1. Religious Holidays and School Breaks

2. BIG Question for Today:
Should students get religious holidays off of school? If so, how should it be decided which holidays schools observe?

3. Opener: complete sentences!
What holidays have you heard about, and who celebrate them?
2. Do you think religious holidays should be given off to students?
3. What factors should school and government officials consider when deciding what days students have off of school?

4. Quote 1:
“…children need to be in school more, not less, and establishing more holidays would encourage every religious group to demand that their holy days be recognized.”
What is your reaction to this quote- do you agree, disagree, or partially agree with the view presented here?- Why?

5. Quote 2
“…the school board in 2007 approved a secular calendar that doesn't commemorate any religious holidays for the 189,000 students. Schools remain open on Good Friday, a Christian holiday, even though many students are absent.”
5. What is your reaction to this quote- do you agree, disagree, or partially agree with the view presented here?- Why?

6. Quote 3
“City schools permit children to stay home on days when they are celebrating a religious holiday. "Accommodations are made for any student," a schools spokeswoman said.”
6. What is your reaction to this quote- do you agree, disagree, or partially agree with the view presented here?- Why?

7. Religious populations in the Greater L.A. area

8. Religious population Questions:
Do you think the percentage of students who follow a religion at a school should affect what holidays students receive off?
8. Do you believe that the days CCMS has off are representative of the students population at our school? Why or why not?

9. Write a claim
Should schools get religious holidays off from school? If so, how should it be decided which holidays schools observe? *A claim is like an argument, it states your belief or opinion on the topic, and is able to be supported by evidence.