A study of court cases dealing with church and state conflicts may explain why some teachers avoid teaching about religion rather than risk legal action or misinterpretation of their lessons. However, if students are to receive a complete education, educators must reach some reconciliation between church and state. Instead of skirting religious issues, educators should recognize that curricula could include teaching about religion if information is framed as honest discussions of the cultural and historical significance of various beliefs. State/church issues in schools sometimes tend to be pushed out of sight rather than confronted and, therefore, instigate what can become a very explosive situation. The author served as an elementary principal for 26 years and was completely blind sided by one of these "sleeper" issues. The situation began when a non-Christian mother questioned the way their 1st grade teachers were requesting donations for a holiday party. In this article, the author shares what happened to him and what could happen to any school leader.