Edison schools should celebrate diversity

This letter is in reference to Beth Klee's remarks in the Nov. 15 issue. As we have children in the same schools as she does, we were very surprised by some of her statements regarding how Diwali and Thanksgiving are celebrated in our schools.

For Diwali, one of our elementary schools had a 65- or 75-minute program depending on grade level. The other elementary school had a 20-minute program with an optional 25-minute assembly in the afternoon. At no time, does religion enter into the programs in either school. Rather, we try to have an educational, center-based program similar to many other assemblies that we bring into the schools. Additionally, we are very fortunate that our parent volunteers are from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Our middle school does not have any Diwali program at all. After making phone calls to a few friends with children in the other North Edison middle school, I was told that there was no Diwali program there either.

Mrs. Klee also stated that Thanksgiving goes unrecognized. Both our elementary schools' PTOs celebrate Thanksgiving with either a full meal (with a vegetarian option) or with dessert and juice. This provides the opportunity for our children to celebrate and recognize the holiday as one that crosses cultural boundaries. Again, our PTOs draw volunteers from all backgrounds to help with the Thanksgiving celebrations.

We invite Mrs. Klee to attend a PTO meeting, or volunteer for a PTO-sponsored event so that she can see for herself how our very diverse community comes together for all our children.

Veena Iyer

Edison

Darlene Delli Paoli

Edison