SAT Tests Under Criticism
UC utilization of standardized test in applications are under fire.
Published on Feb. 26 2020
CAMPUS
By Sebastian Lopez
Dry Gulch Gazette
Published on Feb. 26 2020
COMMUNITY
District Explains Elementary School Halloween Parade Cancellations
Multiple factors lead to the cancelling of parades at some schools.
By Jeneen Doctor
On Oct. 3, a community member posted a question on the San Lorenzo Community Facebook page stating that the Halloween parade at Hesperian Elementary School had been canceled. The post got 33 comments, many of which expressed frustration and the belief that this was due to new district policy.
One comment on the post read: "The school board has gone down the path of no holiday references/celebrations just seasonal. We can't have Halloween parties. They must be called Fall parties. We are not supposed to dress up for any holidays or make references to religious aspects of holidays. This is why you won't see parades it[sic] certain decorations anymore. Certain schools walk the line and certain schools choose not too[sic]. Want that to change? Bring it to the school board's attention. I know the students don't like it and I've heard the same from many parents."
SLZUSD Director of Elementary Education Kimberly Noble explained how it wasn't only one thing that affected the Halloween parade being canceled.
"Multiple factors were taken into consideration such as maximizing instructional time, issues of student exclusion, issues of financial equity, wanting to avoid staff helping students with dressing, etc.,"
- SLZUSD Director of Elementary Education Kimberly Noble said
Elementary school teachers share opinions on cancellation of Halloween parades.
Despite the actual reason for the cancellation, many community members were still upset about the lack of a parade this year. The Facebook post featured comments like, "That's the most ridiculous thing! Those a repost kids[sic] beast memories from school days," and "It's my opinion that we need to back off on destroying all these little things. Little parades and events like this bring the community a little closer."
Noble believes that much of the frustration around the parade is from people believing misinformation spread on Facebook and avoiding the spread of misinformation will help avoid future situations like this.
"There is new research constantly coming out that discusses how social media can magnify the spread of misinformation. When there is something shared on social media that causes someone concern, I encourage them to do their own research by checking with multiple sources to seek clarification," Noble said. •
Bay Elementary School Teacher Stephanie Scarper
“I have mixed feelings, but for the most part I feel that it’s apporiate but it needs to be district wide, Some schools shouldn’t be able to do it, if not all the schools. It’s either an all or nothing. You can teach about holidays, but not necessarily celebrate them.”
Photos | Jeneen Doctor