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December 09, 2004

Memo From the School Superintendent

Attention all school personnel --

In an effort to insure a proper, nurturing environment for all our students, the following rules will be implemented immediately:

1) No mention of Christmas or Hanukkah will be permitted. Children who are not celebrating these holidays at home might be made to feel uncomfortable or even offended or left-out and we can't have that!

In addition, from now on, Christmas Day will simply be referred to as "that Federal Holiday" or "Holiday". Furthermore, since some children might feel depressed during the "Holiday", please refrain from wishing any of them a "Happy" Holiday as this would make them feel even sadder or more uncomfortable. From now on, just tell them to "have a holiday".

2) History Teachers will hereafter not mention any religion or the fact that the founders of America were or held any feelings of religiosity as this could be offensive to students who are athiests, or at least make them feel uncomfortable. Documents such as the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution will not be taught as they mention "God" and blur the seperation of church and state.

3) All teachers will no longer grade childrens' assignments as this could cause low self-esteem. All tests, homework, classroom essays will be returned to the student marked, "Fabulous!".

4) As many children often have favorite numbers and we don't want them to feel ashamed of this, all math teachers will now instruct their pupils that all numbers are equal in value. From now on,
1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = 6 = 7 = 8 = 9 and etc. Mathematical problems on exams will allow as correct such answers as 2 + 2 = (any number the student writes in). Again, there are no wrong answers to problems as this could make the student feel uncomfortable or lower their self-esteem. Just mark all tests as "Fabulous!".

5) Lunchroom personnel will no longer serve meat or fish products in the cafeteria as some children are vegetarians and could elsewise suffer offense at seeing their classmates consume such items. Furthermore, since some pupils might have crooked teeth, all food served will henceforth be pureed and served with straws so that the child can simply suck his/her lunch without exposing their teeth.

6) Not all students have good handwriting and this could cause them to have low self-esteem if it is pointed out to them. From now on, student papers no longer have to be legible or even written using the letters from the alphabet. Assignments and tests written or answered using symbols or pictures will now be acceptable. Just mark them "Fabulous!".

7) Since some pupils are not good at athletics, all gym classes will now consist of a large ball placed in the middle of the field or gymnasium. Each pupil will then slowly walk (so as not to harm themselves) over and touch the ball with any part of their body. As each student does this, he will be declared "a winner" by the teacher and all the other students will shout, "Fabulous!".

8) Music students will no longer be required to read sheet music or to play in tune or even the same song as other students. Any noises issuing from their instruments will be considered beautiful and "Fabulous!"

9) In keeping with that theme, many children have difficulty expressing themselves in a classroom setting. Not all of them speak English or any other known language or in complete sentences. In the future, pupils may answer questions or oral exams with simple grunts and other sounds. This will be considered "Fabulous!".

10) As many children consider themselves to be the center of the universe and informing them elsewise could lower their self-esteem or offend them, science teachers will no longer teach astronomy.

In conclusion, I believe that by adopting these steps, as well as others soon to come, we can create an environment where our students feel wholeness and happiness throughout the day. Faculty members are invited to suggest their own improvements to our curriculum.

Posted by Jeff Soyer at December 9, 2004 09:55 AM
Comments

Lot of this stuff is actually happening, jokes or no. Kids can't mention Christmas or even sing Christmas carols in the Maplewood, NJ Christmas concert this year.

Why do smart people put up with this garbage?

Posted by: Gary at December 9, 2004 11:09 AM

As an older student embarking on a second career as a teacher I find myself torn between laughing hysterically and fearing that you may be more correct than I want to consider. But either way I plan to point this out to some friends. Simply Fabulous!
Rey

Posted by: Rey at December 9, 2004 11:24 AM

Another writer here at my ad agency had to write a radio spot for a local gaming property, celebrating the lighting of their "Holiday Tree." He (a Jewish guy, no less) changed it to "Christmas Tree" in the script and the client made him change it back.

"Holiday Tree."

Fabulous!

Posted by: Shannon at December 9, 2004 02:43 PM

Similarly, at my office, someone complained about our annual "Christmas" party so it was changed the next year to "Holiday" party, but that wasn't good enough and someone still complained so this year it's been dubbed the "Winter Gala". Of course, along with the Chistmas party went the trees and the decorations. Last year they set up a winter "scene" in the lobby with snowmen, mechanical reindeer and fake snow.

Posted by: Ace at December 9, 2004 04:03 PM

Faculty members are invited to suggest their own improvements to our curriculum.

Just pay the teachers without requiring them to show up. I think both the teachers and the students would both be happier, and it's not like the teachers are actually going to be able to practice their profession.

James

Posted by: James R. Rummel at December 9, 2004 05:46 PM

Don't forget that whenever the teacher grades, they may not use Red pen as it may hurt the self esteem of the students

Posted by: jaws at December 9, 2004 11:44 PM
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