Can principals dictate public school policies?

Question

We've lost the Christmas party to "holiday party" and Easter party to "spring party." The kids are not allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school any more and now there's a new "NO sweet treat" rule. Parents are not allowed to bring anything sweet (cupcakes, birthday cake, brownies, etc) for their birthdays or any other class party. We are only allowed to bring in things like cheese squares, veggies and fruit. The principal said that anything brought in "against her policies" will be confiscated. (Like it's contraband or something.)

I'm all for having healthy kids however I think telling a kid that he has to bring in carrot sticks as a party snack for his birthday is rediculous. The other problem that this is creating is poor self image in these kids. At a birthday party, the kid next door said, "I can't have cake and ice cream, it's not healthy and I don't want to get fat." This is a SIX year old that said this who is NOT fat. This is not an isolated case.

Can she do this?

I'm not debating the "religious" aspects...although Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny aren't Christian so what is wrong with making a Santa Claus figure or a Bunny out of popsicle sticks in class? I guess this would be another subject entirely.

Answer 1

As long as nothing the principal does violates any district policy, including laws, (s)he has complete control over the school (s)he presides over. If you disagree with what (s)he mandates, you can bring it up at a school board meeting or talk to one of your district's school board members privately. If this does not work, you can try to rally other parents or influential individuals to your case and petition, though I would do this as a last resort and only if you have extremely strong feelings about the matter.

Answer 2

Yes she can, and I'm actually glad. It seems a bummer on the surface, but it really is a good thing. I don't like other people giving my kids sweets when I am unaware.

There is a difference between body image and healthy lifestyle. It is up to the parents and school to make sure that the two aren't confused.

Size doesn't matter - health does - and that message should be loud and clear.

There are TONS of things that can be brought in for parties - goody bags with stickers, etc.

It is an adjustment for parents from when we were kids, but ultimately it is good.

And regarding the holiday parties, No Halloween costumes is a kill-joy, but I get it. They are a pain in the rear and make for really a wasted day, and then there the issues of those kids that don't have a costume, etc. My son's school does have a Halloween party and parade, but where I teach does not (same district, different schools). And Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays and unless you want your child's class to celebrate religious holidays across the board, be happy with that.

In our district each school is allowed to have 2 party days, and the teachers vote on which two holidays to celebrate. My school usually does "Winter" and "Valentine's Day," my son's school does "Halloween" and "Valentine's Day." Your school is in line with current trends in education.

Get on the PTA. That's your best voice.

Answer 3

All the things you mentioned are district policy at the two districts I have worked in over the last ten years.
I especially miss making cakes in cool shapes for my student's birthdays, it was a tradition.
Even when the kids do bring in the "appropriate" snack to share the time spent sharing is reduced to just a few minutes. Schools/teachers are under a lot of pressure to use class time for instruction not personal celebrations.....
I hope you understand why districts have to take a hard stand- they really are trying to keep kids safe and healthy-ridiculous as it sounds!

Answer 4

Apbanpos gave an exellent answer.
I remember the poor Jehovah Witness kids who had to sit in the hallways during parties because their parents would not allow them to stay in the room.

Answer 5

yes. local control.

My first thought was... YOU get parties! those are not allowed in my school. So start push back on this or fail to follow her directive and you too could be under the academic time rule.

However! she cannot control what parents bring, she can only try and confiscate them all. I say enjoy your celebrations while it lasts, and dont make it obvious.

Answer 6

If you have a teachers union, bring it up to them. Any "change in terms or conditions of employment" have to be negotiated. All my schools had Principal's Advisory Councils. They helped the principal make the decisions but the ultimate decision was the principals.