Several of the parents who attended the coffee were upset about the lack of Hanukkah songs traditionally included in the performance.  They explained that their children do not feel their traditions are adequately represented, and that three of the children brought this to the attention of our music teacher  but the situation remained unresolved. 

Mr. Hunter explained that the performance includes all the traditions celebrated in our community including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza.  In addition, many of the songs are related to winter themes rather than a specific culture or religion.  Sometimes students perceive seasonal songs as Christmas songs, though there is no connection to that holiday.  Our music teacher strives to find the common threads of all our traditions and he weaves those into a complete show.  Mr. Hunter clarified that Hanukkah is represented in this year's performance.  The children are not grouped by religions, however, so it is likely that one grade may be singing a Hanukkah song while another sings something else. 

Several Jewish parents expressed that they continue to have negative feelings about the matter.  Many other parents and teachers felt the holiday show was traditionally excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by the majority of the audience.

Parents asked for a list of the songs in this year's program.  They came to the consensus that communication is an issue and they asked Mr. Hunter to speak with our music teacher, which he agreed to do.  They suggested that even if their children are not the ones singing a Hanukkah song in the performance that they should be able to sing those songs in their regular music classes in December.  In addition, since many parents do not always understand the bigger picture of the show, they are not sure their children will understand it either.  Mr. Hunter agreed that it is important for students to understand our music teacher's complete vision of the show and it was suggested that classroom teachers discuss the theme with their students so they all feel part of the complete picture.