In a troubling incident last week at PS 120 in Queens, New York, over 100 children found themselves confined to a dimly lit auditorium while their classmates enjoyed a festive end-of-year carnival just outside. The price of admission? A steep $10, leaving many students, particularly those from low-income families, unable to participate.
According to reports, nearly 900 students attended the carnival, which featured inflatable slides, a bouncing room, and a delightful teacup ride. They indulged in popcorn and flavored ice treats, all while a DJ blasted upbeat tunes. However, the students whose parents couldn’t afford the ticket were relegated to watching classic Disney films in the dark, an experience that left many feeling isolated and confused. One concerned teacher expressed her sadness, recounting a seven-year-old who cried because she was the only one unable to attend. Another child wondered if they were being punished for some unknown infraction.
The principal’s decision to keep a public tally of who had paid for admission only exacerbated the situation. She maintained that bending the rules would be unfair to those who could pay, ultimately prioritizing financial contributions over the emotional wellbeing of the students. Teachers were even provided with a stash of stuffed animals to distribute to those who had paid for entry, further alienating the less fortunate students. In a show of empathy, one teacher withheld the gifts until she could purchase more for those who were excluded.
Despite the school raking in $3,000 in profits from the event, it was clear that allowing all students to attend would not have posed a financial burden. The cost of providing popcorn and drinks for a few additional attendees would have been negligible.
End-of-year celebrations are meant to be a rewarding experience for students; they should never come at the expense of a child’s sense of inclusion. Had the carnival taken place on a weekend, it could have been a different story. But to host such an event during school hours and actively exclude some children is a significant misstep for any principal.
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In summary, the exclusion of students from a school event due to financial constraints highlights a troubling reality in educational settings. Events intended to celebrate and reward should foster inclusivity, not division.
Keyphrase: school carnival exclusion
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