BREA

Local elementary schools are still teaching students there was complete harmony between Mayflower Pilgrims and the Native Americans they encountered--much like schools have been teaching for decades.

In kindergarten through the third grade, Brea schools are more focused on teaching students the values of friendship and being thankful rather than examining the often-rocky relations between the natives and Pilgrims.

Laurel Elementary School Principal Bill Crean said the traditional view of Thanksgiving is good material to highlight pro-social values.

“A lot of our themes at the beginning grades revolve around friendship,” he said. “So this is a golden opportunity to reinforce that.”