School programs are a Christmas tradition
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The first-graders at Monroe Elementary School performed their holiday program in front of a packed house last Friday. At this time of year, almost every child in almost every school in the area is involved in a holiday program.
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Kairo Pullum and his first-grade classmates go through their routine during their holiday program, 'Christmas Around the Clock.'
JANESVILLE — Santa was wearing a camouflage T-shirt.
Mrs. Claus had pink shoelaces and strawberry blond hair.
Neither looked hardy enough to live at the North Pole, but it was only a rehearsal, so it was hard to be critical.
All over the country, school children are getting ready for—or recovering from—school holiday programs.
It's an annual tradition, where even children who are not your own become irresistibly cute.
Last week at Monroe Elementary, first-grade students wowed families and teachers with a show so good critics—if they were there and if they were parents—would have called it a Tony Award contender.
Sure, actors occasionally waved at the audience, wiped their noses with their sleeves, whispered to each other or said, "Ouch!" when they jumped off the bleachers. But overall, the show was a stunner.
After the show, a grinning Harry Kubiak, son of Harry and Karen Kubiak, talked about his role in the show.
His line was: "And just then, it happened that Santa stepped in from the cold."
He practiced with his mom, and was especially happy that his dad, who is working in Tennessee, got to come to the show.
Was he nervous?
"Nooooo," he said, still smiling.
Maddie Kuhlow shyly repeated her line as she glued sparkly things to her holiday worksheet.
"Make sure the chimes ring no matter what you do."
The lovely Lauren Shanks, one of the first-grade singers, had no comment for the press.
At Adams Elementary School, students still are rehearsing for Wednesday's show.
On Monday, music teacher Elizabeth Brockwell was leading nearly 80 kindergarteners through their paces.
It was a surprisingly organized affair. Elves and trees switched places in front of the microphones with little confusion. Santa and Mrs. Claus made their entrance on cue—more or less.
And here's something really impressive: The kids in the chorus sat quietly—more or less—while the soloists and children with speaking parts performed.
Imagine: A mob of 5- and 6-year-olds sitting quietly.
"You did a good job being quiet while the other friends were speaking," kindergarten teacher Miss D'Anna Blumer told them. "I think you should give yourself a pat on the back."
In unison, the kids all reached over their shoulders and gave themselves pats.
But holiday shows aren't all about songs and self-esteem.
"There are different state standards for music for the different grade levels," explained Adrian Farris, music teacher at Monroe and Adams elementary schools.
Melody, rhythm and following a conductor's lead as well as performing, copying and following along as a group are just a few of the standards.
With that in mind, Farris and Brockwell can pick from already prepared shows or create their own.
Surprisingly, neither said they had trouble navigating the church/state divide.
"I pick more of a winter-type theme," Farris said.
At Monroe, the show was "Christmas Around the Clock," and featured a group of ne'er-do-wells who wanted to stop Santa from making his rounds.
"Most of the shows have a life lesson," Farris said.
At Adams, the story is about Christmas trees competing to be Santa's tree.
Grace Eldridge, the kindergartener playing the littlest tree, explained:
"It's about love and being with family."
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:18 p.m.
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To Mikki: Your views of America are hopelessly stuck in the 1950s. Your racist comments regarding non-Christians running gas stations and stores are not appreciated by any thinking person. Ironically, you include atheists as non-Christians. They are non-believers in any higher power and sort of go into a category all by themselves. All non-Christians are welcome to respectfully inform the Christian majority with which they are surrounded of the difference in their faith or lack thereof. And the Christian majority is duty bound, by virtue of their majority, to peacefully listen and (gasp!) maybe learn something new. Unfortunately, when it comes to religion, human beings do not seem capable of such a mutually respectful exchange of ideas. Hence, the whole separation of church and state thing. Finally, I believe the article was a tribute to student music and drama achievement, not an excuse to bash non-Christians. Granted, the article was written in a way to guarantee a heated exchange on the blog. Instead of a thoughtful discussion, it has descended into the depths with thoughtless remarks and accusations that the "non-alike" people are at fault for all of our woes. Some things never change.
Dec 18, 2008 at 11 p.m.
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To Beansmom: Concerts may not be contractually required, but co-curricular contracts are in place at most schools in the upper grades that make the "contract" issue moot. As I see it, this is a direct result of paying ridiculously high coaching contracts for all the sports. Who can blame the music teachers for trying to get a a piece of that pie? If you're a gym teacher, part of your job should be to coach. Our district pays over $100,000 in coaching contracts. Similarly, part of any music program should include performances. It's a basic part of the job and should not require extra pay to be included as part of a teacher's job.
Dec 18, 2008 at 4:32 p.m.
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Well, I guess we see things differently. Isn't that wonderful? Different opinions!
Since things have progressed to the point that we can no longer really say "Merry Christmas" without someone's panties getting in a wad...well.
Seems to me that in order to please everyone, we need to do what I mentioned earlier. If you're Christian, sure, you get Christmas off. Jews, Athiests, Wiccans, Muslims and the rest, get to work. Stores and gas stations will be staffed.
Dec 18, 2008 at 1:33 p.m.
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Mikki,
I am not whining. I am a christian so all the Merry Christmas doesn't bother me.
However, I think back to when I was a kid and how AWFUL it would have been to be a non-christian back then. Having to participate (or miss school like some geniuses have suggested) in all the Christmas stuff without any options while not being a believer.
I look at the public part of this country and see the reduction of Christmas as a good thing. As a christian I can take in as much or as little religious christmas activities as I choose. Now, finally, non christians have more of that same option.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 18, 2008 at 9:32 a.m.
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See? Just proves my point. I was giving an opinion and someone comes up with 'wow, when you were a kid...'.
Give me a break. Nice try at trying to offend me, but you aren't going to do it. Just made yourself look like an idiot, and proved my point.
No, when I was a kid, I wasn't even 'aware' of "being" Christian, so we werent' "pushing" Christianity in anyone's faces, so sorry.
Even now, we don't do that. In fact, I have yet to meet ANYONE pushing ANY religion on ANYONE.
The only ones I ever hear whining are people, well, like you.
Dec 17, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.
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I love all the back in the day, when I was young posts.
Just wondering, were blacks in seperate schools back then too? Were women pretty much guaranteed less pay for the same job? What else was going on back then?
It isn't about someone else being offended - I could care less about that - to me, it is about progress...Our schools are more inclusive because they don't promote one religion.
Again, instead of telling the non-christians what they should do when really we all know they have little alternative to Christianity being thrown in their faces, why not tell the Christians what to do? Attend church more often or send your kids to a religious school.
See, our society has made it easy for anyone who wants more religion in their lives or their kids lives to get it but those who choose not to believe have little opportunity to do so. And when they voice their opinion are made into outcasted and told to open the businesses or "keep your kids home that day."
Nice to see the true meaning of Christmas expressed so well on the Janesville blogs.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 17, 2008 at 12:02 p.m.
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When I was young, we had a Christmas Concert at our public school. That was before people were "taught" to be offended at every little thing.
So now, you can't say or do anything because people actually LOOK for reasons to be offended. It happens all the time here. People with little or no purpose in life spend their days here, on the Gazette blogs, asking staff to remove posts they think are 'unfit'. LOL
Well, if those non-Christians don't want to celebrate Christmas, fine. Then THEY can do the work for the rest of us and the businesses usually closed on Christian holidays can be open, right?
There, everyone is happy.
Dec 17, 2008 at 11:44 a.m.
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What the public should realize is that the students of Janesville are lucky to continue to get ANY programs whatsoever, in light of the budget cuts and increasing demand on music teachers' time. Programs are not contractually required. The music teachers choose to produce programs because they feel it is an important part of a student's music education and fits with national music education standards. Most music teachers in the district choose to have students in the upper grades perform programs in the late winter or spring in order to give students the opportunity to perform a varied repertoire of music from different genres throughout their elementary career. The music curriculum includes more than just "Christmas" or "Holiday" music and how lucky are our students that they can be exposed to these different experiences. I'm sure your local music teacher would be more than willing to answer any questions you may have about this.
Dec 16, 2008 at 10:37 p.m.
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I have always enjoyed watching the holiday programs that the schools put on this time of year on the local cable access channel--keeping me in the spirit of the season! With increasing demands placed upon students and teachers, I can only hope that the holiday programs are able to continue for years to come.
Dec 16, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.
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Yes, I agree also. The Christmas shows at the school are not what they used to be and we have to stop letting others dictate to us how to celebrate our Christmas. Read below:
Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!*
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
Dec 16, 2008 at 8:39 p.m.
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I have a big problem with the schools so called Christmas shows! It has been a while since I saw one that actually HAD a real Christmas song! Anyone that knows me,knows Im not religious but,I grew up with the real songs and believe those same songs should still be part of a Christmas show. A few years ago,I went to my son's program sing,thing,and all it was about was America,which is fine on the 4th of July.The ENTIRE show,that was it !!! No Christmas songs at all !! I was sad when it was done.I kept waiting for oh come all ye faithful and such.....never happened!
Dec 16, 2008 at 6:57 p.m.
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I honestly cannot wait until my son's first Holiday program! I am excited to see it! I also got to see my son's Christmas program at church last Sunday! It was just as exciting! As for me, I always say Merry Christmas, because it is the reason for the season! I know, lame, but it is!
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:50 p.m.
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luluberry-- I would agree with that to an extent. The word CHRISTMAS represents all that's good. However, when people feel the need to curse out loud in public or intentionally go against the grain and be verbally abusive in public, it's not about being politically incorrect. It's about being morally incorrect. It's bad enough someone feels the need to do it in private, muchless in public. It all boils down to the character of an individual and being respectful of others around you. It's called doing what's right vs what's wrong.
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 p.m.
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I really shouldnt have posted that last post. This is a story about the children. Sorry. My daughter attends Van Buren and their kindergarten "program" was GREAT! None of the kids forgot their lines, unbelievable considering their age. Big Kudos to all those involved in that program.
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
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I like how the schools still call the Christmas sings Holiday sings. Seems pretty funny when they have the kids dress up as Santa and elves. Why can't they accept that 70% of Americans celebrate Christmas? Why do we always have to bow down to the minorities? MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
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Why wasnt singing actual christmas songs a problem when I was in school in the 80s and early 90s? I went to public school and we sang ALL the christmas songs. Its been a part of this country for generations. If you dont like it DONT GO!!!!!! Or better yet, you come to this country, DEAL WITH IT! Everyone is free to practice whatever religion they want to, and thats how it should be. BUT, to change an american tradition because SOME people dont like? Screw that! Just like theyre not supposed to say "one nation UNDER GOD" in the pledge of allegiance. It was written that way yet we HAVE to adapt to a few people? Change is good but not this kind of a change. Its a joke is what it is.
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.
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Saying "Merry Christmas" to someone IS NOT pushing your religion onto them! It is just a way for those who celebrate CHRISTMAS to do so. When I worked in retail, I refused to say "Happy Holidays" and said "Merry Christmas" instead. I will say what I want, and I do not believe that people should change what they say just to be politically correct.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.
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God Bless Us Everyone!
Dec 16, 2008 at 5:12 p.m.
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Happy Kwanzaa
Dec 16, 2008 at 4:40 p.m.
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whythink, I understand what you're saying, however, there's nothing "unchristian" about saying "merry christmas" to someone who isn't Christian. I'm not into pushing my beliefs on anyone either. I'm also not into buckling everytime a non-christian takes exceptions to my wording either. I know in my heart I don't say what I say to spark controversy, I say what I say because I believe it in my heart and I'm not afraid to wear my heart on my sleeve. Just as I'm not offended if someone says happy hanukkah to me. I respect their beliefs and take it in the context in which it's intended....a good well wish. Just as I respect your view on the subject as well. I understand you mean if from your heart and that's a very noble thing.
Dec 16, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
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Very well said whythink! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Seasons Greetings to all!
Dec 16, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
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WOW!
I was held in judgement essentially by how I said, "Have a nice day" to someone.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Works for me. As a Christian, I don't feel the need to push my beliefs on others. What I do and what I teach my children is between myself, my wife, Jesus and my kids. My neighbors, friends, co-workers don't need to know my religious belief system.
Oh, and if I want to be as closed minded as some of you I would say, "If you want a Christmas Holiday at your child's school, send them to a private religious school." To me, religion and school are two different things. I will choose the amount of religion my children get based on my church attendanc, Sunday school attendance, etc... M-F school isn't for that, I don't expect that and honestly, I don't want that.
Again, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Dec 16, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
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MOCO428, don't sugarcoat it. Tell us how you really feel.
Dec 16, 2008 at 2 p.m.
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totellthetruth: You are ignorant and self centered. Making the other religions miss school because of a "Christmas Concert". Why not act like a Cristian as WHYTHINK stated and accomodate others. Why segregate them from what you think is right. You and your kind make me sick and that is what is wrong with the world. You are entitled to your opinion even if it is wrong;)
*
Nice job to the first graders. I am especially proud of my daughter right on the front of the picture!
Dec 16, 2008 at 1:37 p.m.
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Janesville is the only city I know where people can turn a positive story about CHILDREN into one big argument/debate. So sad.
Dec 16, 2008 at 1:27 p.m.
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They have always been CHRISTMAS programs and they will always be CHRISTMAS programs... Enough with this politically correct crap. MERRY CHRISTMAS! (And I work in a public school)
Dec 16, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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whythink, NO it's "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year"! Not just Happy Holidays.
Dec 16, 2008 at 1:08 p.m.
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It took exactly 6 comments on this story to achieve what the Gazette wanted; a debate about Christmas programs in public schools. I cant blame them for wanting to generate web traffic, however, I wish they would admit that their choice of stories to put on the Gazette Extra are directly related to the controversy they create.
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
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We should be respectfull to those who don't celebrate Christmas by letting them not attend the program or school on those days. I remember how public schools handled this in the good days. Those who had a religion that did not beleive in Chirstas, Easter, or the 4th of July, they were excused from school and the school had a CHRISTMAS, Easter or other program. This was not that long ago. When these children grow up and there is something they disagree with in their work place it is going to make thier lives hard if they try and tell their boss "Hey, your Christmas display offends me." Thoese employees don't typically last long. Maybe some of you should get your Bible out and remember what Christmas is about anyway, and it's not about trees or snow or school plays.
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:40 p.m.
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My daughter's Christmas program at St. Pauls was truly a Christmas program. Well done.
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:26 p.m.
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Well Said whythink!
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
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Shouldn't be christmas if tied to a public school. We should be respectful to those who don't celebrate christmas. To me, that is part of being a christian.
I understand the frustration and the inability for some to see this change as a good thing but as a christian, following the law and being respectful to others go hand in hand.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
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Feel good, feel good about wha?, the continued demorolization and numbing of our society starting with our children? The Gazette had it right, the programs should be Christmas programs, not holiday sings. What happened to the day of singing silent night and we three kings. These were my favorite songs that I sang in PUBLIC school. If your going to call it a Christmas program have it be a Christmas program.
Dec 16, 2008 at noon
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"This time of year, almost every Janesville school child is in a Christmas show." I wish that were true. At Washington School, only the K-1 students are in a Christmas show. The rest have a spring show. I truly miss seeing my daughter in a Christmas show at school.
Dec 16, 2008 at 11:57 a.m.
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Headline reads "School programs are a Christmas tradition". Not a "Winter festival". Sad, the far left is ruining this country.
Dec 16, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.
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Come on totellthetruth this is a feel good story about the upcoming holidays! They don't call them Christmas programs at school, they call them holiday programs! Obviously they aren't singing about Jesus and Mary because this is a public school. If you'd like to see a biblical themed Christmas program I'm sure any of the private parochial schools in the area would be glad to oblige you. Or go to church, our church puts on a fabulous "Christmas program." Seriously what is wrong with people. Congrats Monroe. You first graders rocked the house!
Dec 16, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
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I think it is far fetched to call these programs Christmas programs. You need to keep calling them holiday sings or stuff like that. There is nothing Christian about these programs...
Dec 16, 2008 at 10:57 a.m.
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The shows are being broadcast on the Janesville channel on the 19th, super cute!!
Dec 16, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.
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Some of my favorite memories are of watching all three of my kids in their holiday programs. I hope the schools never stop this tradition.
Dec 16, 2008 at 9:38 a.m.
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And Madison school did not have a "dress rehearsal" the day before, because it was a snow day. Way to go Kindergarteners!
Dec 16, 2008 at 9:31 a.m.
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Hats off to the teachers that make these programs happen. Madison School's kindergarten class gave a top rate performance!
Dec 16, 2008 at 9:12 a.m.
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Go Monroe Mustangs! Great job Mr. Farris!
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