I'm getting my education degree this year and am working in a practicum placement in an elementary classroom (5th grade). It's a very practical way to see first-hand how teachers teach, discipline and help mold their students. One student is a JW. I learned this at Halloween as she had to do other projects instead of the Halloween related activities the other kids were doing. I could tell she felt a bit alienated despite everyone's attempts to minimize things.
Christmas was even harder for her. The other kids were having so much fun and you could tell she felt awkward about what they were doing. Not that she didn't want to be there. She seemed conflicted about wanting to participate and yet she knew she wasn't supposed to. Still, I noticed that Caitlin did join in some of the songs and art activities. (These were spontaneous events and she was offered other activities to do in their place but she chose not to do the substitute activity.) The teacher knows I'm an ex-JW and we've talked about the situation a bit. We both agreed that we are supposed to respect the family's wishes but we also are not supposed to police things. If the student voluntarily decides they want to join with the other students as they celebrate a holiday even though they are given substitute assignments, that's up to them. (Personally, I'm surprised the parents haven't arranged to pull her out when the class has such parties.)
All the past week students have been excited about sharing Valentine's Day cards tomorrow. They are making special boxes to put their cards in. The teacher I work with was concerned that Caitlin does not have to endure watching all the other students get cards from their friends while she has to abstain. So, Friday, Caitlin was sent out to do help another classroom for a few minutes with a project. The teacher announced to the kids: "You know, Caitlin, doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day, and we respect her choice not to celebrate holidays. But, we want Caitlin to know that she's a neat kid and that we all like her." She then passed out special cards that only had pictures of animals on them (Caitlin loves animals) and the teacher said: "Write a short note to Caitlin and tell her that you like her and that she's a special friend. Don't put a heart on it or use the word 'Valentine.' We respect that she doesn't celebrate the holiday but I want her to not feel left out Monday." The kids quickly composed short notes of friendship for her. Caitlin will get these cards (that have no mention of Valentine's Day) as the other kids get theirs.
I think the kids learned a valuable lesson. In a diverse society we need to respect differences. Yet, they also learned the importance of also being sensitive to someone who might feel left out from the rest of the class. I think this teacher deserves a few kudos for this idea!