Lifestyle

Substitute Teacher Tells Entire Class Of First Graders There's No Santa

by Julie Scagell
Image via gpointstudio/Getty Images

Oh yes, she did

For a lot of kids, Santa Claus IS Christmas. He’s part of the magic of the holidays and for as long as they believe, your kids will be happily writing letters, making lists, and setting out cookies in anticipation of his visit. He’s also an excellent way to get your kids to behave for the entire month of December (he’s watching you all the time, children). So, when one teacher in New Jersey took it upon herself to tell her entire class Santa wasn’t real, it naturally sent a shockwave of anger throughout the community.

On Thursday, Cedar Hill School first graders had a substitute teacher. A teacher who decided to take it upon herself to squash the dreams of every single child who believes in the classroom, telling them that Santa was made up. Cedar Hill principal Michael Raj sent a letter home to parents letting them know about the incident.

“Once I became aware of the situation, I immediately spoke to the substitute teacher regarding her poor judgment in making this proclamation to [the class],” Patch.com reported.

Raj also apologized in the most perfectly passive-aggressive way, letting parents know exactly where he stands on the situation, saying, “I am sending this letter so that you are aware of the situation and if the conversation comes up at home over the next few days you can take appropriate steps to maintain the childhood innocence of the holiday season.”

Not all families tell their kids there’s a Santa and for those who don’t celebrate Christmas, the conversation’s likely not an issue. Regardless, it’s no ones place to tell our kids whether he’s real. It’s up to parents, or an asshole neighborhood kid who thought it was funny to tell me when I was seven and watch me cry hysterically. It’s definitely not for a teacher or any other random adult to decide.

In a statement to Patch, superintendent Dr. René Rovtar said,”I am troubled and disheartened by this incident. The childhood wonder associated with all holidays and traditions is something I personally hold near and dear in my own heart.”

Administrators haven’t released the teacher’s name or said if she would be allowed to work again in the district, but we’re pretty sure she’ll be getting the stink-eye from every damn person she runs into in town from here to eternity.