Happy & Blessed Feast of Nayrouz
The holy synod of the Coptic church has chosen “My family is holy” as the theme for this year. Holiness allows us to see God as the apostle Paul said, “and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord…” (Heb 12:14.)
Child development and education are critical, especially for children at a young age (under eight years old). This development requires love, security, stability, care, stable relationships, truth, and godly and holy life. This responsibility falls mainly on the parents with the support of the church, school system, and society.
NJ school system is known for it is academic excellence. However, the NJ school system has recently adopted new learning standards for Health and Physical Education, which the department of education adopted in June 2020. This differs from the Diversity and Inclusion curriculum law passed by the legislature in January 2021 and signed by Governor Murphy in March 2021. It is essential to make the distinction. The first only applied to health classes, and the second was used in all subjects. Many parents can opt out of health class, but it might be challenging to accommodate the needs of alternative assignments for the second.
Many parents from different backgrounds feel uncomfortable with the changes that are being made by the school system. Four of the state board of education asked for the re-examination of the Sex Ed standards on May 3, 2022, and Governor Murphy called for age-appropriate content on April 13, 2022.
So if you feel uncomfortable with the material being taught to your child, you have few options.
1. You have the right to request the syllabus for all classes, and you can inquire more about any unit or lesson that you feel is inappropriate for your child, and you may ask the Teacher for an alternative assignment.
2. We encourage all parents to attend the “teacher-parent conference.” and build strong and positive relationships with the Teacher to open the dialogue on the child’s academic performance and appropriate content. NJ has excellent teachers, and creating a positive and good relationship can only help our children and our community.
3. The parents have the right to attend or participate in the classroom as long as coordinated with the school system.
4. It is encouraged to have a daily discussion with our children on what they learned from school.
We also encourage the parents to pray and read the bible with their children before school. We also encourage the parents to bring their children to church Sunday school classes, hymns classes, and liturgical prayers.
In addition, we are attaching a potential opt-out letter for parents who feel uncomfortable with the material being taught in school to use. Please send this letter as an email to your child’s counselor, principal, or teachers. You can adjust the content as you’d like.
Dear Teacher (counselor or principal)
I request to remove my child.
Name:
From any lessons or activities regarding gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Please provide my child with alternative training according to New Jersey Statues 18A:35-4.7
Could you apply this request to all subjects and school assemblies and keep this notice until further?
Name parent/ Guardian:
Signature & date
May God protect His children and His church.
Please share with others.
