speaking out on what many of us are thinking. And, since we have already sent in the money for the class gift, our children now have to "jeopardize their safety" and bring that money home again. Odd thinking since we just sent in money for the holiday botique... The class gift is an age old idea that prevents hurt feelings and competition, and allows families to show their appreciation in a big way. Too bad that the school district can't see the joy in collective giving!!
Sppeedyg
8:22 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
i support the reversal of all 3 ridiculous policies..
Jim Shamrock
11:06 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Agreed!
NJ Transplant
8:59 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
The principal and the superintendent are just contradicting themselves.
t pearl
9:18 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I hope the superintendent and principals read this editorial carefully and make modifications to their decisions. It takes a village to raise a child. Listen to the village and work together for better choices. It is also in the hands of the parents to help guide our future adults by helping them work with choices when they don't go as we would like. I really like the idea of celebrations with healthy and unhealthy choices.
Princess Valiant
9:34 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I agree and applaud this parent who voices the feelings of (I believe) most parents in Springfield. Our youngest is in Dayton and I am thrilled I do not have to deal with these issues. However, after seeing our children go through our school system, it seems so sad now. We strive for well-rounded (not round) children who can effectively venture out in the world when the rules governing lower education are no longer present. Wishing all wonderful and peaceful holidays and new year.
Schoolmom
9:56 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
The moment i started reading this article this morning, i knew exactly which principal it was referencing, before even reading the addendum at the bottom - apparently, somebody is beating his chest and trying to make sweeping changes the moment he is given the position as Principal. Thankfully, my child is no longer at TLS and subject to this. No gifts, no options, no parking on the street near the school, very formal addresses to everyone - good luck everyone
Jim Shamrock
11:08 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Let him Focus on Safety of our children in the classroom and teach our children well, and last of all....let them eat cake :)
B Freeman
11:25 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
This is an extremely well written letter and I'm would support if I still had children in school. Judging from the comments made above, everyone agrees with the issues stated.
The only way to make change is to go the Board of Education Meeetings. The next scheduled meeting of the BOE will be held in the Jonathan Dayton High School Instructional Media Center (Library), at 7:00 P.M. for Executive Sessions and 7:30 P.M. for Public Sessions on December 17th and keep going until they get the message.
Unless you go there in large numbers, nothing will change. All the letters to the editor and the comments of support will accomplish nothing. I hope you all go to the next meeting of the BOE and make yourselves heard.
Elisa
11:42 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I completely agree with this letter. Any personalized memories our children could get out of their childhood school days has been banned. My little one will never know what it's like to dress up for Halloween at school, a tradition that has been around forever. Unless the school makes money from events, they are basically scrapped. Not good practice....
Tracy
11:51 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I completely agree with concerned parent. Just to add that sweets are ok if the district say it's ok. My son can buy a funnel cake or chocolate chip cookies as his 1/2 day snack on the 21st.
Jim Shamrock
11:10 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
I guess we shouldn't complain or they will take that away as punishment ..lol
Tina Masi
12:00 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I feel the community should democratically set the school norms for gifts, treats, parties etc... I agree these should be allowed and would agree that a vote on the patch would definitely give us all a community view. This is still a democratic nation. As a family nutrition is something dealt with at home. The educators and Mrs. Obama should know that obesity has an emotional component that cannot be dealt with by not having sweets! Whether dealing with obesity, ADD, or any other personal medical diagnosis, the school is there to support the family with IEPs or conferences etc.; only after the family has determined a treatment plan. Let's have our community support families in their decisions; not dictate the decisions.
Dad-from-Springfield
2:00 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
My son attends Walton. I was initially surprised about the way they treat birthday celebrations but grew accepting of it. I am fine with these types of foods not being available for these early age children when they are attending school. My son has cupcakes, cookies and candy as a treat every so often at home. We monitor not only how much he has but educate him on how unhealthy they can be and that they are simply 'treats'. I am also perfectly fine with the menus in the school and applaud the healthy choices available. Parents are free to throw parties for their children and invite their children's classmates. At these events, the children can be presented with enough sweets to satisfy any cravings they may have. We don't need them in the school.
Regarding gifts, my wife has been buying little tokens of appreciation for years as they moved through the daycare system. Mugs, key chains, etc are small tokens of appreciation and a holiday gift. They are not meant to be more than that. A collection from all the classmates for a gift doesn't sit right with me either. The gift could easily climb into the hundreds of dollars and it seems way too excessive. Individual contributions as well should not be allowed beyond a small token either, for the reasons we can all imagine.
We should instead be focusing our intention on getting our children a quality education and ensuring their safety in the schools and less on whether they can wear costumes or eat cupcakes.
Dad-from-Springfield
2:38 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I also want to add that collecting money from other families puts pressure on the family to both contribute more than they may otherwise feel appropriate as well as pressure to conform and thus not have their child ostracized. Since the class list is sent home with all the children, there is nothing preventing a parent from throwing an event and only inviting those who contributed. This type of attitude is what leads children to perceive themselves better than others and potentially start to bully other children.
Faith Racusin
2:44 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I absolutely agree with you, Dad-from-Springfield. I don't see major problems with the celebrations or the class gifts but wish that parents put this much effort into "real" issues like class size and quality education.
Our children will receive a wonderful upbringing because of what the parents and community bring them. We provide them with the excitement of Halloween and birthdays. We provide them with nutrition education (or should!). BUT....teachers have such a difficult job providing education to all different abilities at one time. They can use all of the instructional time that they can get.
The biggest issue that I see is the timing of these decisions from the district. Last year right before Halloween it was decided not to have the parade. This year, while money has already been collected it was decided that it's not the correct method. I think that advanced planning does wonders for PR.
Jim Shamrock
10:42 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Hey---Stop Complaining So Much, are you for real???? You complain the most and your comment below is Unacceptable!!
Of course we are all Thankful that our kids were not in Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Ct. (a very ignorant remark)
God Bless those families and children in Newtown Ct.
Let's hope that the Springfield Board of Ed and the local Middle School Principals start putting action plans in effect to KEEP SPRINGFIELD SCHOOLS SAFE!
(In the meantime, let them be kids....let them eat cake or cupcake).
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays ....even to any grinches out there.
_________________________________________________________________
1:07 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2012
Stop Complaining So Much wrote..--
You are right. "Where does the ridiculousness end?" Stop worrying about a freakin' cupcake, and be thankful your kids were not in Sandy Hook School.
Springfield Father
4:39 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
“Stop Complaining So Much” stated “Let the principal and teachers concentrate on educating.” This is exactly what we are all in agreement of! But, instead, their focus has been on minor issues such as sweets, gift policies and Halloween costumes. In several posts you claim to agree with the majority on these issues, but advise that since these policies have already been established, we all should just accept them and move on.
Consider this though, What would you say to those who are vocalizing the need for stricter gun laws in light of the recent tragedy? Would you encourage them not to support that cause because the current laws already exist?
Your statement, “these kids will not grow up traumatized because of a lack of cupcakes in elementary school,” is true. However, no one on this forum suggested this. Instead, we state that a birthday treat (yes, a cupcake) and an opportunity to socialize with classmates at a Halloween party is not unreasonable. Some might argue that these activities actually help to form better social bonds. All we ask is that the administration rescind these unreasonable policies and actually listen to, and work with, the parents.
I ask, why are you so willing to roll over for the administrators of our schools? You clearly have a voice, stated you agree with us, yet, you are unwilling to challenge any of these policies simply because they already exist! I can’t understand why you support the administration so blindly.
Springfield Father
12:07 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
No one compares the issue of cupcakes to gun control. What I questioned is the viewpoint that since a policy is already in place we should not challenge it, rather, just accept it and move on.
The greater prevailing issue is that our administrators, as you state, “do NOT listen to parents”. First it was cupcakes, then costumes on Halloween, now it’s a gift policy. In all of these instances the administration refused to work with the parents towards a middle ground. These decisions are made with no input or conciliation. Why is it, that in our town, our school district is run by absolute rule? As the original poster correctly claims, there is a disturbing trend which is: “an unhealthy shift from moderation, towards extreme political correctness and inflexibility by the leaders in our schools.” It is this obstinacy that we all oppose.
I’m glad that you have a loud voice, and use it when you feel justified. However, just because you personally feel that some issues are not worth a discussion over, shouldn’t serve as a basis for you to chastise those who do. No one asks you to lose sleep over a cupcake. What we ask is that the administrators take parents seriously, especially now that much more critical issues, such as safety in our classrooms, are on everyone’s minds. When our leaders refuse to hear the concerns of those they serve, refuse compromise, and refuse to work towards a more harmonious relationship with parents, changes must be made.
Mr. Hanky
4:40 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Not to be confused with "Springfield Father"....... I see, come up with a similar name and dispute the points made by a concerned parent............."God Bless us.....Everyone".
S. Miller
7:17 pm on Thursday, December 13, 2012
For context, some of the gifts I've contributed towards have been: a rocking chair personalized with the students' handprints, a cookie recipe book and plate with the students' signatures, a pandora charm, donations in memory of a deceased parent and spouse. Even the gift certificates have been given in recognition of the many dollars that teachers spend on their students, ie.treasure box treats, birthday trinkets. In what way does restricting these gifts make our schools better?
Mr. Hanky
4:34 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
"Stop complaining so much" All of your responses have been for the teachers to teach etc. etc. etc. You replied to this post..."Do you only give gifts to teachers"??? You live in a bubble. Your against cupcakes and food in the cafeteria that kids will actually eat, yet you ask why gift only for teachers???? It's a tradition...You say education is so important and the teachers are teaching our children so why not keep the "tradition" of giving the teacher a gift (If they deserve one)? All of those other jobs are very important, but in this economy I'm sure they are all happy to have jobs and receive a fine hello and a smile and a thank you on a daily basis. You, my friend, have issues!
Mr. Hanky
4:37 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Agreed!
brrr
10:52 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
Bring the complaints before the town council. they often listen to various opinions on issues in town. make it known publically at a meeting that this isnt a political issue and you just want to have simple pleasures in life allowed for kids.
Mr. Hanky
4:35 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Agreed!~
Jim Shamrock
10:45 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Dear Stop Complaining so much,
Please, "Stop Complaining So Much".
Peace be with you & God loves ya!
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
NJ Transplant
6:22 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
They don't
Mr. Hanky
4:23 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Stop Complaining so much....you are NOT complaining??? Are you kidding me???? You sound like an Atheist.....Against EVERY OPINION or BELIEF out there.
Maybe YOU need a cupcake. Maybe you were bullied as a kid? A bubble boy? I hope your Views can become alittle more positive and the grinch does not steal your Christmas...... :)
Mr. Hanky
4:36 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Stop Complaining so much....you are NOT complaining??? Are you kidding me???? You sound like an Atheist.....Against EVERY OPINION or BELIEF out there.
Maybe YOU need a cupcake. Maybe you were bullied as a kid? A bubble boy? I hope your Views can become alittle more positive and the grinch does not steal your Christmas...... :)
Springfield Father
10:15 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Mr. “Stop Complaining So Much,” you state “I have my opinions, and it doesn't matter to me what your opinions are.” Really? Are you sure?? If our opinions don’t matter to you, then why almost 15 replies in this forum? Clearly you care more about our opinions than you are willing to admit.
You claim to be positive, yet, you attempt to shut parents down in almost every response you post. Now you seem to prefer a debate over the definition of what is an opinion vs. a compliant, instead of the original issue, which is, the unwillingness of the current administrators to listen to, and work with, parents. The only positive point you have made is that you think the district is doing a good job of education our children. Granted, most would agree with that statement, however, that is not our issue.
It is true, a better forum for this, and other many other concerns, may be at the BOE meetings, or perhaps, the Supervisors office itself. However, at the last board meeting, where the focal point was school safety, many parents left frustrated. When the floor was finally opened to parents, every single suggestion they offered was met with a resounding “No.”
We need to challenge our leaders to explain their positions. The argument that “it’s already a rule, so let’s move on” is not acceptable. The administration must work with residents to create reasonable policies and solutions and policies. How can that happen if they “don’t listen?”
Right to choice goes both ways
2:56 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I was pretty glad when sweets and other "treats" were banned from school. If I want my kids to eat junk, I'll give it to them myself. I never appreciated having my right to feed my kids appropriate foods run roughshod over, when some "well intentioned" parent sends in a pile of sugary crap that gets handed over to my kids without my knowledge or permission.
I even tried asking the teachers if they could COMPROMISE by letting me know a day beforehand about the edible garbage, so that I could have a chance to find a healthier alternative to be provided to my child. You want to send in your crappy cupcakes to the class? Fine, just give me a chance to find a low-sugar/non-chemical/non-toxic alternative!