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Student urges Lowell schools to recognize Eid; committee asks administration to advise on MCAS scheduling and cultural inclusion
Summary
A Robinson Middle School student urged the School Committee to recognize Eid Al‑Fit, noting that MCAS testing for sixth and seventh graders falls on April 10 this year; the committee asked the superintendent to review scheduling flexibility and provide recommendations about recognizing Muslim holidays and curriculum inclusion.
A student from Robinson Middle School told the Lowell School Committee that the English‑language MCAS for sixth‑ and seventh‑graders falls on April 10 this year, the day of Eid Al‑Fit, and asked the district to recognize the holiday and consider scheduling accommodations.
"I really think that LEL should recognize this holiday ... the English language are mcast for sixth and seventh grader Falls on April 10th and that is the day of Eid this year," said the student, who identified himself as Hamim Hassan.
Mr. Rossi, who moved a motion asking the superintendent to research integrating Muslim religious teachings into curriculum and recognizing major Muslim holidays, said he supports cultural acknowledgement and noted that other districts recognize Eid.
Administration responded that while the district has some control over testing windows, it may not be able to move the date for a particular test within the statewide schedule; the superintendent and staff agreed to return with recommendations on how the district can acknowledge holidays and reduce conflicts such as re‑testing burdens for absent students.
Committee members also asked the curriculum and assessment staff to advise on how to incorporate cultural awareness into instruction and how to handle testing conflicts in the short term.
Next steps: Administration to report back with specific recommendations on holiday recognition and testing accommodations.
