Dear Dousman Families,
Back in September, Dousman Elementary and the PTO began communicating their interest in a one-book community read....Copies of the Wishtree were sent home ahead of time so families could decide how and when they wanted to participate. This activity was also planned alongside the school’s book fair to support a strong reading culture in the building.
We have since received concerns about the book Wishtree....
As families began reading the book, three concerns were shared with the school or via social media. The first was the way the main character, a tree, introduces itself as biologically male and female. The second was the storyline involving a religious minority family experiencing discrimination. The third was that the tree describes keeping secrets, which some families felt sent a message that was not appropriate for a school wide read.
Given the concerns that have been shared, the district is taking the time to look carefully at the book and its use in our schools. We take the concerns that families have raised seriously, and when questions arise about the appropriateness of a book or material, we use our established review process.... Wishtree will move into that formal review process. The outcome may include keeping the book with conditions, limiting its use to specific settings, or removing it as a district resource....
During the review, the book will not be used as a building wide selection....
We view this as an opportunity for the district, the school board, and our community to work together. We appreciate the feedback that families have offered. Families are an essential part of the education process and your input helps us ensure that materials are age appropriate, reflect community expectations, and support a positive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, please reach out.
"As families began reading the book, three concerns were shared with the school or via social media. The first was the way the main character, a tree, introduces itself as biologically male and female. The second was the storyline involving a religious minority family experiencing discrimination. The third was that the tree describes keeping secrets, which some families felt sent a message that was not appropriate for a school wide read."
Apparently parents in my school district are offended that red oaks are monecious--they have both male and female reproductive organs. Wishtree was assigned to all students and their families to read together. #Wishtree #bookbans #oak #Kettlemoraine #Wisconsin #Waukesha