1. IS THE CHRISTMAS TREE A CHRISTIAN SYMBOL? SYDNEY, MELISSA AND HILARY

2. INTRODUCTION Does a Christmas tree belong in the classroom? Was Ms. Halverson’s explanation adequate? Factors that should affect a teacher’s decision to display religious symbols. Yen and Ms. Halverson’s relationship. Extending knowledge of this issue beyond the classroom. How we would answer Yen’s final question.

3. DOES A CHRISTMAS TREE BELONG IN THE CLASSROOM? We believe that a Christmas tree should be allowed to be displayed at Christmas time. In our classroom we would send home a note explaining that the students will be decorating a Christmas tree that will be displayed throughout the month of December, if they would like anything else to be displayed and celebrated to please send it in with their child.

4. MS. HALVERSON’S EXPLANATION Assuming that the student, Yen, was in high school, her response was adequate. She clearly explained that her intent was to acknowledge the Christmas tree as an important historical and cultural figure and not to celebrate it as a Christian holiday.

5. FACTOR’S THAT EFFECT DECISIONS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS Some parents may choose to excuse their children from class on days that teachers are celebrating certain holidays. Halloween has been becoming less frequently celebrated in schools because the costumes are becoming scarier, skimpier, and parents would prefer that their children do not pig out on candy in class.

6. MS. HALVERSON’S RELATIONSHIP WITH YEN By explaining her reasoning for having the Christmas tree in the classroom she is making Yen feel more included and that his opinions are important to her.

7. EXTENDING THEIR KNOWLEDGE Sending home notes to the parents and asking them to send in any information on their family history and how they celebrate the holidays. They could have a lesson a day on different world religions and how different cultures celebrate

8. YEN’S FINAL QUESTION Unfortunately, God is no longer a subject that is allowed in school’s. I could send home a note to Yen’s parents telling them the question that he asked and ask if it would be ok if I answered it if he should ask again.

9. EXTENDED THINKING A Christmas tree is ok because it is not considered a religious symbol by the courts. However, it is not to be decorated with any religious symbols. It is ok for schools to have holiday concerts because Christmas carols include both religious and non-religious lyrics. Students who feel uncomfortable singing must be able to opt out if they want. It is ok for a students to form a Bible study group since other students can form groups that are not related to courses. Religious theories cannot be taught as science School-sponsored events, such as sports, classroom activities, or graduation ceremonies, cannot promote religion or include prayer. Teaching religion indirectly by hanging a copy of the Ten Commandments is not allowed in public schools.

10. CONCLUSION We believe that Christmas trees should be allowed in classrooms at Christmas time. They create a feeling of happiness and they are really fun to decorate! Ms. Halverson clearly explained to Yen that she was only trying to display the Christmas tree as an important historical figure and not as a religious symbol. Some parents may choose to excuse their children on days that certain holidays are celebrated at school. After giving her explanation, Yen feels more included and like his opinions are important to Ms. Halverson., Ask families to send in any information that they have on their religion so that their religions may also be celebrated in class as well. God is no longer allowed in schools so that is a tough question to answer.

11. WORKS CITED ACLU. (n.d.). A Handbook for Public School Students in Pennsylvania. Retrieved 4 10, 2013, from Know Your Rights : http://scf.angellearning.com/section/default.asp?id=201320-21047