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Policy on Religious and Cultural Observances
It is the policy of BB&N to respect and celebrate its community, and the community of the world, as a wonderful blend of people. BB&N's community includes people who observe a multitude of religious and cultural traditions, as well as those who choose not to observe religious and cultural traditions. As an educational institution, BB&N believes that there is much to learn about the world from sharing individual traditions and cultures - and much to lose from inhibiting this sharing process. BB&N strives to learn and to educate our community about people and the world, including their religious and cultural traditions, as part of a developmentally appropriate educational experience.
BB&N's educational approach to religious and cultural observances will be inclusive and age appropriate. This approach will enrich the life of each person within the community, creating an atmosphere in which each person can appreciate and learn from other traditions and experiences. At all times, the manner in which religious and cultural traditions are recognized by the BB&N community shall be considerate of how others may be affected. It is the goal of BB&N to be inclusive and respectful of all while we educate ourselves about the observance and celebration of a wide range of religious and cultural traditions.
In selecting material for displays, concerts, performances, assemblies, or other major events, school personnel endeavor to provide a balanced set of material that recognizes many different cultural and religious traditions, emphasizing educational context in a developmentally appropriate manner. This does not mean that every such event could or should attempt to include "something for everyone." It may be appropriate for reasons of curriculum or season for some cultures and traditions to play a more prominent role in a given program than others. However, the cumulative effect of all such programs each year on each campus, and across all three campuses, should be balanced and inclusive.
A Note About Religious Holidays and Cultural Observances
All members of the BB&N community may observe religious holidays with a minimum of disruption to their school obligations. All students and faculty are entitled to reasonable excused absences to observe religious holidays. The directors and members of the faculty at each campus will make appropriate arrangements for those students who must miss school because of a religious holiday.
- No tests, papers, project due dates, lab reports or lengthy homework assignments may be required for a religious holiday. Since students are learning to plan their work in an organized fashion, they are responsible for making up any work that may be interrupted by a religious holiday. However, students may request in advance an individual extension for homework or projects.
- The school will make reasonable efforts to avoid scheduling games on religious holidays. It is not always possible, however, to reschedule contests. Students always have the option of missing the contest to observe a religious holiday.
- If one of the Jewish High Holy Days occurs during the ninth grade Bivouac program, the school will provide transportation services the day before the observance so the students will have adequate time to prepare, and the school will see to it that students are returned to Bivouac after the holiday. They also have the opportunity to attend services at a temple in New Hampshire, and are able to stay at Bivouac this way.
- Parents are welcome to speak to Campus Directors with ideas, suggestions, or concerns related to religious and cultural observances.
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