Faith

Did a MA Public School Really Remove ‘St. Patrick‘s Day’ From its Celebrations Over ‘Faith Issues?’

This story has been updated…

Did Soule Road School Really Change the Name of St. Patricks Day Celebrations?St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday rooted in Christian values, however secular celebrations are also regularly held to commemorate the day. In fact, for a great many, the religious tones aren’t even a consideration, as alcohol, Shamrock shakes and other fun-filled elements regularly dominate the day’s observations.

Considering these elements — and the relatively low-key nature the holiday has here in America — it’s surprising that such a major controversy has broken out at a Massachusetts elementary school. The Soule Road School in Wilbraham came under fire after media reports that school leaders were replacing St. Patrick‘s Day’s name out of concern over inclusiveness. Following the allegations, the district has now responded, claiming that the reports were inaccurate and that the holiday was never under assault.

ABC40 (their story is now amended, but their initial video report is available, below) reported on charges that the school’s celebration of the holiday had been amended. The holiday, ABC40 said, was swapped out for the more generic “O’Green Day.” MassLive.com’s Patrick Johnson reported the following about ABC40′s treatment of the event:

Abc40 is reporting O’Green Day is not a tribute to the mega-successful San Francisco-based rock band Green Day, but a heavy-handed attempt to instill political correctness among the impressionable 4th and 5th graders.

In an updated article, ABC40 explains what led to its initial coverage:

Wednesday, we brought you a story after several parents contacted ABC40 concerned that the principal of Soule Road School, Lisa Curtin, was changing the name of St. Patrick’s Day to “O’Green Day.”

ABC40 made repeated attempts to reach both Superintendent Martin O’Shea and Principal Curtin for comment and address the concerns raised by the parents who contacted ABC40, as well as an explanation of “O’Green Day.”  Principal Curtin had no comment Wednesday, and the Superintendent of Schools didn’t return our calls.

As stated, the school’s principal, Lisa Curtin, was accused of acting out of inclusiveness, however the district’s Superintendent Marty O’Shea responded to the controversy today and attempted to debunk the charges against her. O’Shea wrote his thoughts and some clarifications in an email to parents, specifically addressing the school and district’s silence on the matter:

To begin, the Channel 40 story wrongly attributes quotes and motives to Mrs. Curtin.  Mrs. Curtin and I both declined to comment on this story so as to not legitimize or give credibility to it.  Secondly, and most importantly, Soule Road has not changed the name of St. Patrick’s Day.  It is noted as St. Patrick’s Day on the Soule Road school calendar and will be in future years.  O’Green Day, on Friday, March 16, the day before St. Patrick’s Day, was set up as a day to encourage students to celebrate the holiday by wearing green.  As in previous years, Soule Road’s approach to St. Patrick’s Day is organized and planned in conjunction with your PTO.  This year’s activities recognize St. Patrick’s Day in exactly the same way it has been recognized for the last several years.  Mrs. Curtin did not change any practice associated with this.  A green theme in March has been used by your PTO to incorporate a number of fun, educational activities planned for the children of Soule Road during the month and is aimed at recognizing Soule’s school color, the coming of spring, healthy lunch choices and St. Patrick’s Day.  I have complete confidence that Soule Road children have been given many exciting opportunities to show their St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

So, according to the district, it was the local Parent-Teacher Organization and not Curtin that decided on the celebrations. Below, see the original news report that helped set off the controversy:

In the initial report, the school was accused of doing something similar for St. Valentine’s Day, which, in some classrooms, was said to be referred to as “Caring and Kind Day.” This was not addressed in the superintendent’s letter. The video report, though, also provides comments from residents who seem to be under the impression that the holiday swap is happening.

“I think it’s really stupid,” said local resident Janet Carlyle. “I don‘t understand why they would change history’s old holiday names to something just to remove the essence of religion of it when it’s not really religious holidays.”

Another parent reportedly said that the changes were made to accommodate “faith issues.”

“I think in today’s world to try and make children understand caring and consideration is, I can understand from that point of view,” said Joan Harrington, a former high school teacher. “As someone who’s been around a long time, the holidays have meaning to me.”

A copy of the school’s calendar shows March 16 listed as ”O’Green Day / Tasting’ of the Green,” although St. Patrick’s Day does, indeed, appear on the calendar (on Saturday). On this day, students are apparently being encouraged to wear green and they will be treated to special, green colored vegetables in the cafeteria:

Did Soule Road School Really Change the Name of St. Patricks Day Celebrations?

Scott R. Chapman, Chairman of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee, also released a statement this afternoon to address the controversy. In it, the district reiterates that the school “has not” and “will not” change the name of St. Patrick’s Day. However, nowhere is the creation of “O’Green Day” mentioned.

The Blaze attempted to reach district officials to speak further about the creation of “O’Green Day” and the ”Caring and Kind Day.” So far, we have been unable to reach the district’s press office to discuss the matter further. Below, read Chapman’s statement in its entirety:

Scott R. Chapman, Chairman of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee stated, “The Regional School District has not and will not change the name of St. Patrick’s Day as reported by the local news media.”

The HWRSD recognizes the important place that St. Patrick’s Day has in the history of our country.  Chairman Chapman stated, “We have and will continue to celebrate the holiday by name and in a way that accentuates and supplements the District Curriculum.”  The Student Handbook states that the District respects the historical traditions of holidays and allows for classroom activities as appropriate.

Chapman concluded, “All of our Nation’s traditional holidays are recognized and will continue to be recognized by our District and incorporated in learning activities where appropriate as part of our educational mission.”

We will continue to monitor this story as it develops.

(H/T: MassLive.com)

Comments (131)

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  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:13am

    I wonder how these retards will promote the annual May Day parade? Will alll the little kiddies have to wear red stars?

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • 3monkeysmomma
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:25am

      We had this happen to us a few years ago with a preschool that wanted to obliterate St Patrick’s Day, St. Valentines Day and Easter. I wrote a few nasty letters that year.

      Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:43am

      Same Massachusetts schools mandate kids fast on a day during ramadam and teach them to pray as muslims out of sensitivity. I am of irish heritage and am disgusted by the portrayl of the Irish as drunks. Watching a local t v broadcast of a parade Saturday, the news was reporting the alcohol beverages the Irish like to drink on Saint Patricks Day.

      Report Post »  
    • bunting222
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:49am

      I am thankful I am not American

      The United States of America is taking away everythig Ameican from the American People. THe US government is a traitor to their own people. Everything the US was founded on, everything that is and always was American
      THe US government is too busy worrying about othe cultures who come to the US. Government is taking away everything american just to please Islam.. This started way back in G W’s first term so don;t blame this entirely on Obama. To take away your days of celebrations of who you are is a total shame.. Is the US now a police state? Why are they wanting to please Islam so much. This tells me the US government is has fear of Islam
      For petes sake Pres Obama stand up for your people like Aistrailia did. That old saying that goes, When in Rome, you do as the Romans did

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:54am

      @ishka4me

      “Same Massachusetts schools mandate kids fast on a day during ramadam and teach them to pray as muslims out of sensitivity.”

      So you have a source for this? I’m finding absolutely zero results that any MA school (let alone Soule Road School) forces their student to fast during Ramadan.

      Report Post »  
    • LisaK
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:08pm

      I‘m more offended at O’Green Day! Isn’t that a backhanded SLAP to the Irish? And, what if you don’t like Green Day? Joke. But, you know this is just another way of working into the curriculum and implantation of the GREEN lifestyle. What about Memorial Day? Will that now be called “BBQ and Sale Day”? When they discuss the 4th of July, will teachers be mandated to call it “Red White and Blue Day”, because someone might be offended that their relative was Irish and fought for King George? We can keep Labor Day, though. Although we should really call it “Brown-Shirted, Jack-Booted Union Day”.

      Report Post » LisaK  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:15pm

      If you think that Muslims play Dirty… these Liberals are just as Bad!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Where do they find so many fools to run our schools?

      Report Post »  
    • tmplarnite
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:54pm

      “O’Green Day.” Really…the world is not getting smarter as the PC retards are taking over and spiraling the world into nonsense.

      Report Post »  
    • B-Neil
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:59pm

      Just becouse the School says it, doesn’t mean it has to be. If the Parents lack the Ba*ls to stand and say NO, Then they deserve to lose there freedom and traditions. GOD BLESS AMERICA and INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

      Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:13am

    These PC educators will go to any inane, bizzare, extreme lengths to avoid any religious affiliations.
    O’Green Day? Caring and Kind Day? Absolutely insane. I hope the parents of these kids have set them straight.
    Neither St. Patrick’s Day, nor Valentines Day are “holidays.” Get over it.
    I‘d be willing to bet they don’t change any muslim celebration days. If not, why not?
    Can someone find a link to the school’s calendar and see if it contains any days celebrating muslim holidays?

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:35am

      And what’s with “Caring and Kind Day.”? Only mentioned & supported one day in Feb? Shouldn’t that be EVERY day? What day do they celebrate & support “Selfish & Spoiled” ?
      Really this PC crap has reached a new level of ridiculous.

      Report Post »  
    • Balpit
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:52pm

      The word “holiday” comes from the word “Holy Day”.
      So someone says Happy Holidays, they are unintentionally wishing you Happy Holy Days!

      Report Post »  
    • tmplarnite
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Muslim holiday: Stoned again day.

      Report Post »  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:11am

    You will wish someday (judgement day) that you had been kinder to kids and not showed blasphemy in policy. God help our schools.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:16am

      Frankly, I imagine that on judgment day, God will line us up and scratch his head and say, “Ok, who here got upset and vocal about this school changing the wording of their celebration on March 16th to “O’Green Day/Tasting the Green?”

      Some do-gooders here on The Blaze will raise their hands and high-five each other for talking down anti-Christian political correctness.

      Then God will nod to them, and ask, “And who here realized that Saint Patrick’s Day is on March 17th, and was still clearly spelled out on the calendar?”

      Report Post »  
    • IMCHRISTIAN
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:47pm

      I know when March 17th is it is a Saturday and my bro’s birthday. Yes, I will be judged as you will. Freedom of religion is a precious thing to me and I am so sorry my comment bothered you. I came to the “The Blaze” because I wanted to and at the present time I am free to do so and why did you come?

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:47pm

      “Freedom of religion is a precious thing to me and I am so sorry my comment bothered you.”

      The only thing that bothers me is that people are screaming that this is stripping religion out of society, when the holiday is still on their school calendar and hasn’t been removed at all. It reminds me of a two-year old who stubbed his toe and is now screaming his head off on how he’s dying. It’s a knee-jerk reaction that blows things completely out of proportion.

      That isn’t only directed at you, of course. It seems a solid super-majority of comments here said almost the same thing.

      “I came to the “The Blaze” because I wanted to and at the present time I am free to do so and why did you come?”

      For current news and opinions. I enjoy most of the articles here, but I also take to the comments when I see there’s something wrong or when I see people behaving poorly.

      Report Post »  
    • stormcrow53
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:36am

      The calendar states on the 17th-Happy St. Patrick’s day. Appears to be recognition and acknowledgement to me.
      ” I passed on my way, praise God that I met her. A short life or long, I will never forget her. We may have our great men but we will never have better. Glorio, Glorio to the bold Fenian men!” –” Down by the Glenside,” by Peadar Kennedy.
      Forever remember Seal Team 6 and all the warriors who have given that last full measure of devotion
      and their families who have laid such a noble sacrifice at the altar of freedom. Look about you. Giants of courage and conviction still walk among us in the guise of ordinary folk. How blessed and fortunate we truly are.

      Report Post » stormcrow53  
  • lcallday
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:09am

    To be replaced by Wali Ali Ibn Abi Talib Day

    Report Post »  
  • yanki161
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:03am

    As Michelle said, “Barack is going to have to change your history…” into meaningless drivel.

    Report Post » yanki161  
  • copatriots
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:00am

    I’m more bothered by the reminder for the Educators to vote in the Primary on March 6th. :-)

    Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:14am

      Well then they better have days for other colors. It’s discrimination to favor only one color with a special day. When do they celebrate O’Yellow Day, O’Purple Day, O’Blue Day etc etc?

      Does listing St Patrick’s Day on a non-school day make it less of a “faith issue”?
      Why is it considered ok to have non-school related stuff on the calendar? Doesn’t that promote & show approval for specific groups of people & events?
      - March Madness
      - Voting for Primary Presidential Election

      Report Post »  
    • copatriots
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:18am

      Agreed MOM!

      Likewise with “Hip Hop Day”. There sure better be “Tango Day” or “Square Dance Day” or “Polka Day”. This would all be incredibly funny if these children weren’t being indoctrinated 5 days a week.

      Report Post »  
    • tmplarnite
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:20pm

      How about O’Orange day?

      Report Post »  
    • stormcrow53
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:52am

      @ Midwestmom: We do have red letter days and black friday and blue monday.

      Report Post » stormcrow53  
  • marthasusan40
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:57am

    This is when you realize that the world is really upside down and we do not have to wait until December 2012 to see what will happen………This is why my children are in a Private Catholic School…..I drive a 10 year old car, weekend vacations have replaced a week at the Beach……get you kids out of public school…now.

    Report Post »  
    • deeberj
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:43pm

      It’s not so easy for some of us. I already drive a 15 yr old car and can not afford to take any vacations unless a relative kindly takes me along. There’s no other way for me to cut back to send my kid to private school. I just can’t. You make plenty of money if you can take a week at the beach and still send your kids to private school.

      Report Post » deeberj  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:56am

    Anyone, anyone, take a guess what year it was that the Lord moved upon the face of the deep? Anyone?

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:58am

      The hour is almost up.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:09am

      You know why you don’t know what year it was? Because there are no stars in the sky yet.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • deeberj
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:40pm

      Do you know? If you do, how do you? Because the bible doesn’t give the date.

      Report Post » deeberj  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:56am

    If they can change days from St Patrick‘s day to O’Green Day — then we should be able to change April 16th to “Ben Dover Day”

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:55am

    Are the people writing this article idiots?

    St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th. It’s still on their freaking calendar; they just made the day before it “O’Green Day” at school. They don’t kick out St. Patrick’s Day at all; it’s still there on Saturday.

    Report Post »  
    • deeberj
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:44pm

      Don’t be dense. Schools usually celebrate St. Patty’s day during the week even if it falls on the weekend. They have green food and have decorations and call it St. Patty’s day.

      Report Post » deeberj  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 1:46pm

      @Deeberj

      Wait, so your issue is that a school isn’t celebrating a holiday on the wrong day? But still acknowledges the holiday, by name, on their school calendar?

      Might want to look in the mirror or step on a scale to find out who’s actually dense here!

      Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:53am

    Amada’n straipach….La Fheile Padraig Sona Daoibah!!…thats straight from my 103 year old Irish {Born and Raised} grandmother to this school administration…Have a great St. Patricks day Blazers.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:36pm

      Mark

      I agree. This principle is a leathdhuine. Supposedly the name change is to recognize diversity and being inclusive. Doesn‘t she know that on Saint Patrick’s Day everyone gets to be Irish?

      BTW, I feel sorry for all the non-Irish. I get to celebrate my irish heritage 7/24/365.

      May the road rise up to meet you.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:51am

    Not much longer now. The end is right around the next corner.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • bunting222
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:01pm

      Correct
      The signs are all there NOW. And I can;t wait. THE DAY can’t come fast enough for me

      A lot of my dreams comes true and the last 2 months I dream a lot of Jesus here on earth with me, with all of us

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:49am

    O’Pc!

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • COFemale
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:49am

    I looked at the calendar again and they have St Patrick’s day listed on the Calendar so they are just referencing Friday as a “Taste of the Green”. I may have responded hasty in my assessment. I do think O’ Green Day is a bit much. They should have left it with a “Taste of the Green”, which I see no issue.

    Let’s call Cinco De Mayo – the 5th of May Celebration. I am not Hispanic or Mexican and would feel excluded if we celebrated it as Cinco De Mayo.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:01am

      Most Mexicans do not celebrate Cinco De Mayo, actually. Usually only the state of Puebla celebrates it; it’s honestly more of an American holiday than a Mexican one at this point. Much like Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s just an excuse to party.

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:49am

    The reason America is going down the tubes is BECAUSE God is being taken out of every public area to satisfy the left’s idea of religeous freedom.
    I managed to get my kids through public school without having to go to jail but I know some teachers and Principals who probably had “she’s gone” parties at their graduations.
    If they were still in school now and knowing how cranky I am getting with these educated idiots it might be another story all together.

    Report Post »  
  • TheePolitinator
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:48am

    This is just one of the 1000 reasons my entire family has moved out of Mass.

    Report Post » TheePolitinator  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:51am

      Almost all of the New England states, except New Hampshire, seem to be inventing their own culture that has little to nothing to do with the rest of these united States.

      One marvels at the results of generational brainwashing.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 11:09am

      Been to New Hampshire. Have seen the Libertarian enclaves. Talk about culture… not much.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • ianmc002
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 12:47pm

      TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12

      Yeah we Libertarians have a history of correcting people (like amendment 318) don’t we?

      That is part of our culture…you know, actually doing some research before we open our gullets. Maybe you Beckers should give it ‘the ol’ college try’.

      Report Post » ianmc002  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:46am

    Daddy says: not much longer now.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:46am

    Being “inclusive” means… everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s day… one of the most “inculsive” celebrations of the year.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • discus02
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:45am

    How about kiss my Irish Butt Day!

    Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:44am

    what? st patricks day hasn’t been a Christian holiday forever. how ridiculous it is the day people go and drink green beer, wow. caring and kind day for valentines?ok how is this secular society working out for everyone? not too pleased with it myself. sorry my ten commandments are so offensive as a structural base for society with all that don‘t murder and don’t cheat on your wife.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:43am

    Isn’t it amazing the only ones making this a “faith issue” are the ones with no faith.

    I have NEVER looked at St Paddy’s Day as a religious holiday. It was a time to dress in green and drink green beer. What in the hell is wrong with Massachusetts. What part of St Paddy’s day excludes anyone?

    Why not call all the holidays that the left perceive as non-inclusive as F your Mind Day.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:43am

    Not much longer now. Guess who’s watching?

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • docmacs411
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:39am

    But they could still have the cookie/bread fundraiser….what would MO think about that????

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:38am

    This PC crap has to stop. This is Romney’s state, he needs to condemn this action by the school.

    We need to picket this school in green with signs that say St Patrick’s Day. If we are not going to celebrate St Patricks Day, then when Cinco De Mayo comes up we need to get that wiped off the books.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • oriondma05
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:37am

    War on the Irish. Glad I got out of Taxachusetts when I did, will never go back. If it was some black or Muslim holiday they‘d be all over it like Sandra Fluke in a men’s lockerroom.

    Report Post » oriondma05  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:58am

      It’s never been wise to start a fight with an Irishman. This school is in for a world of hurtin’.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
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