Well, the proposal has been brought to the school board in one district by the high school Student Council.

A Connecticut school district is considering a proposal to close schools on two Muslim holidays.

The Region 16 Board of Education is expected to take up the Student CouncilÂ’s proposal this week.

The board represents the towns of Prospect and Beacon Falls, Conn.

The resolution asks the board not to hold classes on the day that marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and on the day that concludes the annual observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

As a teacher, I have a really simple view on school calendar issues – does the proposal help or hinder school operations. That is especially true after sitting on the district committee that designed the calendar for the upcoming school year.

Is there a significant Muslim population in the district? Does keeping the school open on those Muslim holy days so significantly increase absenteeism that it impacts the operation of the schools due to low attendance? If the answers to these questions is YES, then close the schools on those days. If not, then donÂ’t. Ditto holidays for Jews and Hindus and Buddhists. But if such changes fail to improve school efficiency, then donÂ’t make the change.

Posted by: Greg at 10:34 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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