| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| princesspatches |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 04:25:18 AM
We send our children to public schools. We live in a small town and everyone knows everyone. The teacher of our 2nd grader has chosen 'parody' songs for the kids to sing at the Christmas program. They are sang to song such as "She'll be coming Round the Mountain" and " O Christmas Tree".
But the lyrics are all about Partying, Shopping, Mastercarding xmas, and demeaning a 'not-so-perfect' xmas tree.
We are appalled, so say the least. We are thinking about taking our daughter out of the program. She will be participating in the program at church.
We just feel this goes against everything we are teaching our kids. We teach them that Christmas is about the birth of Christ, giving to others, living within their means, and spending time with family.
I know this will be long, but I am going to copy and paste the lyrics to one of the songs. Tell me what you think.
Arttie
Over the freeway and to the mall
A shopping we will go.
Get out of the way, I haven’t all day,
But I have lots of dough. Oh!
Over the freeway and to the mall
To buy a load of stuff.
It’s understood my check is good.
I just can’t get enough.
...
Over the freeway and to the mall
For Christmas time is here.
The carolers sing, cash registers ring,
My credit card is clear!
We’re over the freeway and to the mall,
I never wonder why,
It’s not a joke, I’m going broke,
There is so much to buy!
Over the freeway and to the mall
Why don’t you come along?
We’re gonna shop until we drop.
With us you can’t go wrong. Oh!
Over the freeway and to the mall
We never stop to rest.
Oh what a hoot, now get the loot,
For shopping is the best!
Oh what a hoot, now get the loot,
For shopping is the best!
(shout) Gift wrapped, please. Kaching!See More
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2012 : 06:21:05 AM
It just isn't appropriate to have a program at school at this time of the year. Change it to a Fall or Spring program, something about nature, sustainability, recycling ... Times have changed and a Christmas program that is being called a Winter program doesn't fool anyone.
Marianne |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Dec 29 2012 : 2:02:49 PM
Joey, I'm glad you wrote something respecting how frustrating it can be for teachers to have to suffer slings and arrows from all quarters. I taught for just one year because our school system needed someone to step in and rescue a vocational class in my professional field and it darn near killed me. But this teacher was out of line on more than one level, and not even because of anything religious. Without knowing more about her, I'd say she has a flawed understanding of early childhood development. This program was inappropriate to the social skills and understanding of second graders.
I read one reader's response to the music teacher's letter to the editor of the Iron Mountain community newspaper. Good for her!
It still troubles me, though, that there was even a religious (Christian, in this case) program in a public school supported by taxpayers representing a wide spectrum of religious beliefs. While that might not matter much in a community that's 100% Christmas-observant Christians, it really does mess with the First Amendment's "establishment clause," as repeatedly defined by the Supreme Court to include a prohibition on federal or state governments promoting one religion over any other. This makes it more difficult for other US communities to preserve their right to retain control of their children's religious training, without government interference. That this was theoretically a secular themed event, in fact it was Christmas-based. On that score alone, it should never have been approved by the school system. |
| Joey |
Posted - Dec 11 2012 : 08:19:50 AM
Well, of course I see her point. It must be so frustrating to have to teach a bunch of kids and deal with all of the parents. It doesn't change anything. The whole focus of the program was wrong. You still did the right thing. Perhaps you could print the newspaper address and we could all send our own letters to the paper. I'd be willing to write. She is lucky this didn't go viral, and forgotten who pays for her job. Please keep us posted, Arttie. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| princesspatches |
Posted - Dec 11 2012 : 03:52:39 AM
Well, the program got changed. But the teacher is really bent out of shape over it. She wrote a scathing letter and put it in the local newspaper. She feels that parents are dictating the curriculum and telling the teachers how to teach. And that the voice of a few parents had ruined a fun program for all. And how she doesn't get paid to do the program in the evening but does it for the benifit of the working parents.
I guess I am looking forward to going to the program next week to see her attitude with the kids.
Arttie |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Dec 10 2012 : 5:19:59 PM
I'd love to comment, however, I'd probably get thrown out of here. I don't like it one bit. I'd homeschool asap!!!
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| AmethystRose |
Posted - Dec 10 2012 : 12:42:43 PM
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
What happened to your splendor?
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
You're not as we remember
You can't be blamed
They should be shamed
For displaying you in September. |
| texdane |
Posted - Dec 07 2012 : 04:41:59 AM
I am so glad to hear the program was changed. It's bad enough that the stores are open Thanksgiving, and now on Christmas afternoon as well. Kudos to the parents who stood up and voiced what they thought was inappropriate.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| darlenelovesart |
Posted - Dec 06 2012 : 10:14:49 PM
I am so glad that my daughter was raised at a time when Christmas was still in the program. That has changed since she went there unfortunately but it is sad and it really ruins the meaning of the songs that were written their original way.
I agree Nini, I think that ACLJ would have taken it on if they needed to. I really think the way the ACLU is working they would have been happy to what was happening and put that as one more thing they have ruined under their belt. they go after everything they can to remove it. I am glad the school decided to remove that from the program.
I would have home schooled my daughter if I had been able to do it but I couldn't but I was there involved with her in her school in everyway I could so that she did not have the influence that she could have had. Public school does change your children alot so even if you can't home school you should be very aware what is happening in their live. People just have to make time to do that if they want them to grow up to be responsible caring adults. It is not easy raising a child but it can be done
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer |
| laurzgot |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 5:31:41 PM
Artie, I agree with all of the above. What our sisters say. It is giving the wrong impression of Christmas and what the meaning is. Know wonder why there is bulling, etc. My children are grown. I do have a granddaughter and it is appalling to hear about that. I would cert anly talk with the school ASAP.
Laurie
"Smile and be yourself everyday"
Country girl at heart
Laurie
Aprons and More by Laurie is on my FB page |
| jenne.f |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 1:28:24 PM
Arttie,
Good news. I am so glad you spoke up. We really need to
to this to protect our children.
~blessings~
Jenne
"Follow your bliss"
Farmgirl sister #4616 |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 6:16:15 PM
Yeah that is the nuts part of those songs chosen Mara. I don't celebrate xmas either. (however, I am christian). But, it seems like that is more and more the mainstreams idea of xmas-spend, spend, spend! Sad on many levels. I am sure the teacher thought they were "cute" songs though. It's just arg, so not what I would want my children to be learning. OTOH, she probably will get criticism almost about any song, from some one. lol
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 5:32:44 PM
I'm not a Christian and this offends me. The materialism of Christmas is being reinforced as normal in this program. It *is* normal for a lot of people but I don't think a school -- any school -- shows wisdom in promoting this level of cynicism about it. Older children might get a kick out of it and use it as a chance to exercise their critical thinking skills, but for kids this young? Absolutely not. This is an issue I would be tempted to take to the school board, since the teacher in question is stonewalling you. Have you talked to the principal? That would be the next step before the school board. |
| princesspatches |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 4:09:19 PM
I would love to homeschool. Our dilemma comes in that we are a blended family. And we are dealing with ex husband and ex wife. So a decision to homeschool would require many courtroom visits. So in the meantime., we do public school.
But many things about public schools make me want to build a schoolhouse on my property and keep the children close to me.
Thanks so much. Just knowing other parents agree with us is very reassuring.
Arttie |
| Wendy Flower |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 2:40:09 PM
Those songs are very poorly chosen, and should not be used except to open up a dialog with the school as to what they are presenting. Home School is a great idea if a family can do it. I've used materials from www.oakmeadow.com/ for Home Schooling. Good luck.
Wind Farmer & Seamstress. |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 2:16:45 PM
I agree shocking. But, I must say it's just one reason we homeschool.
PLEASE do not take this wrongly. I am NOT downing people at all who choose Public School, I went to public school myself. But, what I am about to say is just the facts. The fact is when you send your child to another person to do the teaching, no matter, how good intentioned and how lovely the person is, the simple fact is their own morals, ethics etc, are what will be imparted on to your child. The only way to change that is to school them your selves.
I myself have a lot of religious beliefs that are way out of main stream. And when I was in PS I often had to excuse myself from the activities that the teacher (even the nicest ones) chose to have us do. If you decide to public school, in my opinion there's nothing else you can really do, but excuse your child from those activities. Cause it's just too hard to please absolutely every parent in the class.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| Joey |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 1:39:16 PM
EXACTLY what they should do. Glad to hear it. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 11:02:44 AM
glad to hear this news!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| princesspatches |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 09:50:47 AM
The principal of the school just called me. They are removing these types of songs from the program. The entire program will be re-vamped to be more appropriate for the children. there must have been many parents calling on this topic. Because I know things don't get changed by the complaint of one parent, it takes many. Which makes me feel much better that others are raising their children in the same way.
Arttie |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 08:08:11 AM
i agree with all of the above comments- i usually consider myself somewhat liberal when it comes to Christmas and music -my own tastes are quite varied- however i truly am offended by what they are wanting to do in this program....
i worked retail many many years and still fine these offensive.....
and i agree taht it definitely sends the message that bullying, ridicule, etc. are ok...
just my 2 cents....
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| Annika |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 07:59:23 AM
Jadedness and cynicism are not something that a child needs to be taught. Christmas is a magical and wonder filled time and children need to have the chance to live that. I am angry that the teacher is inflicting this cynicism on the kids, she should know better.
Hugs n' cookies =}
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 07:26:30 AM
I really feel like these songs reflect more "adult" thoughts regarding the commercialization and bustle of the holidays. These aren't the thoughts of children, especially about the magic of Christmas. My 4 year old can't stop talking about (or worrying about) all the wonderful things that go along with this season, from setting up the creche to making sure the fireplace is clean so Santa won't get soot all over his clothes :)),
I'm not sure why she chose these songs for little ones to sing. I'm sure she thought parents would get a kick out of it, but I'm a big proponent of little ones actually being little.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| kysheeplady |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 07:17:20 AM
OH MY! And "they" can't figure out what is wrong in the world!
That is a good example of what is wrong in this world today! So very sad that this is the way of the future!
Teri
"There are black sheep in every flock"
White Sheep Farm
www.whitesheepfarm.com |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 06:43:25 AM
Excellent points all around, Arttie... Excellent points...
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| princesspatches |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 06:33:45 AM
Thank You! The teacher feels we are being too serious!. My concern is if the kids thinks it is ok. to ridicule an imperfect tree. What happens to the imperfect children around them. If a child does not have name-brand clothes or the right shoes. Or a disability. Is it ok to bully and tease them? Where does it end? Where is the line drawn?
I would like to see nice traditional cuteness.........
Arttie |
| Joey |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 05:59:39 AM
I think this is TERRIBLE!! It offends me and my daughter is grown. I agree with my sisters above and I would talk to the school NOW. Talk about them encouraging bad values. I guess I just don 't see the humor. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
