Amy's Universe

While working on a heritage project for my stepson I became intrigued enough to search out my own ancestry. For hours over the past week I've googled, yahoo-ed and accoona-ed my way, searching on the main family names in my line. And I hit gold!!!! I was able to find, contact and hear back from a gentelman who lives not far from me - who happens to be a cousin. Now I am not good at this second cousin, once removed, etc etc kind of stuff. But he and I share the same great-grandfather!!!! He shared my note with his sister and she emailed me as well. I was just about bursting with excitement knowing other people, people I don't even know, are part of my family! As the song goes, "It's a small world afterall."

After contacting my local clergy who then contacted another clergy, the day off is still not happening. But what I did learn in the process is that technically, my observance of the holiday won't be affected by this. I was surprised to learn that Reform Judaism, under the URJ guidelines, only observes Passover for 7 days. I had thought and actually practiced 8 days since as long as I can remember. So according to how my family should practice, the day we send our kids back to school - the holiday has ended for them. I am relieved.

Well, I'm still trying to get my kids the day off the last day of a religious holiday next year. I contacted a local organization who works with youth in a bi-county area and I contacted the Rabbi at my Temple. I contacted two friends who, while they were not that all concerned about said calendar, were completely unaware this was going on. It was one of these friends who suggested contacting the Rabbi. She is friends with someone on the schoolboard so we'll see.

Today, thank goodness, has been a fairly typical Monday. Yes, that day of the week where my life returns to 'normal.' My daughter and stepson return to school, and my son clings to me like a barnacle. He's 3, and he doesn't do this during the weekend. But on Monday mornings he seems to have to soak me up so he gets a good dose for the week while he has me to himself.

I know I am not crazy yet today forces were trying to prove me otherwise.

I attempted to gain a day off in my kids' school calendar next spring (April 2007) for a religious observance. The superintendent was very pleasant on the phone but his answer was no. Then I emailed one of my 'brilliant' ideas and while said superintendent agreed with it's worthiness (although he did NOT use the word brilliant) it was still nixed.

So I called a friend whose kids would also observe this holiday and go to school in this district. She was NOT aware the schools would be open, stating she hadn't seen the calendar. Superintendent told me 'the calendar has gone out' to which I couldn't dispute. But I would venture that 90% of the parents didn't read it - it was a one-page summary attached to another newsletter and it arrived 3 months ago!

I learned that a snow day could NOT be designated for the day I want my kids home because this would 'confuse' too many people if the alleged snow day is not used on the day it's been proposed. Like what significance is it to anyone to have off the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend?

Am I crazy? Until the darn thing is printed in bulk, which will be mid-August and mailed to each family, I don't see how it can be set in stone.

I emailed the head of my religious organization and asked him to call the superintendent. It can't hurt. I don't think my kids or I as their parent should have to choose between religion and education. I'm not angry, just annoyed and perplexed. Said superintendent stated publically the School Board welcomes input but I can see why no one wants to open their mouths when nothing changes.

Sigh.