By Pam
Bah-Humbug! Would Ebenezer Scrooge be this mean? Parent’s of some second grade students in upstate New York are pretty upset that their children’s teacher informed her class that Santa does not exist.
Last Tuesday, during a geography lesson, a few students informed the teacher they knew where the North Pole was because Santa lived there. Apparently she clued them in that not only was the big guy in the red suit not real, but their parents were actually in on the conspiracy and the ones who had been up on the roof on Christmas Eve.
Nanuet Union Free School District superintendent Mark McNeill said,”This matter is being addressed internally.”
The parents apparently were outraged. I am guessing that this second grade teacher will not be receiving any of those unique, high end gifts that she normally receives each year.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think this teacher was right to be honest when the children started discussing Santa Claus in relationship to the North Pole? If not, should the teacher receive any type of formal reprimand?
.
Teachers are always lamenting that there is not enough parent involvement and that it is difficult to teach and parent at the same time. In this instance I would say there is entirely too much teacher involvement.Santa and Christmas lives in the hearts of many parents & grandparents and to them Santa is the spirit of giving as God gave Christians the gift of his Son. This living spirit is the joy of giving and receiving and NO ONE should ever presume to go beyond their boundaries and breach parental teachings.This teacher went overboard and probably will be formally reprimanded, however IMO a formal reprimand will not hold a candle to the wrath she will receive from the parents. FYI Christmas and Santa live in the North Pole of my heart and I will endeavor to teach this to my kids.
Lindsey,
I always say, if you don’t believe, he won’t come. (wink) Children are so precious when small, it’s a few fun things that parents can have with their own children. Scrooge to the teacher, she’s a meany!! LOL.
Also the birth of Jesus is so important to families and children learn so much when the real meaning of Christmas is told.
I think (for her own safety) that teacher should be fired. She stole a piece of their childhood that can never be returned. Santa is a part of many peoples religious celebrations, and she wouldn’t tell students that Jesus didn’t exist, or even Buddha…why would she tell them there is no Santa….is she stupid? It’s bad enough you have to worry about that one dang kid in the class that spoils it, now you have to worry about the teacher? I’m not generally a violent person (anymore), but I would beat her @ss for that….
She stole a piece of their childhood that can never be returned.
That’s a great way of putting it Lisa. I can’t believe anyone would think its okay to tell someone else’s children that Santa isn’t real.
I would be beyond outraged if my child were in that class and both she and the school, and the school board would be hearing from me.
I’m mad!
I think the teacher showed extremely poor judgment. I wouldn’t fire her – I think that’s probably overstating the sin. But it was really stupid and disrespectful of both the children in the class and their parents.
.
I’ve known a few people who are very against making kids believe in Santa – they think it’s lying and not conducive, I guess, to trusting relationships between parents and children. I don’t get taking it quite that seriously, but to each their own, I guess. I wonder if the teacher was one of those folks?
I wonder how long this teacher had been working with second graders? I agree it shows a lapse in judgment. I think she should be transferred to the middle school. That would be a fair punishment I think!
Oh Anya..I’ve driven a middle school bus.In my experience the punishment must fit the crime, and I wouldn’t subject my worst enemy to middle school!lol. I have a Kindergartner and I would be enraged if anyone thought they could subvert our family customs, regardless of their personal beliefs.
I wonder how long she’s been teaching? Is she young? Maybe one of those who knows better than all the parents? She may even be a really great teacher, but she messed up. I don’t know why she would want to piss off all the parents who want their kids to believe in Santa. I don’t think any teacher wants to be in that position. I hope she apologizes. I would be really upset, but would accept her apology if she realized she overstepped.
My daughter’s teacher told her 2nd graders that when she was little, she wished for a bell from Santa’s sleigh and got it. She brought it in to show the class and told them only people who believed in Santa could hear it, then she rang the bell. I thought it was a cute story. I’m mentioning it since it’s in opposition to the above teacher who told her class there was no Santa. It’s different coming from an authority figure such as a teacher, but opposition to the belief of Santa comes at an early age. It’s what half the tv specials are about.
I know of several Kindergarten teachers who leave out little green footprints on St. Patrick’s Day. They let the children believe that a leprechaun was there making mischief. I love that too.
I love the bell story, Lily. How cute is that?
That’s from the Polar Express, Lily. I hope she followed up by reading the book. It’s a great way to introduce the story.
.
I am LOL-ing at Anya’s idea of a punishment. Perfect.
.
If I were that teacher, I’d be awfully scared to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. I think three ghosts may be paying her a visit!
Thanks Ann, I only saw that once and it’s not high on my little one’s list of holiday movies. Her class does have Polar Express theme going on. I wouldn’t have made that connection.
Never read the book either. We might have to get it since she’s having such a good time.