ABSTRACT
With increasing numbers of young adolescents from diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, it is important not to assume majority culture norms, such as celebrating Christmas. Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement and is a day of fasting and repentance; Jewish parents may be offended if you schedule important activities on this day or the evening before. Islam is a faith which is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Islam prescribes a modest dress code, including wearing a head scarf, which can be a source of tension at school. Muslims are required to pray five times a day and must always face Mecca. Schools can accommodate this requirement by providing time and a private space for prayer. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset. Schools can support these students by allowing them to go the library or study hall instead of the cafeteria during lunch. Jews and Muslims both have laws dealing with what foods they can eat and how they must be prepared (kosher). Accordingly, schools should offer other choices when serving pork and pork products.
