Family Nights and Holiday Observances

At South Orange Maplewood, we are deeply committed to supporting and respecting the diverse religious beliefs of all our students. We recognize that religious observances and high holidays are significant moments in the lives of our students and their families. In acknowledgment of this, we have implemented procedures  that ensures the course requirements align with these goals.  Our aim is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their religious background. 

Teachers are expected to be aware of religious observances that may affect a student’s ability to complete homework assignments. Reasonable extensions shall be granted upon request without consequences. 

No student will be penalized for attending their own religious celebrations or families religious celebration. 

No Homework Days

The following days will be "no homework days" for the entire district.  Students will not be given assignments (homework, take home projects/assessments) that are due on these days or the day immediately following the holiday.  This will ensure students can spend time with family and take part in the religious observance.  

Athletics and Extra Curricular Activities 

NJSIAA facilitates schedules for multi-school competitions such as state competition.  However, as leagues and conferences will have the flexibility to establish schedules to ensure the district will avoid scheduling games around the holidays listed below (specifically for the timeframe listed below).   

Activities will include all clubs, field trips after school, shows/performances. 

According to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16 and N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.4(e)1i, regarding student absence from school because of religious holidays, the Commissioner of Education, with the approval of the State Board of Education, is charged with the responsibility of prescribing such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of the law; and

WHEREAS, the law provides that:

1. Any student absent from school because of a religious holiday may not be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award because of such absence;

2. Students who miss a test or examination because of absence on a religious holiday must be given the right to take an alternate test or examination;

3. To be entitled to the privileges set forth above, the student must present a written excuse signed by a parent or person standing in place of a parent;

4. Any absence because of a religious holiday must be recorded in the school register or in any group or class attendance record as an excused absence;

5. Such absence must not be recorded on any transcript or application or employment form or on any similar form; 

Ramadan:  Students who observe Ramadan do so for an entire month and many of our students are fasting during this time.  Therefore the accommodations to their instruction should be given for the duration of Ramadan not just the first 2 days.  

• Excuse students from PE and provide an alternate assignment that does not require physical activity

• Provide breaks as needed

• Reschedule tests, quizzes, long-term assignments or projects as needed

• Limit, excuse or provide extended deadlines for homework as needed

• Allow students to visit the nurse or counselor as needed

• Provide accommodations for students who may wish to pray

• Provide an alternate location for students during lunch

• Designate a specific place for prayer prior to the beginning of school; make ALL students aware of this space in September