St. Cloud Schools' Calendar: A Celebration of Diversity

When it comes to setting its school calendar, St. Cloud School District 742 takes a unique approach. Unlike many other districts, they consider numerous religions and religious holidays when deciding on the best dates for school. According to Superintendent Laurie Putnam, this decision is made by the calendar committee, and it's a practice they've been following for quite some time. But what does this mean, exactly? It means that Muslim students, for example, can celebrate Eid al-Fitr without having to miss school. This year, the district gave students the day off on April 10 to mark the end of Ramadan, the month-long fasting period. Putnam explains that many of their students observe this holiday, and the district wants to respect their culture without disrupting their education. But this isn't a one-off occurrence. The district has a long history of accommodating students of different faiths. They close schools on Christmas for Christian students, and on Rosh Hashanah for Jewish students. It's a practical recognition of the diverse backgrounds that make up their student body. So, what's the big deal about being diverse? Putnam says it's a distinct advantage that sets St. Cloud Schools apart. With 20% of their students coming from over 90 different countries, and 65% identifying as students of color, the district has a unique opportunity to learn from and appreciate the richness of different cultures. And it's not just about the numbers – it's about the individual stories of each student, whether they were born in Stearns County or halfway around the world. But is this approach without its challenges? What if a particular holiday or celebration clashes with another event or tradition? How do the district and its students navigate these conflicts? These are the kinds of questions that could be explored in more depth.