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Policies » Section I: Instruction » IMBB: Teaching about Religion

Policy Date: 05/03/2001

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CSD File: IMBB
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION

The Candia School Board believes that the observance of religious holidays is not the responsibility of the public schools. Because a public school is not a place of worship, instructional materials, activities, decorations or assembly programs should not promote any religion. They should be seasonal, not religious.

Adopted: May 3, 2001

 

Tips for Planning Religious Holidays in Public Schools

Before planning a religious holiday activity in my classroom or school, I would ask the following questions:
1. Is this activity designed in any way to either promote or inhibit religion?
2. How does this activity serve the academic goals of the course, or the educational mission of the school?
3. Will any student or parent be made to feel like an outsider, not a full member of the community, by this activity?
4. If in December: Do I plan activities to teach about religious holidays at various times of the year or only in December?
5. Am I prepared to teach about the religious meaning of this holiday in a way that enriches students’ understanding of history and cultures?