New Rochelle Schools Add New Holiday To 2018-19 Calendar

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Children in the City School District of New Rochelle will be getting a new holiday during the 2018-19 school year. The Board of Education adopted the 2018-19 calendar at its April 17 meeting and added the Islamic celebration of Eid al-Fitr which will be observed June 5, 2019.

Board Trustee Amy Moselhi, who observes the holiday, requested the addition of it on behalf of Muslims in the city.

She thanked Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne for adding it to the list of days schools will be closed.

“It is incredibly courageous and something that must be commended,” Moselhi said. “Dr. Osborne was able to implement something that will not be forgotten — cannot be forgotten. It is a historic event. So, thank you.”

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, a district spokesman said. The date will shift from year to year because the Islamic lunar calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar.

Other trustees said the decision to add the holiday was an example of the district’s embrace of diversity.

Board Trustee Dr. Pamela Davis said she looks forward to the change in perspective that could result from recognizing the holiday.

“When children are able to discuss the question ‘Why do we have off school tomorrow?’, it changes the dynamic not only for Muslim students, but it changes the dynamic for the future,” she said.

Photo credit: NRED.org.