April 25, 2025

Dear Penfield Families, 

In February, the District received five Objection to Instructional Materials forms related to three library books. Specifically, the books in question were: 

• The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson 

• Aliens and Other Visitors (Not Near Normal: The Paranormal) by Ruth Owen

• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison 

As I previously shared in my April 7 ParentSquare update, I was instructed to form three Review Committees, one for each book in question. In addition to district staff, parents were selected by random draw to participate on these committees. The Review Committees have completed their evaluations, and I have submitted the reports to the Superintendent. 

Therefore, we would like to share with you that after careful review of these books in alignment with the criteria specified in Policy Regulation: 8330R Objection to Instructional Materials, the Review Committees have determined that these books should remain in circulation at our school libraries. 

If you would like to review the reports, they are linked below. Final reports have also been mailed to the individuals who submitted the objections. 

Re-Evaluation Report for The Rainbow Parade 

Re-Evaluation Report for Aliens and Other Visitors 

Re-Evaluation Report for The Bluest Eye 

We understand that some families will be happy with this decision, and others may be disappointed. For those who are dissatisfied with this decision, we want to emphasize that these books are not part of the curriculum, and parents have the right to flag their child’s account to prevent them from taking specific books out of the library. 

If you wish to flag any of the above books or other specific titles, please complete the attached form. These restrictions will be added to your child’s library account. Please note that we cannot accommodate broad requests for genres; requests must be specific to the book or author. 

It is also important to note that appeals of decisions by the Review Committee must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent, who will then submit the appeal to the Board for action, per Policy Regulation: 8330R Objection to Instructional Materials. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked our way through this process.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Leslie Maloney 

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction