This is my sixth year working in a public school.  This is my sixth year being irritated as hell over the "Winter Concert" that takes place in December every year.

I once did some research on-line to find out if this is even still allowed.  Most schools try their hardest to be politically correct.  From what I found out, religious songs are allowed, as long as a certain percentage of the songs are secular.

So, the kids in my class have been gearing up for the impending concert.  The song they're learning now is a Hanukkah song.  Surprisingly though, not the Dreidl Song.  Some other children's song that is new to me.  This is the school's attempt at multiculturalism.  Sing a bunch of Christian songs and then throw in a few Jewish songs...and let's not forget Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells to show that they aren't being biased.  (Which of course they are.)

A couple of years ago a teacher mentioned that she had a Jehovah's Witness student and didn't think it was right that all of the other children should have fun singing on stage when this little boy was meant to sit out.  He was five and didn't even understand why he couldn't participate.

Of course I agreed.  I mentioned to her and the other teachers present that other schools hold concerts which are completely secular and no child is *cough* left behind.  I used the example that in my daughter's school, the music teacher includes songs that are based on what the children are learning in the classroom.  This particular year my daughter's concert was about Dinosaurs.  They sang about 5 songs all about dinosaurs!  It was fun and all-inclusive.  I asked "Why can't we do this?"

I received some very hostile responses.  "WE are the majority.  Majority rules."  (She obviously has a very clear idea of how democracy works.  *rolls eyes*)  And "Why should WE have to change for THEM?"  (As if her belief system was superior and we should all convert immediately.)

I was appalled that such responses were coming out of the mouths of educators.  People who play a large role in shaping the thoughts and ideas of our children.

I tried to explain that it's not about taking away anything from anyone, but about being fair and treating everyone equally.  Afterall, children don't choose what religion they are brought up in.  Why should they be marginalized for something they have no control over? 

The woman who was concerned about her JW student and I were alone.  No one else agreed with us.  (There were about 10 other teachers present.) The others tried to justify their remarks by saying things like "We aren't trying to persuade children to believe any certain way."  And "It's social studies.  They are learning songs from other cultural backgrounds."

To my knowledge, no parents ever complained.  It's surprises me.  We not only have a number of JW students, but also a growing number of Muslim students and even a few atheists.  (And that's all that I'm aware of.)

Our old superintendent at the time was clearly very religious.  Opening in-services and meetings with prayer.  I was afraid to show opposition because I really couldn't afford to lose my job.  And I really thought that she'd be bothered enough by my comments that she'd find a reason to get rid of me.   Especially if she found out that I'm an atheist.  Our new superintendent seems like a fair guy.  Though I know, too, that he is religious, since last December, he actually brought in his guitar to play and sing Christmas songs for the kids.  I'm afraid he's one of "them" and that whatever I say will be completely overlooked.

Now, though, that I'm actively seeking employment elsewhere and really have no intentions of finishing out the school year in this district, that it's to the point that I don't care if I make any enemies.  I feel freer to speak up.  I want to compose a letter to the superintendent and tell him what I think.  Even if nothing can be changed this year, since the music teacher has already been teaching the songs to be sung, at least I can put a new idea out there.  (Why is this a NEW idea??)

Any feedback?  Any ideas of what I could include in the letter?

Thanks.