Holidays
Learn more about how and what schools teach about religious and cultural holidays
School & District Management
The Wacky Thanksgiving Traditions Bringing School Communities Together
Principals encourage their students and staff to find new ways of giving back and showing gratitude.
School & District Management
A Spooky Question Facing Schools This Halloween: Should Kids Get to Dress Up?
Dressing up for Halloween has been a longstanding tradition, but some schools have limitations and others are replacing it altogether.
Families & the Community
A Guide to Building a School Calendar That Maximizes Attendance
Districts strategically schedule long weekends, work days, and spirit weeks to help boost attendance.
Teaching
Opinion
This Halloween, Teach Your Students Ghost Stories and Urban Legends
There’s real academic value in tapping into local tall tales. Here’s why.
Families & the Community
As Schools Grow More Culturally Diverse, Calendar Planning Gets More Complicated
Districts have added holidays like Diwali to their calendars to reflect demographic shifts in enrollment.
Teaching
From Dance to History: How Schools Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Here's how K-12 communities celebrate the Mexican holiday.
Teaching
Opinion
How to Make the Most of Class Time Before a School Vacation: 4 Tips
Winter break is coming. An education researcher shares tips to maximize learning in your classroom and school.
School & District Management
Spooked by Halloween, Some Schools Ban Costumes—But Not Without Pushback
Schools are tweaking Halloween traditions to make them more inclusive to all students.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
2 Billion People Celebrate Lunar New Year. Your Class Can, Too
Many school districts are putting the upcoming holiday on their calendars. Guests, music, food, and red envelopes can help bring the festival alive.
School Climate & Safety
How to Stop Students From Ghosting (and More Halloween Advice for Educators)
Our guide will help you keep attendance, student engagement, and classroom routines from getting thrown out of whack (o' lantern).
Families & the Community
Opinion
Certain Topics Spark Parent Pushback. I’ve Decided to Teach Them Anyway
I found myself wondering how to cover Pride Month and Juneteenth without being targeted by a Facebook frenzy and a vigilante campaign.
Teaching
A Glimpse of What Teachers Give—and Sometimes Get—During the Holidays
The December holidays are when many teachers shell out their own cash to do something special for students.
Reading & Literacy
School Librarians' Top Picks for Holiday Books
Three librarians share some favorite titles that represent a diverse array of holidays and cultural traditions.
School & District Management
Celebrating Holidays at School: Legal Guidance for Administrators
Tips to help keep celebrations inclusive and immune from lawsuits.