Quincy School Committee Open Forum Letters/January 22, 2025 Meeting
Hello,
I am writing to you as a concerned member of our community, as well as a passionate advocate for the inclusion and recognition of diverse cultural traditions within our school calendar. I urge the School Committee to formally recognize the Lunar New Year as an official school holiday in the upcoming school calendar.
As you are aware, our student population is wonderfully diverse, with approximately 40% of our students identifying as Asian. The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant cultural holidays for many Asian communities, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more. It is a time for families to gather, celebrate, and honor their heritage and traditions. For many students, it is an important occasion that holds deep cultural and personal significance.
Recognizing Lunar New Year as an official school holiday would not only acknowledge the cultural heritage of a substantial portion of our student body but also promote a more inclusive and respectful school environment. It would send a powerful message of acceptance and appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our students. Furthermore, it would allow students who celebrate the Lunar New Year to fully participate in their cultural traditions without the added stress of missing schoolwork or falling behind in their studies.
In recent years, we have seen a growing recognition of the importance of cultural holidays in educational settings across the country. Many school districts have already taken steps to include Lunar New Year in their school calendars, understanding the positive impact it has on student engagement, well-being, and cultural awareness. I believe that our district can be a leader in this movement, setting an example for other communities to follow.
In conclusion, I respectfully request that the School Committee consider adding Lunar New Year as an official holiday in the upcoming school calendar. I am confident that this decision will be met with widespread support from students, parents, and educators alike. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
Jill Sabin
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Dear Members of the School Committee,
Yesterday, we commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor the father of the civil rights movement in the United States. His words resonate as powerfully today as they did decades ago. Dr. King once said:
“I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.”
These prophetic words underscore the importance of fostering understanding and unity within our community. When we choose not to honor the most significant cultural celebration for 40% of our school families, we risk perpetuating division rather than promoting inclusivity. Is this the legacy we wish to leave for future generations?
By officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a holiday in the QPS calendar, we have an opportunity to bring our diverse community closer together. This decision would reflect a commitment to valuing every student and family within our schools, fostering an environment where all feel seen, respected, and celebrated.
Such an omission contributes to a divided world not supportive of our children’s growth. As leaders, you have the power to model unity and understanding, setting an example that will resonate far beyond the walls of our schools.
Let us honor Dr. King’s vision and make his words a reality in our community. Together, we can choose love over division, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
In closing, I leave you with another of Dr. King’s timeless quotes:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Shivpreet Singh