EJES Board Report
December 12, 2019
LEADERS OF THE MONTH
K: Gabby Crowe
1st Grade: Rafael Almanza
2nd Grade: Alaina Bergmann
3rd Grade: Braelyn Meharg
4th Grade: Garrison Henry
5th Grade: Andrea Brilley
Who's Crushing It For Kids This Month
Holiday Concerts
Holiday vs Christmas
For ten years, I have felt uncomfortable with the term "Christmas" when talking about concerts, lunch options, and parties here at school. I truly believe ALL MEANS ALL, especially in public education. As the principal, I feel it is my job to make sure that ALL students receive the best possible education and ALL students are included in our offerings. When we use the word Christmas we are excluding some of our students at East Jordan Elementary. I was approached by three parents with this concern and I knew I could no longer endorse this at East Jordan Elementary because I was going against what I believe as an educator if I continued in the way we have for my tenure here at EJ Elementary.
Personally I do not have much experience outside of my own religion but I want to guarantee to every family that we create a safe and supportive environment for every child, no matter what their beliefs, political views, color of skin or hair, etc. When we consider the role of religion in school-sponsored activities we should focus on more than one religion and religious holiday. It is important for public schools not to endorse or promote any particular denomination or custom but rather remain neutral.
Only two staff members have approached me about the change and shared their thinking. One staff member shared some staff members are upset about this change as are some parents. I am going to continue to communicate the reason for the change from the principal's perspective. I will also continue to promote ALL MEANS ALL and educate my staff on why this is so very important at East Jordan Elementary.
I wanted to share this information with you so you understood why I made the change in the event anyone approaches you related to this matter.
East Jordan Elementary
Email: cvrondran@ejps.org
Website: www.ejps.org
Location: 304 4th Street, East Jordan, MI, USA
Phone: 2315367564
Twitter: @eastjordanes