LPS making the holidays inclusive for all students

With only one week left until Christmas students across Lincoln Public Schools are counting down the days until their winter break starts.

But before they trade in their books for extra sleeping time, many students will enjoy holiday celebrations in their classrooms.

“It is our goal in all of our instructional activities to celebrate, recognize, and preserve the cultural heritage and background of all of our students, so that each and every student feels comfortable and a part of our classroom experience,” Matt Larson, the interim assistant to the LPS superintendent, said.

Larson said LPS does not have any rules banning holiday symbols such as Christmas trees or religious music, they simply try to balance them out.

The debate over Christmas symbols in schools began earlier this month when an Elkhorn elementary school principal sent out an email banning anything pertaining to Christmas or any reference to religion.

The principals email sparked controversy causing the district to place her on administrative leave, but it also left many schools to decide what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to celebrating the holidays.

“In lieu of parties many of our schools have warm clothing drives, so they might have a tree, but it’s a mitten tree and I even see a stocking cap on the top sometimes. They’re collecting mittens for other schools and for other children who may need those,” Cindy Schwaninger, the director of elementary education for the district, said.

When it comes to Christmas music Schwaninger said it’s allowed to be played, but teachers also include secular music.

Schwaninger said it’s not about limiting holiday celebrations; it’s about making sure everyone can participate.

“We really want to make sure that it’s inclusive. We want all children to be able to participate and we want to make sure it’s balanced.”

The only big holiday no–no LPS has is bringing treats into classrooms as many kids have food allergies.

if you have concerns about how holidays are celebrated at your child’s school talk to their teacher or principal.