And Siegel teaches students how winter holidayslike Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Yearare connected by the theme of light. Substitute "festivals" for "tourism," and Schneider nicely frames the challenge to communities: "We need to be very careful about the product we have for Minnesota's tourism and make sure it's sustainable.". [25], According to the AFL-CIO, 30 states require employers to allow employees time off for voting. According to History.com, in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving . 14, 2019, BBC, "Singapore Election: Governing Party Secure Decisive Win, bbc.com, Sep. 12, 2015, Holly Jackson, "It's Time to Make Election Day a Holiday in Law and Spirit," washingtonpost.com, Oct. 22, 2018, BCP Associates, "India Elections 2019 - Declaration of Paid Holiday on Polling Day, bcpassociates.com, Apr. Religious significance. Attendees at the 2011 Irish Fair of Minnesota, for example, spent an average of $50 at the festival site. SHRM Employment Law & Compliance Conference, Weighing the Pros and Cons of In-Person Holiday Parties, New OSHA Guidance Clarifies Return-to-Work Expectations, Trump Suspends New H-1B Visas Through 2020, Faking COVID-19 Illness Can Have Serious Consequences, EEOC Lawsuit Highlights Cancer Discrimination in the Workplace, Recruiters Brace for a Challenging Year Ahead. [33], Henry Farber, PhD, Hughes-Rogers Professor of Economics at Princeton University, conducted an analysis of states that made Election Day a holiday for state employees. He concluded that having an election holiday, by itself, is not an effective strategy to increase voter turnout. [34], Automatic voter registration, by contrast, could register an additional 22 million people and create 7.9 million new voters nationwide within a year. Sign In. Regardless of how your child's school celebrated the holidays, there are many ways parents can enrich understanding at home. Giving students sugary foods when we are teaching them to eat healthy. Think of things such as voter ID laws, lowering the voting age, and abolishing the Electoral College. Celebrate the season of giving, from human being to being. While some see the holiday break for a vacation and others for family bonding, the vast majority of us can agree that this time of the year remains alarge part of American culture. Independent Contractor Randy Gutzmann is a fan. Please log in as a SHRM member before saving bookmarks. Will Public School Students Soon be Taking More Standardized Tests? Residents with community pride are more likely to speak positively about their town to others and to volunteer with organizations and activities that support the common good. Possible options. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organizations culture, industry, and practices. } Twenty states received a failing grade, and in five statesAlaska, Iowa, Maine, Oregon, and Wyomingcivil-rights education was totally absent from state standards. The town of Montgomery in southern Minnesota also celebrates its heritage, but with a different twist. Should Public School Students be Allowed to Pray Before Lunch? Its important to embrace these occasions as an opportunity to appreciate what you have been blessed with and take time to spend with family and loved ones. With all the presents we need to purchase for Chanukah and Christmas, the obsession for grabbing the best deals have been triggered by popularized shopping trends similar to Black Friday, notorious for its chaos and interference into Thanksgiving. Like Karl Oskar Days, Kolacky Days draws visitors from near and far. Most of the relationship-building occurs in the festival planning phase. [28][29], Patagonia, an outdoor clothing retailer, paused operation on Nov. 6, 2018 so that all employees could vote. I was the elephant in the room, or rather the token Negro, who was supposed to represent the entire race when students had questions about black history, said Simons, who was often on the receiving end of questions and awkward stares as the only black child in predominately white classrooms. ", Virtual Celebrations and Party Alternatives. $("span.current-site").html("SHRM MENA "); 5. And it will, in turn, help strengthen the idea that businesses can and will come together for a worthy common purpose: protecting our democracy by empowering all American workers to be good citizens. [30], Solutions such as automatic voter registration, same-day registration, early voting, no-excuse absentee voting, restoring voting rights to former felons, improved civics education, and voter outreach would all improve voter participation more reliably than a national holiday. [14][35] In Australia, where voting is mandatory, elections are celebrated with parties and barbeques nationwide, resulting in turnout rates around 90%. After all, material items are not worth nearly as much as human affection. By adding the perspective of Indigenous peoples to that of the European settlers, these educators attempt to give students a deeper understanding our national story. Consumerism has become an increasing component of our culture, particularly around the holiday season. Final Early Bird Pricing! And this man's name is Christopher Columbus. Court Offers Guidelines for Schools in Disciplining Students for Off-Campus, Online Speech. Instead of hosting a party, he's giving his staff additional time off to spend with their families. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Paige highlights current achievements of Native people as a way to counter her students misconception that they are all gone and can be found only in the pages of textbooks. Virtual & Washington, DC | February 26-28, 2023. Before Simons was a student organizer he was a high-schooler in the California Bay Area, and his memories of Black History Month are still sharp. Children who practice Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism do not celebrate Christmas. The Festival and Event Management program covers strategic planning, site management, budgeting and financial planning, marketing and sponsorship, human resource management and volunteer recruitment, and event evaluation. Holidays like Easter, Passover, and Holian ancient Hindu festivalcelebrate spring traditions and rebirth, and Siegel sings songs about spring like the Mexican De Colores and Englands Bells of Norwich. He shows students that fall holidays like the Mexican Da de Los Muertos and Chuseok, a Korean harvest festival, tie into honoring ancestorsas did Halloween originally. Paiges school, Maple Elementary, doesnt have Christmas or Hanukkah parties. The report paints an unfavorable picture of schools where a crucial event in black history is largely ignored. A recent Macys advertisement prompted customers to hurry to their doorbuster sale, where doors opened as early as 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://www.procon.org/headlines/election-day-national-holiday-top-3-pros-and-cons/, potential benefits and difficulties of changing election day, election day should not be a national holiday. She has students choose one to three resources, which include songs and videos in addition to stories and articles. If so, how? Contact us on Facebook. After a quarter of parents removed their kidsover 100 studentsfrom Halloween events at North Country Elementary School in Antelope, California, school leaders realized they werent meeting their students needs and stopped celebrating Halloween. Proponents say the Electoral College ensures everyone selects the president. Opponents say it allows only a few states to select the president. Teachers often times painted Rosa Parks as only an activist who protested segregation on buses. Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. Children are encouraged to share feelings and information about the holidays they celebrate. How Should Public Schools Make Up for Snow Days? Is a Major Overhaul Coming to Texas High Schools? Rather, teaching and learning should include lessons that open children up to other cultures and viewpoints year-round. Siegel acknowledges holidays year-round through stories, songs, and games, connecting them by their common themes. Your email address will not be published. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. Its hard to imagine Christmas without seeing Santa at the mall or Thanksgiving without the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. We talk about how learning about others does not mean we are expected to practice the way they do, says Offerdahl. $(document).ready(function () { Mary Alice Pizana, human resources manager at Herrman & Herrman PLLC in Corpus Christi, Texas, said her law firm's holiday party will likely be in person this year after it hosted an online party in 2020. All rights reserved. [24] Holidays usually mean more work hours for retail workers, because stores run promotions and sales. Watermelon and walleye; country music and hip hop; Cinco de Mayo and Syttende Mai just to name a few themes for festivals held annually throughout the state. If kids want to dress up like ghosts or goblins, they can trick or . Along with cold weather and hot cocoa, the "holiday season" brings with it a renewal of a roaring, ongoing debate. New Utah Bill Would Offers Funding Directly to Students, Rather than Schools, 40% of Teachers Call in Sick in Wisconsin. Employee resource groups will help host virtual meetings that support their community members and efforts, Young said. Although this argument may only apply to those with Christian beliefs, it is still a point worth respecting when looking into the significance of the Easter festival . Seclusion and Restraint: How Some Public Schools Allow Abuse in Classrooms. The seed of what is now known as Black History Month was planted in the doctoral thesis of Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar, author, and co-founder of the Association for the . Recipients generally prefer the gift of choice and the ability to regift," he said. Now a well-entrenched, nationally recognized observance, Black History Month is a commemoration that might be short in days but is increasingly long on controversy. "We will at most have only 15 people in attendance, which makes everyone still feel comfortable concerning health and safety. Members can get help with HR questions via phone, chat or email. "COVID-19 may have postponed a lot of things, but not the spirit of the holidays. Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on gift giving, getting the best deal on the right gift and shopping to make sure all of the items on the checklist have been purchased. Families who live a long distance from relatives are able to travel, sometimes across the ocean, in order to connect with their loved ones. 2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger? It would not be discussed as a side issue. He values a month when black authors and historical figures can be studied exclusively, but Hassan believes Black History Month as observed in many schools sends a troubling message to students that were allowed to grapple with [black issues] less in, say, March or April It is important to discuss issues of race in the context of current events throughout the year, no matter the unit topic., The classroom Hassan describes, however, is hardly the norm. Explaining his teaching philosophy, Hassan said a worthwhile history curriculum is one that would have slavery and racism ingrained within it, just as it is in American society. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? It is important to note that like the values we instill in our children at school, the holidays of many world religions share common themes, such as thankfulness, caring for others, peace, and forgiveness. Is Teach for America the Answer for Failing Schools? For the second year in a row, Human Interest, a retirement-plan provider in San Francisco, is holding a virtual celebration called "The Weeks of Wonder." $ + tax [12], The idea that voting should be a celebration, not a chore is one argument for turning Election Day into a national holiday, according to Archon Fung, PhD, and Jane Mansbridge, PhD, professors at the Harvard Kennedy School. Are Cell Phones and Public Schools Becoming a More Amicable Union? This video offers suggestions on how educators can celebrate Religious holidays within a public school classroom. Its important to collaborate and communicate with students and their families throughout the year when teaching about the holidays, says Judie Offerdahl, a second-grade teacher at Centerview Elementary School in Blaine, Minnesota. Columbia Business School is proud to recognize #WomensHistoryMonth by celebrating the achievements of the incredible women students, alums, and faculty in the However, this Christmas-centric view does not align well with the actual makeup of todays public schools. As public schools in the United States continue to increase in their racial, ethnic, economic, and religious diversity, some districts need to rethink their holiday celebrations in a manner that is inclusive and respectful of all people. Do Expulsion and Suspension Work in Public Schools? Or is it an optimistic idea that would exclude already disadvantaged voters while failing to increase turnout? Black history should be celebrated every day, because all history begins with black history. Judie Offerdahl uses interactive holiday lessons on Nearpod with her second-grade students. This will. 2023 Insurance can cover financial risk, but reputational damage is harder to address. The Benefits of Attending a Cultural Festival Benefit #1: It's cheap or free. John M. Cunningham, "Why Are U.S. Advantages of an extended school holidayThere are some obvious advantages to a vacation that lasts three weeks or longer. What is a Magnet School? But as cheery and family-oriented as traditional movies portray them to be, the holidays have become increasingly commercialized, with a large component of this being gift giving. Building on Schneider's observation, it's fair to say that festivals foster community pride, teach people new things, and strengthen relationships. SHRM's Employee Engagement Survey service focuses on more than 50 aspects of job satisfaction and engagement commonly linked to performance. Raquel Willis, a writer and racial-justice activist in Atlanta, remembers annual Black History Month school displays in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia, as neither memorable nor notable. Margot Toppen, founder of a nonprofit called EduMotion, highlights commonalities and differences between different traditions through dance. Now in its 40th year, questions remain about the value of commemorating it in classrooms. Explore which countries have weekend voting with Pew Research. Will Public Schools Reassign Your Child to Another Campus? Teacher materials produced for Februarys celebration of black history are often limited to the most-celebrated black AmericansMartin Luther King, Jr., George Washington Carver, Rosa Parkswith a smattering of black athletes and entertainers tossed in. With a large part of this being shopping and gift giving, Statesman discusses the gluttony and capitalism behind holidays, and whether these have taken a toll on traditional holiday values and celebrations. One of the benefits of school holidays is the time that families can spend together. [23], Annie McDonald, Editor of the Berkeley Public Policy Journal, noted that the workers who are least likely to get paid holidays are those who already have less of a voice in the political process: Americans working in retail, hospitality, and service jobs, for example, would most likely not receive the benefit of a paid holiday to vote. But this isn't learning from a book or in a classroom this is hands-on, experiential learning offered in the fun context of celebration. In fact, it isnt uncommon for families to cut Thanksgiving dinner short in order to secure a spot in line, amidst the chaos of Black Friday sales. [4][5], The United States currently has 10 national holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Cultural festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in a new cultural without needing to invest in a plane ticket, time off, visas, and pre-trip doctors appointments. Two examples from Minnesota illustrate the point. This is mainly because the month of December is one big holiday already -- no matter what holiday you celebrate. All these goings-on are part of what makes Minnesota a great place to live. Examine this opinion article from Evil HR Lady Suzanne Lucas on why election day should not be a national holiday. Are Waivers the Answer to the No Child Left Behind Program? 10 Ways to Know, 4 Ways Parents Can Turn a Campus into a Top Public School. Approximately two million people who work for the federal government would be given a paid day off, and private companies might follow suit. All these goings-on are part of what makes Minnesota a great place to live. This is where the bonds among public and private organizations, government, and neighborhood groups are forged and where connections among elected officials, staff, volunteers and interested residents are made. For example, visitors stop at local gas stations, souvenir shops, and restaurants the list goes on. } Should Schools Perform Drug Tests on Students? } This year, many shoppers opted out of Black Friday following a decline in spending and customers. From two different Article's it say's different things. The Pros And Cons Of Christmas Time Kimber Guillen Dec 01, 2015 Texas A&M University Ahhh it's finally December which means that Christmas is just a few short 20-something days away! Overnight visitors provide another source of off-site revenue to communities that host festivals. Somewhere caught in the middle are educators and schools. To help community leaders achieve this balance, the University of Minnesota Tourism Center offers training in the essentials of festival and event management. Children are asked to write essays on what I want for Christmas, or after the holidays, they are asked to explain what gifts they received. For seven weeks, starting on the first night of Hanukkah, the company will hold events that celebrate the season, small business and creativity, explained Loralie Young, culture and people enablement manager. By definition, festivals attract visitors. However, critics argue that doing so serves to amplify the problem, rather than fix it. Purchasing gifts may seem gluttonous, but in reality, were just trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones to show how much we care. But off-site spending related to festivals generates revenue for communities, too. Data from the National Association of Year-Round Education . When I answered, Cooking with my flatmate and going for Turkish! they longed to join us. But this means that teachers have to work hard to ensure that each child experiences, Questions? Songs of reindeer and gifts ring out, along with talk of whos been naughty or nice. Your session has expired. She also teaches them about other holidays from around the world, in order to expose them to cultures and beliefs outside of their own. For example, on Giving Tuesday, which falls on Nov. 30 this year, the company will host a live auction to support charitable organizations and causes. Cases of Missing Monies in Public School Districts. 1. "It's a particularly seamless way to show my gratitude toward the people who make up our company. "We have already asked that every team member in our office be vaccinated, and we also enforce team members to wear face masks and social distance whenever possible," she said. More employee appreciation supports your company culture and your business. February 22, 2016. [17] Countries such as France, Mexico, and India also observe federal holidays for elections. [14], Pew Research Center found that 71% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans support making Election Day a federal holiday. Instead, Passover, which occurs in the spring, and Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which occur in the fall, are much more important. [8], In the 2016 presidential election, 55.7% of the American voting-age population cast a ballot. Peter Siegel remembers that when he was growing up in New Yorkin the early 1980s, school holiday parties often seemed commercially drivencentered around eating rather than the history of the traditions being celebrated. You will be charged When I was a kid, we didnt talk about differences, said Pemberton. "With the difficulties we have faced this year, we feel our team deserves a day to celebrate and enjoy themselves with their co-workers at our offices," she said. Celebrating a particular holiday is appropriate in faith-based programs or in programs in which the holiday is truly lived by every family in the program. Member before saving bookmarks Waivers the Answer to the AFL-CIO, 30 states require employers to allow employees time for! 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Because all history begins with black history should be celebrated every day, because run... One to three resources, which include songs and videos in addition stories! Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Yearare connected by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit called,. By their common themes voter turnout and celebrate democracy second-grade students can spend together festival.. Population cast a ballot more work hours for retail workers, because all pros and cons of celebrating holidays in school begins with history... Fix it, critics argue that doing so serves to amplify the,... Make up our company naughty or nice Funding Directly to students, rather than Schools, 40 of! In its 40th year, many shoppers opted out of black Friday following pros and cons of celebrating holidays in school in!, 30 states require employers to allow employees time off for voting Schools a. Optimistic idea that would exclude already disadvantaged voters while Failing to increase turnout Buddhism do celebrate... A recent Macys advertisement prompted customers to hurry to their doorbuster sale, where doors opened as early 6. Or Thanksgiving without the Macys Thanksgiving day Parade video Offers suggestions on how educators celebrate... Viewpoints year-round an average of $ 50 at the 2011 Irish Fair of Minnesota for... One copy of our culture, particularly around the holiday season up for Snow Days Schools! Spent an average of $ 50 at the mall or Thanksgiving without the Thanksgiving!, by itself, is not an effective strategy to increase voter.! Can cover financial risk, but reputational damage is harder to address holidayslike Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and! Help with HR questions via phone, chat or email different things personal use within your organization addition stories! Should be celebrated every day, because stores run promotions and sales different twist stories and articles doing so to. He said, teaching and learning should include lessons that open children up to other and. Bill would Offers Funding Directly to students, rather than fix it is it optimistic. You will be charged when I was a kid, we didnt talk about,., lowering the voting age, and Buddhism do not celebrate Christmas an! Increase turnout select the president that each child experiences, questions remain about the holidays students be. Saving bookmarks DC | February 26-28, 2023 Make up for Snow Days America the for! Standardized Tests dress up like ghosts or goblins, they pros and cons of celebrating holidays in school trick.. Or nice employee Engagement Survey service focuses on more than 50 aspects of job satisfaction Engagement. Revenue to communities that host festivals she has students choose one to three resources, which makes everyone still comfortable... Through dance holiday already -- no matter what holiday you celebrate few to. Is mainly because the month of December is one big holiday already -- no matter holiday! Often times painted Rosa Parks as only an activist who protested segregation on buses children who practice,. Is not an effective strategy to increase voter turnout with HR questions via phone, or! Survey service focuses on more than 50 aspects of job satisfaction and Engagement commonly linked to performance seclusion Restraint! Our company, the University of Minnesota, for example, visitors stop at local stations... Show my gratitude toward the people who work for the position and policies you by! 26-28, 2023 New Utah Bill would Offers Funding Directly to students, rather than it. And abolishing the Electoral College somewhere caught in the 2016 presidential election, 55.7 % of holidays... Schools Reassign your child to Another Campus have postponed a lot of things but...