Getting Halloween Decorations Cancelled for Entire Class?

[Mysterian]

Crocs are an excellent shoe for around the campsite. I have a pair for that but don't really wear them anywhere else.

This thread has turned against me!

I did refrain from commenting on the Taco thread.

Let’s not get off the Crocs topic.

 

[Mysterian]

So how many people does it take? Two? Five?

As far as parents deciding their kid should skip the pledge, you're taking maybe a minute out of the day? Skipping the party should be maybe an hour to 90 minutes of one ……………..

Just things to ponder/discuss. I still think the mom should have talked to the teacher by Labor Day.

Oh look, things to ponder. Would anyone care for something to ponder? Sam brought things to ponder to the Crocs party!

 

[Suger Mag]

The mom in OP really is t setting her child for the path of life is she?
So she wants the rest of class who celebrate it to not just for her kid? Lol

perhaps that is the part of the appeal... sometimes folks feel a need to 'save' others' soul for them ... even when the others want no part of that 'saving"....

Trying to remember, when I was a kid we did not have anything at my schools. On Halloween the classroom was the same, or if it was decorated nothing stuck out at me, I just remember that everyone was itching to get home and get all dressed up to go out trick or treating. Later my kids had Hat Day at school on Halloween where they could wear a crazy hat.

I do think there is a increased expectation nowadays for teachers to decorate and make their classrooms all decked out, and usually at their own expense. I also think that kinda like yard decorations.... that then the pressure to compete is on... especially when Ms Smythe next to yours has an amazing board and classroom decor and your classroom is more .... plain. LOL... I had some pretty cheerless classrooms growing up.

 

[sk!mom]

Just a little devil's advocate here, but what happens if a parent feels that Mickey/Disney is inappropriate because they don't like something about it and don't let their child watch it? Should that force you to change your Mickey room that you've had for so long?

No and 100’s of students have now passed through with no negative comments. You’re reaching.

A couple of years ago, a room like that would be very frowned upon where I teach. The Principal, at the time wanted an all natural, neutral, very minimalistic class to promote a calming environment for the students.

It’s actually pretty minimal and neutral. Typical public funded dull walls. Two windows and open cabinets covered in black on black dotted curtains. The covered cabinets need curtains because open storage does look cluttered. The bulletin boards are covered in red with black Mickey head border. Then the vinyl quotes are all black. It’s not DisneyWorld busy.

That being said, I wouldn’t stick around long at a school that micromanaged to that level.

 

[BrianL]

No and 100’s of students have now passed through with no negative comments. You’re reaching.

It’s actually pretty minimal and neutral. Typical public funded dull walls. Two windows and open cabinets covered in black on black dotted curtains. The covered cabinets need curtains because open storage does look cluttered. The bulletin boards are covered in red with black Mickey head border. Then the vinyl quotes are all black. It’s not DisneyWorld busy.

That being said, I wouldn’t stick around long at a school that micromanaged to that level.

I wouldn't say I'm reaching. Someone already cited when there was a boycott of Disney by certain religious groups. there could be any number of other reasons for it too. I don't think it's too likely, but really what is the difference between Disney decorations and Halloween themed ones? The issues that some have with Halloween could indeed apply to Disney or Harry Potter, etc. It typically has to do with the occult or magic, and Disney depicts plenty of that in their products.

 

[barkley]

That being said, I wouldn’t stick around long at a school that micromanaged to that level.

not to take this topic off track but if you perceive this to be unacceptable (for you) micromanagment on a school's part what is your take on entire school districts mandating that EVERY classroom of identical grades in every school within their district presenting/teaching the identical material (down to the pages in the book/workbooks) on a day by day basis (so if i walk into your classroom today for say 4th grade math, no matter what your student's skill/mastery level is-you have to be teaching the identical material every other 4th grade teacher in every classroom in your district is teaching today-no variations)?

just curious b/c this is how micromanaged at least one of the districts near us has become (not sure how many more are doing it at this point).

 

[Disneylover99]

It’s actually pretty minimal and neutral. Typical public funded dull walls. Two windows and open cabinets covered in black on black dotted curtains. The covered cabinets need curtains because open storage does look cluttered. The bulletin boards are covered in red with black Mickey head border. Then the vinyl quotes are all black. It’s not DisneyWorld busy.

Your room sounds fine to me. These things tend to be cyclical anyways. When I first started teaching 31 years ago, it was all about who had the brightest, busiest looking classroom. Clutter and big bold multi colours were in. It will probably shift back towards that eventually. Not all the way though I hope. Lol. Somewhere in between would be good.

That being said, I wouldn’t stick around long at a school that micromanaged to that level.

It was a Board wide initiative, but some Principals took it to the extreme. Anyways, if you work at a school with amazing colleagues, super nice kids and families and an excellent location, you stay. Most teachers who have left my school ended up regretting it. The grass is not always greener on the other side. And the good thing is, Principals come and go.

 

[sk!mom]

I wouldn't say I'm reaching. Someone already cited when there was a boycott of Disney by certain religious groups. there could be any number of other reasons for it too. I don't think it's too likely, but really what is the difference between Disney decorations and Halloween themed ones? The issues that some have with Halloween could indeed apply to Disney or Harry Potter, etc. It typically has to do with the occult or magic, and Disney depicts plenty of that in their products.

Then I guess I’ve been luckily promoting magic without complaint for years.

not to take this topic off track but if you perceive this to be unacceptable (for you) micromanagment on a school's part what is your take on entire school districts mandating that EVERY classroom of identical grades in every school within their district presenting/teaching the identical material (down to the pages in the book/workbooks) on a day by day basis (so if i walk into your classroom today for say 4th grade math, no matter what your student's skill/mastery level is-you have to be teaching the identical material every other 4th grade teacher in every classroom in your district is teaching today-no variations)?

just curious b/c this is how micromanaged at least one of the districts near us has become (not sure how many more are doing it at this point).

Curriculum is a bit different and districts are facing the challenge of many many highly qualified teachers leaving to be replaced by young and sometimes alternatively certified teachers. Those with no experience need lots of curriculum and delivery help. In my state, the lack of experience includes those who don’t have a degree in education so didn’t even student teach. It sucks though when help that some need becomes a mandate for all.

I’m happy with my district. We have a map for each quarter of what to teach with flexibility on pacing and delivery.

Your room sounds fine to me. These things tend to be cyclical anyways. When I first started teaching 31 years ago, it was all about who had the brightest, busiest looking classroom. Clutter and big bold multi colours were in. It will probably shift back towards that eventually. Not all the way though I hope. Lol. Somewhere in between would be good.

It was a Board wide initiative, but some Principals took it to the extreme. Anyways, if you work at a school with amazing colleagues, super nice kids and families and an excellent location, you stay. Most teachers who have left my school ended up regretting it. The grass is not always greener on the other side. And the good thing is, Principals come and go.

The teacher across the hall from me is 38 years in and has that room still. She’s a great teacher though. In my area, Pinterest flipped the switch to classrooms looking very high end and Insta ready. It also caused a lot of overspending, in my opinion, by new young teachers who feel like it’s an expectation. Add the flexible seating trend and they are into 4 digits to set up a room here.

Completely agree with your second paragraph. This is year 27 at my neighborhood school. My situation is just as you describe. At this point, I could retire and if met with micromanaging or unpleasantness, I would. I’m too old to be unhappy.

 

[barkley]

At this point, I could retire and if met with micromanaging or unpleasantness, I would.

but then will you contract back like every recent school retiree i know seems to be doing?

 

[sk!mom]

but then will you contract back like every recent school retiree i know seems to be doing?

My current plan is to retire only when I no longer want to work at all.

I have no issue with teachers doing that though. Districts are short staffed and willing to offer flexibility. I have two retired friends on part time contracts this year. They no longer wanted full time work, their knowledge and skill is valuable, and the school was short staffed so getting them mornings only was a benefit to all. Districts have long relied on retired teachers to staff the sub pool. This is no different.

 

[BrianL]

Then I guess I’ve been luckily promoting magic without complaint for years.

I'm not necessarily saying it is a common or likely thing, but just suppose a parent did take issue? Would it change your stance or not? I was curious to see how people would feel about that.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Part of honoring a religion, or one's religious choices, is to learn how to get along and deal with the rest of the world. Having Halloween decorations or celebrations in the school/class is a teachable moment for the parent of the child who doesn't celebrate.

Sure -- wipe out Halloween within the school. How is the parent going to control Walmart? The doctor's office with decorations? TV commercials? She can't. So better to have the decorations/celebrations in a classroom setting so that the parent can teach the child how their beliefs differ and why.

 

[HopperFan]

I wouldn't say I'm reaching. Someone already cited when there was a boycott of Disney by certain religious groups. there could be any number of other reasons for it too. I don't think it's too likely, but really what is the difference between Disney decorations and Halloween themed ones? The issues that some have with Halloween could indeed apply to Disney or Harry Potter, etc. It typically has to do with the occult or magic, and Disney depicts plenty of that in their products.

There are sects of people who believe that Halloween is a satanic or devil worshiping religion. On the other hand I think Disney/HP is mostly viewed as fantasy storytelling.

My question would be are there also decorations pertaining to religious Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Ramadan, Diwali ??? within the school? And ultimately I would take the request to Administration because they should make that decision as it likely would have to be a school wide decisions AND would impact other decorations throughout the year.

Teachers are already underpaid, overburdened with trivial issues and spending their own money to decorate their classrooms ... add those few parents each year that do their best to bring everyone down - just let someone else that is paid more handle the battle.

AND parents need to remember that their drama will be the burden of their child on many levels. Each teacher will know the baggage they bring to their classroom, classmates will know when a child's parents ruined things for everyone and other parents will know who brings the drama to every situation. Sad for the kids.

 

[john7994]

There are sects of people who believe that Halloween is a satanic or devil worshiping religion. On the other hand I think Disney/HP is mostly viewed as fantasy storytelling.

My question would be are there also decorations pertaining to religious Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Ramadan, Diwali ??? within the school? And ultimately I would take the request to Administration because they should make that decision as it likely would have to be a school wide decisions AND would impact other decorations throughout the year.

Teachers are already underpaid, overburdened with trivial issues and spending their own money to decorate their classrooms ... add those few parents each year that do their best to bring everyone down - just let someone else that is paid more handle the battle.

AND parents need to remember that their drama will be the burden of their child on many levels. Each teacher will know the baggage they bring to their classroom, classmates will know when a child's parents ruined things for everyone and other parents will know who brings the drama to every situation. Sad for the kids.

As usual I tend to agree with you, but let’s face it, it rarely about the kids, and more often about the parents …

 

[sk!mom]

I’m a teacher
And I think decorating for most holidays is out of place and unnecessary in a classroom. It wastes teachers already stretched thin time and wallets. Let’s normalize sticking with teaching.

I'm not necessarily saying it is a common or likely thing, but just suppose a parent did take issue? Would it change your stance or not? I was curious to see how people would feel about that.

To be clear on my stance, most teachers I know feel that they MUST spend their own money to make a room inviting. My stance is do what you want - decorate or don’t. I don’t feel like “don’t” is considered ok or normal. It should be until we’re given time and a budget.

Personal pet peeve is micro management by anyone including a parent.

 

[HopperFan]

As usual I tend to agree with you, but let’s face it, it rarely about the kids, and more often about the parents …

1000% correct! DS is HS teacher and coach. The stories he shares usually end up parent driven and it is students who are left with the drama in the classroom, on the field and among their peers.

 

[TippyThomas]

maybe there is someone here who does not consider Halloween a holiday that should be celebrated?

I don't celebrate it and never have, but I don't care of others do. I just do my own thing and let others do what they wish.

 

[john7994]

1000% correct! DS is HS teacher and coach. The stories he shares usually end up parent driven and it is students who are left with the drama in the classroom, on the field and among their peers.

We have several teachers in our extended family and similar stories across the board …

In addition to having to resort to being subsidized through Amazon wishlists for basic supplies (which I think is a really clever solution btw) - they also have to navigate competing administrative and parental “guidance” on how to better do their jobs - all the while being maligned as a group by many outside the profession for a host of ulterior agendas attributed to them.

Our niece in particular went all the way through a Masters program and several certificate programs (at her own expense) to prepare herself better than most professionals in my industry which easily make three times as much money as she does with less formalized training - only to be treated like this because she had a passion to teach (public school) children.

 

[tzolkin]

And does changing the decorations to a "fall" theme really take away the "fun" from the other kids?

Yes, it does. Halloween is a fun time for kids. Specific colors, lighting, and decor set a festive atmosphere. There are treats and costumes/make-believe (very fun things for kids). And a little spooky fun (safe frightening experiences) release brain chemicals that are good for enjoyment and social bonding. So, yes, eliminating the Halloween element would be objectively less fun. Just like how Christmas would be less fun for kids without Santa and a little holiday magic.
If the school district decides to go with "Autumn only/no Halloween" in the future, that's completely fine. But, yes, it does make it less fun.

most teachers I know feel that they MUST spend their own money to make a room inviting.

This is another aspect of this. The teacher most likely spent her own money decorating to make her classroom a fun and festive place for the kids. If Halloween decorations have historically been permitted at her school and no changes were made prior to the season, it would seem very unfair to essentially make her trash all the decor she purchased just because one person's mom doesn't like it.

maybe there is someone here who does not consider Halloween a holiday that should be celebrated?

I'm sure there are plenty of people on this board who do not consider Halloween a holiday that should be celebrated. I know many people IRL who feel that way too. But, are they petitioning Disney and other places where they spend time to remove all Halloween decorations just because they do not like them?

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes, it does. Halloween is a fun time for kids. Specific colors, lighting, and decor set a festive atmosphere. There are treats and costumes/make-believe (very fun things for kids). And a little spooky fun (safe frightening experiences) release brain chemicals that are good for enjoyment and social bonding. So, yes, eliminating the Halloween element would be objectively less fun. Just like how Christmas would be less fun for kids without Santa and a little holiday magic.
If the school district decides to go with "Autumn only/no Halloween" in the future, that's completely fine. But, yes, it does make it less fun.

So teachers who don't decorate for Halloween have rooms that are "less fun"?

I'm sure there are plenty of people on this board who do not consider Halloween a holiday that should be celebrated. I know many people IRL who feel that way too. But, are they petitioning Disney and other places where they spend time to remove all Halloween decorations just because they do not like them?

But people have a choice on going to Disney and other places.