Dear Principal: Let's Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition
Dear Principal Martinez,
I am writing to share an idea that could make our school community even stronger this November. Every year, our classrooms talk about Thanksgiving. While sharing gratitude is wonderful, not every family celebrates this holiday in the same way, and some families do not celebrate it at all. In social studies, we have also been learning about the true, complex history of the Wampanoag people and the early English settlers. I believe Oakridge Elementary can create a new, voluntary tradition called the "Caring Community Week" that focuses on gratitude, accurate history, and helping others.
First, a new tradition would ensure that every single student feels included. Some of my classmates come from cultures that celebrate harvest festivals at different times of the year, while others have different family customs. Instead of making paper turkeys or focusing only on a single feast, we could invite students to share what they are grateful for and how their families practice kindness. Because this activity would be voluntary, no student would feel uncomfortable or left out.
- gratitude:
- A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
- tradition:
- A custom, belief, or activity that is repeated regularly over time.
- voluntary:
- Done by choice without being forced or required.
- citizenship:
- The way a person participates in and helps their community.
- proposal:
- A formal suggestion or plan presented to others for consideration.
- custodians:
- People whose job is to clean, maintain, and take care of a building, such as a school.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Who is Maya Lin writing to in this letter?
- 2What is the name of the new tradition Maya proposes for Oakridge Elementary?
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About this persuasive letter passage for 4th Grade
“Dear Principal: Let's Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition” is a persuasive letter reading passage about Inclusive School Traditions, written for 4th Grade. It takes about 2 minutes to read (331 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.