As a teacher, if I have a student who is a Jehovah's Witness, what should I expect that the parents will want?

Question

I have heard they do not celebrate holidays. So, what would they want for their child when the class (public school) celebrates birthdays and other allowed holidays?

Answer 1

You can ask the child or parents for their free publication "Jehovah's Witnesses and Education".

While many decisions are personal rather than doctrinal, here are some considerations...

Jehovah's Witnesses do not generally participate in holiday or birthday celebrations of any kind. Witness parents expect that their children will not be coerced into participation or made to feel awkward about abstaining. Witnesses almost never seek to interject their sensibilities onto the rest of a school or class, and they understand that such celebrations have a long history in classrooms. In most cases, the Witness child is content to sit in the library or school office during such a party. It would be an unkindness to "save him a cupcake" since the cupcake really was part of a celebration unacceptable to his religion. Exceptional teachers sometimes have a treat of some kind that is unmistakably unrelated to the holiday or birthday celebration and they give that to the Witness student as he is excused; it may be wise to discuss this with the Witness parent first to avoid misunderstandings and resentment.

Please do not try to confuse a Witness child by convincing him that he is only drawing a turkey (on Thanksgiving) or an evergreen tree (on Christmas) or a bunny (on Easter). While some Witness parents would not mind your efforts, others would be annoyed at what might seem to be disrespect. Just ask the Witness child or parent to help select an alternate assignment.

It is never appropriate to require any student to all but engage in blatantly false worship, such as studying details of occultism and specific wiccan spells, or reenacting Islamic chants. Many Witness parents are quite uncomfortable with witchcraft, and eschew reading material that glorifies or advocates it.

Jehovah's Witnesses reject idolatry and practice strict neutrality with regard to social, political, and nationalistic causes. No Witness will sing a national anthem or salute the flag of any country, although it is a personal decision whether to stand or sit during such ceremonies (that personal decision is protected by Supreme Court precedent).

I have known dozens of Jehovah's Witness students, and find that they tend to be respectful, thoughtful, and diligent. By about age twelve or thirteen, most seem to have generally accepted the religion of their family in a real way, and are convinced that it truly represents the bible and Christ's teachings.

You are wise to consider this matter before being confronted by it.

***Added
I just need to add a note for those who complain that Witnesses need to just "put up with it" or "keep the kids home" or "its the Witnesses' problem not the school's"...

Such critics could not be more wrong. *IF* the issue were *EVER* escalated, you can be 100% sure that the courts would agree that such celebrations have religious overtones and cannot occur in a public setting such as a school. You need to thank the Witnesses that they have been so reasonable about this issue for decades. Thousands of Witness children have successfully been through public school systems without making loud demands again and again.

Answer 2

I am a student and I know a few people who are Jehovah's Witnesses. Yes, they only celebrate anniversaries as holidays, but that is sometimes the parents. You should make sure that the parents will agree to the stuff that you are doing, just so that you won't get them mad. If they agree to it, than don't worry, but if they don't I would have some other fun stuff for them to do while everyone else is celebrating the holiday. The Jehovah's Witnesses in my area aren't really that strict and they will usually go with what is going on, and I bet the student will want to participate. Just make sure that it is alright with the student's parents.

Answer 3

As a Jehovah's witness who attended public school, I never felt "left out" or jealous when the other kids celebrated holidays. I was happy to leave the room, or go read in the corner. I understood why I didn't celebrate the holidays and birthdays and never did I expect special treatment. I did have a teacher who always gave me sucker, what kid is going to turn down candy? (As long as it isn't part of the "treat" for the the celebration.) I think that it is really nice of you to think about this, they don't want to be treated like freaks, but they understand and most, are quite proud of what they believe in. But I do recommend talking to the parent. You will see thay are nice, and will be grateful for your consideration.

Answer 4

We have a sizable Jehovah's Witness population in our school district. We generally have a "study hall" in the library for school-wide celebrations of allowable holidays. Sometimes, since as the Resource teacher my students stay with their regular ed classes to participate for special activities, I open my room for the kids that won't participate, and I have games, non-holiday videos, and/or study hall.

The parents will not want their child even watching the other kids celebrate (don't want their child to feel "punished")... so arrange with another teacher and/or the library/office for a place for them to go.

Answer 5

I'm a born again Christian, but years before I did study with Jehovah Witnesses. No they do not celebrate any holidays, and as a born again, I myself did not allow my son to partake in certain celebrations. This school year because of these personal views, I will be homeschooling. My son's first grade teacher, this was her first year teaching, she was so considerate that she would send home permission slips to the students parents.

Answer 6

As a high school career counselor, should such a scenario exist, my advice would be to meet with the parents and student and ask them the questions you've just asked in this public forum. I believe it's important to be sensitive and understanding regarding a students religious beliefs. Freedom of religion is everyone's right. However, because the child is in a public school he/she may need to be respectful of special events normally not celebrated or acknowledged by his religious sect. Should the parents be opposed to allowing their child to be part of any celebration then I would arrange a meeting with yourself, the parents and Head Counselor.
No special accommodations should be made for the student.

Answer 7

I have had several Jehovah's Witness kids in my class, and the parents were totally different. Most parents will just want you to provide alternative activities if you wish to do something "holiday-related" in your classroom, and not to expect their children to join in the holiday stuff. But I did have one parent one time expect me to totally cut all holiday activities, decorations, etc. out of my curriculum and classroom and this parent was a "screamer" so my principal made me do it....A very boring year to say the least.

Answer 8

They will have to deal with it. The rest of the class should not have to have their fun spoiled for one child. If they truly do not want their child involved, they can either home school their child, or keep him home on celebration days. It is not fair for him to have to miss out or be sent away every time the other children have a party. It is the parents' responsibility to deal with it. Not the schools'.

Answer 9

many parents that i had that had different backgrounds and religions were accompadated to the best of our abilites-you should talk to the parents to see what they done before in the past or might expect- then you will be able to work out details.

Answer 10

They will want you to do blood tests and take blood samples immediatley.