7 Days til Christmas

Holiday Party Day at School

Today was "Classroom Holiday Party" day for our kids.

In Caley and Caitlyn's class they made reindeer hats, watched a Berenstain Bears Christmas video, ate lots of sugary snacks, and exchanged gifts with the other kids in their class.

In CJ's class they brought in snacks to share. After eating the snacks they had free time to spend on the computers or playing games with each other.

Both of these parties were fine, but neither of them were what I remember having as a kid.

We spent most of a day partying... if I remember correctly.

We had a room mother who would plan a whole day of fun activities, and food.

I also remember having school assemblies.

At the assembly there would be some type of Holiday Program.

My kids had ONE whole hour to have their party today.

I just can't help but think what a shame it is that this is what our schools have become.

When did this happen?

How did everything get so watered down?

When did we decide that there was absolutely no benefit to letting kids be kids once-in-awhile? They already have very little PE, recess, or fun time.

Why do they also have to put a one hour time limit on having a party?

Is one Holiday Party really going to make that big a difference in the amount that they learn this year?

I don't think a half day to let loose and have some fun is too much to ask.

How did we ever let our schools get this way?

I hate to bring up such a negative topic this close to Christmas, but I think it needs to be said.

We, as parents, are responsible to watch what the schools are doing.

Are they being run the way that you would like?

It is worth taking some time to think about it, and maybe start to look for ways to make some changes!