“Chemistree” deemed appropriate
Students were given extra credit to create a chemistry-related ornament, like this one, for the "Chemistree." Cub photo/ Jack Leibovitz
One place that can never have holiday decorations is an MSDLT classroom. This policy has been mandated for years. But chemistry teacher Jan Weir continues to decorate her room in the name of science.
Weir adds a holiday touch called the “Chemistree.” Her students, along with those of Greta Murphy, make extra credit, chemistry-related ornaments to adorn the evergreen tree.
The real issue, however, does not lie with the “Chemistree” itself, but with what it represents. The “Chemistree” strongly resembles a Christmas tree, which has been a mainstay of the Christian holiday for over 100 years. The tree, like a Christmas tree, has ornaments (many of which make reference to the Christian holiday) and a tree-topper. This has caused some speculation about whether the “Chemistree” is an appropriate school project or not.
“It’s not a Christmas tree, It’s a “Chemistree”,” said Weir. Weir maintains that the tree is not a Christmas tree and is not making a big deal out of the controversy.
The LC administration, too, does not pay much attention to the issue.
Students have mixed feelings about the “Chemistree”.
“It doesn’t bother me that the “Chemistree” is there,” said sophomore chemistry student Anna Hooker, “I know it’s similar to a Christmas tree, but it really doesn’t bother me.”
Many students agree with Hooker. But some students believe that tree isn’t appropriate for school. “If no other Christmas stuff is allowed to be put up, (the “Chemistree”) shouldn’t be allowed to be set up. Changing the name doesn’t change the idea,” said sophomore chemistry student Maxie Saxton.
The MSDLT policy, as stated on the document titled,
GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW FOR CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS & OTHER HOLIDAYS states (among other things) this: The MSD of Lawrence Township celebrates our diversity and reflects this in our core values. An important part of our cultural competency initiative means embracing many religions, races, languages, cultures, etc. Therefore these guidelines are meant to inform and encourage good decision making, awareness and sensitivity for holidays and cultural celebrations.
Under the Holiday celebrations section, the document states: Winter festivals/programs are appropriate. Holiday musical programs should feature a variety of secular music and not focus exclusively on traditional Christmas songs. Nowhere does it state (nor imply) that, “One place that can never have holiday decorations is an MSDLT classroom.” Furthermore, the last statement of the document reads, “Remember, when teaching religious or special holidays, it is important that the school/ classroom decorations, climate, lessons and programs provide a balanced, objective and educational perspective.”
Instead, from the MSDLT document, it seems clear that the intent here is that we are to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone attending MSDLT schools celebrate Christmas. To that end, this utilization of an evergreen with chemistry-themed decorations is “fun” and scientifically sound. In the past, my Jewish students made a menorah with different chemical symbols and my Muslum students made a mosque with ornamentation using Au (gold) and Ag (silver) to hang on the tree. What a great way to celebrate and embrace a multicultural approach during this time of year!
No, it doesn’t change the idea of Christmas, but I think that this makes class fun. I don’t really believe in the holiday spirit and stuff but using chemistry to make up some funky ornaments sounds like fun. It’s a class project; they’re not sitting under the tree singing Christmas carols and saying how much they love God. It’s a fun project in a class that I’m sure many of them hate. I don’t ever really believe in God and the Christmas stuff, but give me that project and I’ll kick butt on it.
I don’t agree with the LC administration on how it’s wrong to put up a Christmas tree. I think that letting the students here get into the Christmas spirit is a good way to look forward to the holidays. It doesn’t sound like any Christmas tree. It sounds like a fun way to get the students involved and get some points, too. It is a free country and we should be able to put up Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes and snowmen in our schools because it has nothing to do with religion; it’s all about getting into the Christmas spirit!
Maybe schools should stop trying to cater to every single person…it is not possible!
Extra credit is extra credit.