Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Guidebook
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1 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Guidebook ADVANCING AN INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY June 2021
Transcript of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Guidebook
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Guidebook
ADVANCING AN INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY June 2021
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Pennridge DEI Team Mission and Vision:
We are advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes being antibias in our values, thoughts, words, and deeds.
Our vision is to build a collaborative and sustainable inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our community to prepare students for the future in a diverse world. To achieve our vision, we look to activate the community of our employees, students, and community members. It is our priority to lead inclusively and embrace the mission of high levels of achievement for all students, regardless of race, social class, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or language proficiency.
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DEI Team Guidelines, 1st Edition
The Antibias Leadership Toolkit Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Strategic Planning Guide 2020 Intercultural Works Published by Intercultural Works LLC. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, except for those portions intended for classroom or district use by trained committee members, with written permission from Intercultural Works. Intercultural Works 200 Highpoint Drive Chalfont, PA 18914 www.interculturalworks.com
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DEI GUIDEBOOK AT A GLANCE
SECTION DETAILS
I. OVERVIEW
A - Introduction
About this guidebook Statement from the Superintendent Establishing the DEI team
B - Background
PSD organization overview Doing the groundwork Making the case for inclusion What is an Inclusive Learning Community? Attributes of culturally competent educators Standards / foundational materials
II. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION (DEI) TEAM
A - DEI Team Purpose
Educative and forward thinking Champion DEI @ PSD as the advisory group Co-create and sustain the DEI guidebook
B - DEI Team Roles and Responsibilities
Structure Focused committees
C - DEI Team Processes
Members Meetings
III. CO-CREATING THE DEI PLAN
A - Planning and Implementation DEI Team mission and vision
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Goals, activities, indicators, timelines
B - Marketing and Communications Add and maintain information on the Pennridge DEI webpage Each building DEI section of webpage
IV. THE INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY
A - Building Competency Climate surveys Professional development Curriculum development Collaborative library of resources
B - Building Community Community partnership Pennridge School District Day of Service Guidebook rollout Next steps
V. APPENDICES
Appendix A Observances
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I. OVERVIEW A. Introduction
About This Guidebook Statement from the Superintendent Establishing the DEI Team
The Pennridge DEI Guidebook outlines a comprehensive district-wide DEI strategy for sustaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable learning community: a district where every student is affirmed and positioned to reach their full human potential.
Based on vetted frameworks and best practices gathered from a broad range of schools and organizations, this document provides the basis for Pennridge School District DEI planning and implementation.
There are a range of approaches to DEI, antibias education, cultural competency, terminology, strategic planning, team building, and activism. One of the desired results for the Pennridge DEI Team is for a diverse group of PSD stakeholders to create a pathway to inclusion - with mutual respect, a shared vision of the best education for students, the best work experience for employees, and cohesion and safety in our neighborhoods.
During the development of this guidebook and throughout this DEI work, the DEI team agreed to the following Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations by Glenn E. Singleton, who suggests ways for us to “be” as we build bridges of understanding in our cross-cultural interactions. These "agreements” frame our conversations as we engage in this work. These agreements are meant to be tools for how those in the Pennridge Community engage in conversation with each other.
The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations
1. Stay engaged: Staying engaged means “remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually, and socially involved in the dialogue”.
2. Experience discomfort: This norm acknowledges that discomfort is inevitable, especially, in dialogue about race, and that participants make a commitment to bring issues into the open. It is not talking about these issues that create divisiveness. The divisiveness already exists in the society and in our schools. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, the healing and change begin.
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3. Speak your truth: This means being open about thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear.
4. Expect and accept non-closure: This agreement asks participants to “hang out in uncertainty” and not rush to quick solutions,
especially in relation to racial understanding, which requires ongoing dialogue.
Statement from the Superintendent In Pennridge, like all school systems, we talk about educating the ‘whole child.’ That is what this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Planning Guidebook is all about – providing a school system that allows ALL students to feel safe, cared for, and challenged to become their best selves. Equally important is the expectation that we cannot be satisfied unless it actually is ALL students. I am proud of the work that this team of dedicated students, parents, community members, staff, and administrators has accomplished in the areas of curriculum, professional development, and family/community engagement; excited by the prospect of the additional work we have planned; and humbled by the responsibility of the work required. Please use this Guidebook to understand our journey, see what work has been completed, and hold us accountable to this important work. Pennridge Proud! David A. Bolton, Ed.D. Superintendent Establishing the DEI Team During the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years, Pennridge School District engaged in a more strategic look at the needs in the district in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. PSD established a DEI Team of Administrators in January of 2020 after all administrators in the district received “Welcome Workplace” training from Pearl S. Buck Foundation presented by Laura Lomax. The district began to allocate resources, both financial and personnel, to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the District. The DEI team expanded to include district employees, students, and family members in the 2020-2021 school year.
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B. Background PSD organization overview Doing the Groundwork Making the Case for Inclusion What is an Inclusive Learning Community? Attributes of Culturally Competent Educators Standards / Foundational Materials
PSD Organization Overview Pennridge School District (PSD) is a K-12 Public School community. PSD values diversity, equity and inclusion as principles and practices that are essential for every student’s success. Further, PSD strives to sustain an affirming climate and culture, a workplace where every stakeholder, including the board, administration, teachers, staff, students, and families contribute their skills and lived experience. The School District is in Upper Bucks County and encompasses an area of 91.1 square miles, comprised of four boroughs and four townships: The Boroughs of Dublin, Perkasie, Sellersville and Silverdale, and the Townships of Bedminster, East Rockhill, Hilltown and West Rockhill. The School District presently operates seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. The total student population is 7,158 students, broken down as 86% White, 6% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 3% two or more races, 2% Black, less than 1% Native American, and less than 1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Additionally, 2% of students are English Language Learners, 23% of students are from low-income families, 49% of students are female, and 51% of students are male.
In the 2019-2020 school year, PSD decided to establish a Welcome Workplace model to achieve and sustain a diverse and inclusive learning community using the guided development process to build intercultural competencies throughout the District. Diversity encompasses all differences, including race and ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity and gender expression, age, ability, learning style, language, socio-economic status, class, and other aspects of identity.
PSD strives to eliminate prejudice and discrimination; to educate people about intercultural principles and practices; to respect the dignity of all persons; and to learn from differences in people, ideas, experiences, and opinions.
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PSD is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and to fostering a learning environment, which draws strength from, celebrates, and honors diversity and inclusive practices. Doing the Groundwork Intentional Activities Beginning Fall 2018 School Year (Highlights are included here, but this may not be inclusive of all activities) Date Topic Presenter(s) Audience 11.28.2018 Supporting LGBT Youth in Schools Liz Bradbury, Director of the
Training Institute of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Administrators, Counselors, Psychologists
12.11.2019 Bucks IU Curriculum Leadership Academy: Culturally Responsive Curriculum
Dr. Cherrissa Gibson Assistant Superintendent
1.22.2020 Welcome Workplace Presentation Mrs. Laura Lomax, through Pearl S. Buck International
K-12 Administrators
1.22.2020 DEI Team consultation with Laura Lomax: introductions, roles, next steps
Mrs. Laura Lomax K-12 Administrators of DEI Team
February 2020 School Counselor Dept. Book Study: The Teaching Transgender Toolkit, Green and Maurer
Self-Study Group School Counselors
2.27.2020 DEI Team consultation with Laura Lomax: topics included: Pennridge School District: Where are we and where do we want to be, DEI Structure, DEI SMART Goals
Mrs. Laura Lomax Administrators
Spring 2020 Welcome Workplace Principals-turnaround training to teachers in all buildings
All Teachers
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3.27.2020 DEI Team consultation with Laura Lomax: topics included: Social Justice; Organizational Change; Cultural, Social, Emotional Learning; Sustaining an affirming learning community; Communication and involvement throughout District; Building the DEI Team-composition and roles.
Mrs. Laura Lomax Administrators Teachers Support Staff
Spring 2020 Professional Learning DEI Initiative
Professional Learning: Individuals attended 1,244 trainings on the topics of Equity, Inequity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Classroom Diversity-Understanding Student Differences, Inclusion for Students with Special Needs, Cultural and Linguistic Differences, Racial Bias, and Making Schools Safe and Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Students.
Various Presenters Administrators Professional Staff Support Staff
6.11.2020 DEI Team Meeting. Developed draft Mission / Vision, initial goals, discussed presenters for November In-service, discussed families and students who would be valuable to participate on our team in the Fall.
Mrs. Laura Lomax Administrators Teachers Support Staff
6.30.2020 Culturally Competent Coaching Webinar
PIAA Athletic Coaches
June-August 2020
Meeting with Andrea Lawful-Sanders out of Abington who teaches Cultural Competency to teachers and businesses. Meeting with students from the Multicultural Inclusive Club-what are their concerns, what would they like to see change, how can teachers support them?
Self-Study Group 20-30 High School Teachers
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August 2020 Book study initiated by High School Teachers:
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo.
Self-Study Group Over 50 Teachers Participated
8.12.2020
Understanding Bias and Culture: An Introduction to Culturally Responsive Leadership
Dr. Cherrissa Gibson K-12 Administrators
9.8.2020 Overview of DEI Initiative
Dr. Cheri L. Derr PSD School Board
10.12.2020
Understanding Bias and Culture: An Introduction to Culturally Responsive Teaching
Dr. Cherrissa Gibson K-12 Teachers
10.21.2020 DEI Team ZOOM Meeting to welcome families and students.
DEI Team DEI Team
11.19.2020 Overview of DEI Initiative
Dr. Cheri L. Derr Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Group
2020-2021 Dates: 10.15.20 10.28.20 11.11.20 11.24.20 12.9.20 1.12.21 1.27.21 2.24.21 3.9.21 3.10.21
Topics: 1. Leadership for Reimagining Our Schools
of Excellence and Equity 2. Teaching and Learning in Equity
Responsive Schools 3. Reimagining Student Discipline Policies
and Practices to Address Racial and Gender Disparities: Equitable and Restorative Practices
4. Reimagining Schools of Excellence and Equity: Belonging and Dignity-The Hidden
Delaware Valley Consortium for Excellence and Equity Presenters:
1. Mr. Ira Socol, Dr. Pam Moran
2. A.J. Juliani 3. Dr. Anne Gregory 4. Mr. John Krownapple,
Mr. Trent Hall, Dr. Floyd Cobb
5. Dr. Bianco and Dr. Starr 6. Mr. Adam Fletcher
K-12 Administrators
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3.23.21 4.7.21 4.12.21 4.13.21 4.28.21 5.5.21
Keys to Equity Implementation in Our Schools
5. Recruitment and Retention Forum and Fair
6. Finding Purpose for Student Voice through Meaningful Student Involvement
February 2021 Update on DEI Initiative Multiple Presenters School Board and Community March 2021 Promoting Social Justice in School Discipline
and Equity Policies, Spring Conference Series, Sponsored by Capital Area Intermediate Unit
Keynote Presenters: Jamilah Pitts Dr. Paul Gorski Dr. Dena Simmons
Teachers Administrators DEI Team Family Members
June 2021 Update on DEI Initiative Multiple Presenters School Board and Community 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
3 Year-Curriculum Revision and Writing Initiative
Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs Dr. Bena Kallick
K-12 Teachers K-12 Administrators Instructional Coaches
2021-2022 Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth – Opening In-service and PLT Series
Sam King, CHOP Gender Clinic
K-12 Teachers K-12 Administrators Instructional Coaches
School-Based Activities Activity Group/Audience Information School-Based DEI Initiative with Parent Organizations
Grasse Elementary Established a PTO Diversity & Inclusion Committee Diversity Thursday topic weekly on Bulldog Broadcast
video Diversity & Inclusion Week in February Staff Book Study: Stamped Monthly Bulletin Board Monthly activities from school counselor
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School-Based DEI Initiative Bedminster Elementary
Formed a diversity committee of staff and parents Diverse Read Aloud PLT- engaging in teaching tolerance,
celebrating diversity, featuring different diverse authors- teachers spent time creating lesson plans to incorporate into literacy by grade level
Incorporated lessons on an ongoing basis to celebrate prominent figures from different cultural backgrounds and abilities
Research projects of influential African American figures for nonfiction writing projects
Student project celebrating heritage- sharing foods/traditions/etc.
Celebration of Autism Awareness month- different activities, writing, and celebration of students
Assembly- Guest Speaker Lucy Meyer from Special Olympics UNICEF Ambassador program.
Celebrated World Down Syndrome Day- readings and whole school events
Reading and then writing letters for William Hoy to get inducted into the hall of fame and his impact on the game
School Newscast highlights diversity monthly and incorporates TAKES PRIDE
School-Based DEI Initiative Sellersville Elementary Began DEI team at building level of staff and parents Diversity spotlight - highlighting books and writers in the
library who are diverse in many ways; posted on seesaw and website
Cookbook of family recipes/traditions Dedicated area in the library for special books Celebration of special months International day with 2nd grade
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Making Meaning lessons include several diversity topics Bulletin boards to celebrate diverse topics
School Based Activities West Rockhill Elementary Added a DEI corner of the monthly newsletter. This
section focuses on a different theme each month. The school counselor selected books with diversity themes
and incorporated them into her student lessons. As part of the lesson with each grade level, the students create a bulletin board focusing around the book’s theme of diversity.
Each month, the librarian selects a different book surrounding a diversity theme. She then records herself reading the book. The link to this reading is included in the monthly newsletter.
School-Based DEI Initiative with HSA and Staff
Guth Elementary School Diversity committee formed (HSA and staff) Monthly events/announcements and displays in school School wide reading of “All Are Welcome” Featured different library books on different themes
School-Based DEI Initiative with HSA and Staff
Deibler Elementary School Diversity committee formed (HSA and staff) Monthly events Theme - “What if we were all the same” - completed
activities within the different houses (diversity and uniqueness)
School-Based DEI Initiative with HSA and Staff
Seylar Elementary School Diversity committee formed (HSA and staff) Monthly school wide events Monthly displays Cultural cookbook - included family history/heritage with
recipes Providing resources to staff to support lessons on diversity
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Guest speakers for different grade levels (Mrs. Lomax)
School Based Activities Central Middle School Building level diversity committee of staff Daily announcements relating to celebration of the month Meetings for students
School-Based DEI Initiative South Middle School Diversity committee of staff parents and students
Monthly bulletin board Social media presence Started a Self-Discovery and Awareness (SDA) student
club
School-Based Activities North Middle School Diversity team of staff and students who meet to build awareness
Monthly themes with posters throughout school Bulletin boards Announcements Activities
School-Based Activities High School Daily Ramble spots on celebrating Black History Month
and other celebrations building level PLT Book Studies New Clubs- Minority Inclusive Club, Women Helping
Women, Sunshine, Key Club, Rachel’s Challenge Science- A group from STEMpathy shared lessons and
resources to encourage DEI activities in science classrooms
High School Club
High School Students Amnesty International--- Amnesty International Pennridge Chapter is a club that is a branch of the Amnesty International organization. Our club's goal is to fight for human rights. We are focused on educating, spreading awareness, and raising
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funds for human rights issues. Become a human rights activist in your community today, by joining the fight! Educate to stop hate!
High School Club High School Students BuildOn Club--- This club is open to anyone and everyone. BuildOn is a nonprofit organization that raises money to build schools in underprivileged countries. The chapter for Pennridge High School would raise money for BuildOn and hopefully raise enough to go on a trip to build a school in an impoverished area of the world. We may be high school students but our drive and motivation to help our world really does make all the difference. We hope to attract students who are passionate about changing our world and making it a better place. Education is something that is so valued around the world and we as students in the United States are again so lucky to be able to go to school every day and not everyone has the chance to do that.
High School Club High School Students Fellowship of Christian Athletes--- FCA is a before-school, student-led club designed to be a time for you to hang out with other Christians and to expand your own personal faith. Students have the opportunity to share their own faith-based experiences, to play games, and to eat.
High School Club High School Students FOR Club- Friends of Rachel--- The FOR club is part of the Rachel’s Challenge Program that was presented to the district in 2019. Rachel, the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, was a true believer in kindness. The FOR Club at Pennridge will be working on several avenues to promote kindness and well-being for our students and staff.
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High School Club High School Students GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance)--- GSA is an after-school club that meets bi-weekly to discuss current events, tolerance, and ways to raise awareness for the gay community. The focus is on understanding and appreciating one another.
High School Club High School Students Key Club--- The purpose of the Key Club is to provide students an opportunity to participate in service for the surrounding community. This is a student-run organization sponsored by Kiwanis International.
High School Club High School Students Minority Inclusive Club--- The purpose of Minority Inclusive Club (MIC) is to give students of color at Pennridge High School an opportunity to be heard. MIC is meant to serve as a forum for students of color to share experiences, get to know each other, and work together to educate other students in the high school about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our community. We chose the word “inclusion” in our name because we want to approach all students with open arms and make them feel welcome.
High School Club High School Students Unified Pennridge--- Join the INCLUSION REVOLUTION where students of all abilities have the power to positively impact their school communities by promoting social inclusion. The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. With sports as the foundation, the three-component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome
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and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
High School Club High School Students Women Supporting Women (WSW)--- This club will empower women and will make sure all women at Pennridge have support by providing an outlet and a safe place for women to talk about their personal matters to students their age. We plan to fund raise and participate in community out-reach programs.
Making the Case for Inclusion A well-designed and well-executed DEI strategy will build and affirm community through the following: Develop an open mind and a responsive posture, ready for the changing demographics (local, regional, national) that will
continue an irreversible trend and become increasingly more diverse Cultivate an affirming district where students and families are welcomed and engaged in a culturally sensitive/responsive
manner: climate and culture, competency, curriculum, and community, in the classroom, during social activities, lunchroom, during free time, extracurricular, etc.
Attract, cultivate, and retain a diverse talent pool, including teachers, administrators, non-instructional staff, subcontractors, vendors, etc.
Minimize risk/exposure and ensure compliance with legal requirements Build strong and cohesive neighborhoods, using the school as a model for a growth culture Develop student leaders who have the cultural, social, and emotional intelligence to maintain positive and productive
relationships with a diverse workforce of today and tomorrow Leverage an extensive range of backgrounds and skills to enhance creativity, innovation and problem solving Enhance the community’s reputation/brand as an example of how people can embrace and reconcile differences
What is an Inclusive Learning Community?
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Diversity is differences amongst people, inclusion is their sense of belonging, and equity - fair outcomes. To build an inclusive community, cultural competence/humility is the foundation, a core value, an essential skill, and practice that includes the following characteristics: Lifelong learning and critical self-refection Culturally, linguistically and historically responsive Develop partnerships with organizations and/or individuals that align with your DEI purpose Institutional accountability
Attributes of culturally competent educators include: Understands and honors the histories, cultures, languages, and traditions of diverse communities Affirms and protects members of the Pennridge Community regardless of gender identity, race, social class, ethnicity,
culture, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or language proficiency Values the different abilities and interests of youth Respects differences in families’ home lives Builds on the different ways of knowing and expertise found in different cultures and communities Recognizes that diversity contributes to the richness of our society and provides a valid evidence base about ways of
knowing Understands that a strong sense of cultural identity and belonging is central to developing a positive self-esteem Identifies and challenges their own cultural assumptions, values and beliefs Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to developing their own cultural competence
Standards / Foundational Materials
o Delaware Valley Consortium for Equity in Education o PDE Equity and Inclusion Toolkit o Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks
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II. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION (DEI) TEAM
A. DEI Team Purpose
The DEI Team has a dual role, both educative and forward-looking. The volunteer members serve on work committees as needed and serve in an advisory capacity to support the PSD organization with diversity and inclusion matters. Guided by the PSD Mission and Belief statements, the volunteer DEI Team is accountable for the development and implementation of the DEI Guidebook. DEI Team members are mindful that the recommended solutions and actions will require PSD to devote resources, both human and monetary, to the initiatives. This investment reflects the significance impact diversity and inclusion has on each student, directly or indirectly, to reach their fullest human potential.
“To succeed, all committees, regardless of their size, require a formula or recipe with the following prime ingredients: • Support from senior (administration) leadership • The ability to link the diversity strategy with the overall organizational strategy (or Pennridge Comprehensive Plan) and
emphasize the importance of diversity in and to the organization • Diverse representation • Metrics to measure progress • Consistent communication of goals and efforts; and • A long-term strategy.” Source citation: Adapted from Catalyst: Workplaces that Work for Women
PSD’s overarching goal is that DEI is intentionally woven into the fabric of the organization, and is reflected in the curriculum, social activities, holidays/observances, and events. The inclusive outcomes are everyone’s responsibility. This requires that all members and ultimately all PSD community members model the inclusive mindset, heartset and skillset in their interactions with each other, within the school and the community.
B. DEI Team Roles and Responsibilities Structure
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Focused Committees The DEI Team functions as an advisory committee, to guide the continuous improvement process, and collaborate related to DEI activities. The DEI Team has a structure designed to include diverse perspectives, share responsibilities, assure reflective inquiry, and promote productive communication of DEI-related activities and news. The structure includes a Chair (Director of Pupil Services, who reports to the Superintendent, who reports to the Board); and advisory members to perform the roles and responsibilities to facilitate the process of completing, implementing, and monitoring the performance of the DEI Initiative. Focused Committee Work on Pennridge DEI Guidebook 2020-2021 Committee 1: Family, Student and Community Engagement
1. Intentionally seek and include students’ multiple group perspectives in the development of DEI resources of family activities that families can do at home with their children (Elementary, Middle, High, Vocational).
2. Engage family, community members, and community partnerships with staff and students, district-wide and at school and program sites, in the development and implementation of culturally appropriate and effective partnerships between home, school, and community.
Committee 2: Communication
1. Update DEI web page with information and resources about DEI. (i.e., building competency, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, cross cultural holidays, student stories, family recipes, movies, podcasts, books, photos, poems, essays, etc.).
2. Ensure consistency across building DEI webpages. Committee 3: Pennridge DEI Strategic Planning Guide
1. Complete the template, incorporating the work from various committees with agreed upon language, disseminate draft, incorporate revisions, and other agreed upon work to complete the PSD DEI Strategic Planning Guide and ‘roll out.’
Committee 4: Teaching and Learning (Committee of administrators and teachers)
1. Ensure an academically rigorous and positive school environment that engages all students.
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2. Collaborate as teachers and administrators to create and implement culturally responsive instructional practices, through ongoing professional development.
3. Examine data that lead to the over- or under-representation of any student group compared to peers.
C. DEI Team Processes
An effective Committee contributes to the overall diversity improvement plan, working as a team to define diversity/inclusion-related goals, priorities, develop and implement strategies to achieve those goals, measure/evaluate and report/communicate status. They become a diverse set of key stakeholders and thought and opinion leaders that inspire a critical mass to want to be part of co-creating a welcoming community. Respectful and open communication is essential for this team to advise the PSD community in a collaborative way. Members: The Director of Pupil Services will invite stakeholders to join the DEI Team. Consider the following questions to help determine who should be included: Who will represent the student voices (and how can you maintain that momentum each year as students transition quickly)? Who are the thought and opinion leaders among the faculty and externally? Are there long-standing groups, such as a HSA, that must be engaged? How can you engage staff and community members? Meetings: The meeting schedule, including frequency, time, length, will be established by the Chair of the DEI Team and agreed to or revised. The subcommittees will create their own schedules, ensuring that work due to the DEI Team is accomplished according to established timelines.
III. CO-CREATING THE DEI PLAN
A. Planning and Implementation
DEI Team mission and vision Goals, activities, indicators, and timelines
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The PSD DEI Guidebook will align with the District mission/vision and will assure alignment among constituents in PSD schools, to achieve a shared DEI mission/vision and operating plan throughout the school community.
Goals, outcomes and benefits of planning include the following: Defining an overarching DEI vision for the organization Identifying strengths and areas of excellence Prioritizing critical issues Acquiring necessary resources for new initiatives Aligning organizational goals so that stakeholders are moving in a common direction Increasing motivation, commitment, and teamwork/enhancing communication Adapting more effectively to changing circumstances Enhancing the organization’s public image as a school and employer Developing shared criteria for evaluation/ measuring ‘success’ Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Pennridge DEI Team Mission and Vision:
We are advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes being antibias in our values, thoughts, words, and deeds. Our vision is to build a collaborative and sustainable inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our community to prepare students for the future in a diverse world. To achieve our vision, we look to activate the community of our employees, students, and community members. It is our priority to lead inclusively and embrace the mission of high levels of achievement for all students, regardless of race, social class, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or language proficiency.
PSD Goals Activities Indicators Timeline Responsible Group PSD will become knowledgeable of, and committed to,
Create DEI Team Develop Committee
Structures
Completion of Guidebook by June 1, 2021
2020-2021
DEI Team
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successfully implementing and completing within the timetables, the PSD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Guide (DEI Guidebook)
Develop meeting schedule School Year
Continue to provide DEI learning activities for all employees. The activities will include professional learning sessions, focus groups, book studies, etc. Reinforce the use of Safe to Say for students who need support with bullying related to any diversity areas.
Participation in DVCEE Understanding Bias and
Culture: An Introduction to Culturally Responsive Leadership and Teaching
Utilize Safe to Say
All Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff will participate in one annual Professional Learning Activity on DEI every School Year
Annually
Administration K-12 Teachers Support Staff
Conduct an internal diversity audit to examine K-12 curriculum in the district to ensure that at all grade levels that we include authors and representations from diverse viewpoints
3 Year-Curriculum Revision and Writing Initiative
Completion of Curriculum
2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
K-12 Teachers Administrators Instructional Coaches
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throughout the school calendar year. Continue our attempts to attract additional diverse candidates to the PSD through promotional materials and expanded job fairs.
Develop Promotional Video Attend DVCEE Educators of
Color Job Fair
Develop Promotional Video
Attend DVCEE Educators of Color Job Fair
Ongoing Human Resources Administration
Organize professional learning opportunities to focus on communication with our English Language Learners and their families, utilizing See Saw and other communication tools that are more visual and translate easily.
Use of Language Line (interpreters) for conferences and phone communications with families. This includes child study, office communication, and communication between teachers and parents.
All written communications to families are sent in English and Spanish.
Documents from other sources are translated in Spanish (when appropriate).
Established a translate feature on the district and school website.
Teachers utilize Google Translate and Seesaw to communicate through text communication. Seesaw has greatly improved
Increase in strategies used for communication with families
2020-2021 School Year
Patricia A. Guth Elementary Staff
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communication between teachers and EL families.
The Home and School Association and School features a Spanish speaking parent to help with interpretation and communication with our Spanish-speaking families.
ESL events have been held to engage EL families.
Incorporate representatives of all stakeholders in the participation of and decision-making process of the DEI Team.
Expand DEI Team to invite families and students
Expand DEI Team to partner with one community group
Representation of families and students for 2020-2021
2021-2022-addition of community partner
2020-2021
2021-2022
Director of Pupil Services
DEI Team Committee 1
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B. Marketing + Communications Add and maintain information on the Pennridge DEI webpage Each Building will have a DEI section of their building webpage
IV. THE INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY
A. Building Competency Climate Surveys Professional Development Curriculum Development Collaborative Library of Resources
Climate Surveys:
In the Fall of the 2021-2022 School Year, PSD will partner with The University of PENN GSE Catalyst to join the Equity and Student Belonging Inquiry Community. In this inquiry community, district teams in Southeastern Pennsylvania are investigating the sense of belonging among their student populations and learning how to use improvement science to support their work. The Equity and Student Belonging Inquiry Community is now entering its fourth year. In this inquiry community, PSD will investigate the sense of belonging among our various student populations to determine to what extent students feel a sense of belonging in our school community. Throughout this process we will explore how we can use an equity lens to identify and support those students who do not feel a sense of belonging. Catalyst will support participants with administration of the Psychological Sense of School Membership survey (the PSSM) at the beginning of the school year to collect baseline data on student sense of belonging. Catalyst will provide PSD with a customized report of survey findings. The PSD district team will then meet with the Catalyst Inquiry Community in individual district teams as well as in cross-district support groups, to analyze our data for trends, unexpected outcomes, and potential root causes that might explain the results and develop interventions designed to increase student sense of belonging in our schools.
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Additionally, in the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, PSD will utilize the PA School Climate Survey to gather family and staff perceptions of school climate. We will utilize these data results in conjunction with the student survey results in our work through the Catalyst Inquiry Community to analyze our data for trends, unexpected outcomes, and potential root causes that might explain the results and develop interventions designed to increase family and staff perceptions of sense of belonging in our schools.
Professional Development: PSD provides ongoing professional development, including Act 48 continuing educational opportunities. Multiple professional learning opportunities will be available and all staff members will participate in a minimum of one annual training related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion each school year. Curriculum Development: PSD embarked on a significant redesign of all K-12 curricula beginning in the year 2017. A Council was organized to create a vision for the future of curriculum design and to provide guidance to all staff who engaged in the process of “mapping” curriculum units. The Curriculum Design and Innovation Council originally consisted of approximately forty teachers but grew into a number well over one-hundred members. The Curriculum Design Council has been working with Dr. Heidi Hayes-Jacobs, internationally renowned curriculum designer, and Dr. Bena Kallick, co-author of, the best-selling book, Habits of Mind. Both educators have provided all secondary teachers, instructional coaches, supervisors, and building principals with numerous hours of professional learning on curriculum design mapping. They will continue to support our efforts as the elementary staff embark on work of redesigning K-5 curriculum in the 2021-22 school year.
TEACHING AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK
This framework focuses on the recognition of the individual assets students bring to the classroom that make learning accessible and relevant for all students in a learning community.
Guidelines for Curriculum
(the what)
What can I ask students to consider, read and reflect within this unit/lesson that:
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1. Allow them to reflect on their own culture and history. 2. Invite them to ask questions about how their own experience and culture influences how they see themselves and others. 3. Incorporate reading, discussing, or viewing resources that invite them to reconcile diverse perspectives. 4. Reinforce that their lived experiences are unique and worth sharing without stereotyping, minimizing, or trivializing. 5. Encourage students to reflect upon their dispositions, the Habits of Mind and how that impacts their interactions with others and view of themselves.
Guidelines for Instruction
(the how) What instructional strategies can I implement in my teaching that:
1. Access students’ learning preferences and highlight their unique strengths. 2. Address students’ own inquiry questions. 3. Enable students to work cooperatively and collaboratively towards common goals. 4. Engage students in authentic and relevant performance tasks. 5. Support students in positively influencing their communities. 6. Use accessible and relevant language in interactions with students. 7. Intentionally group students to build relationships.
Guidelines for Developing a Culture of Belonging
(the learning environment) What inclusive strategies can I incorporate into my classroom to eliminate the idea of “other” and increase student perceptions of “belonging”? 1. Create a trusting environment by demonstrating care and establishing bonds with students. 2. Consciously and explicitly solicit students’ insight and input. 3. Hold and maintain high standards for academic excellence for all students. 4. See students as knowledgeable beings who bring their personal experiences into the classroom.
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5. Acknowledge that each student brings a different set of needs into the classroom. 6. Recognize the Habits of Mind as a set of dispositions that guide thinking and behaviors as individuals and in the community. Collaborative Library of Resources: Starting with the material here, PSD and DEI Team members will forward recommended books, articles, movies, events, shows, TedTalks, etc. to the designated ‘librarian’ to upload and share relevant learning material to the DEI webpage and building webpages.
B. Building Community
Community Partnership Pennridge School District Day of Service PSD Guidebook rollout Next Steps
Community Partnership: Partnership with PSD: Between Friends Outreach
Between Friends outreach works with veterans, homeless, and domestic violence victims. Their mission statement is to change lives with a long-lasting positive effect. They focus on street outreach, assess needs, and adjust for those needs. Students could assist with holiday gifts, clothing, and food needs. Between Friends Outreach is affiliated with the Pennridge business network.
PSD Day of Service Project: PSD Day of Service Project will be held January 17, 2022. The project will be led by a parent volunteer and Dr. Rybarczyk. This will be an opportunity for our school communities to work collaboratively and celebrate the diversity surrounding us. Specific projects will be identified closer to the date. Guidebook Rollout: The finalized PSD Guidebook will be presented as an informational item at the Board Curriculum Committee Meeting in June 2021. The new DEI website and PSD Guidebook will be presented to all employees during return to school staff preparation for the 2021-
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2022 school year. The PSD Guidebook will be located on the District DEI main webpage and linked to each of the building DEI webpages. Next Steps: Beginning with the 2021-2022 School Year, every building Principal K-12 will establish a building-level DEI team that will consist of the building Principal, School Counselor, staff members, family members, and students. This team will implement the recommendations from the guidebook and be responsible for creating a positive and safe school climate and culture that welcomes all students, staff, family, and community members, regardless of race, social class, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or language proficiency. The District-wide DEI team will meet with representatives from each building-based DEI team every-other month throughout the school year to collaborate, communicate, advise, and problem solve together. This will ensure that the implementation of the DEI initiative continues to remain strong within the PSD school community.
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APPENDIX A
Observances
An all-inclusive list of international observances may be found at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-days-and-weeks. The following list contains the observances that illustrate the diversity that exists throughout the Pennridge Community. Month and Observances Brief Information: July The Fourth of July
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. From: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
August 26th Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting the right to vote to women. The amendment was first introduced in 1878. In 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
September 1. Sept 15-Oct 15 National Hispanic
Heritage Month (16th Mexican Independence Day)
1. Hispanic Heritage Month always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the
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2. Suicide Prevention Month; 5-11 National Suicide Prevention Week (10th World Suicide Prevention Day)
3. 7-8 Rosh Hashanah 4. 15-16 Yom Kippur
contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture. Hispanic-American men and women embody the American values of devotion to faith and family, hard work, and patriotism through their countless contributions as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of our Armed Forces. (Pieced from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/hispanic-heritage-month.html)
2. National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope. (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/)
3. Rosh Hashanah - Rosh Hashanah, meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. During Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people around the world ask God for forgiveness for mistakes they have made over the past year and remind themselves not to repeat those mistakes in the coming year.
4. Yom Kippur - Yom Kippur is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish year. On this day, Jews refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. The
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name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and it is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. (Pieced from, https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/yom-kippur-history-and-overview)
October 1. National Bullying Prevention Month 2. LGBTQ History Month (4-8 Solidarity
Week, Spirit Day - October 20) 3. 12 Indigenous People’s Day 4. 28th National Immigrant Day
1. National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying. The point of National Bullying Prevention Month was to transform a society that accepts bullying into a society that recognizes that bullying must – and can – be addressed through education and support. (https://youth.gov/feature-article/national-bullying-prevention-month)
2. LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by a high school history teacher in Missouri named Rodney Wilson. The month includes Spirit Day on October 20, on which people around the country wear purple in support of LGBT youth and Solidarity Week, a week in which allies against LGBT bullying are celebrated.
3. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans.
4. National Immigrant Day - The United States of America is known as the world’s melting pot, and every year on October 28 National Immigrants Day gives us a reason to reflect on just how unique that distinction is among the world’s 195 sovereign nations. As Americans, we are proud of our long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world and value their contributions that add zest to our nation’s blend of cultures, customs, and traditions.
November 1. Native American Heritage Month 2. National Homeless Youth Awareness
Month (13-21 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week)
1. Native American Heritage Month - What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. first persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set
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3. Diwali 4. 13th World Kindness Day 5. Thanksgiving Day 6. Hanukkah
aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day.
In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994. (adapted from https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/about/ )
2. November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness. As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policy makers. (https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-homeless-youth-awareness-month ) Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Participating groups spend the week holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events. (https://hhweek.org/)
3. Diwali - Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay
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lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. (from: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/pages/article/diwali)
4. World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to
promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is a day to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location.
5. Thanksgiving Day - Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday occurring
on the fourth Thursday of November. The Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
From: https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving
6. Hanukkah - The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew,
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begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. (from: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah)
December 1. 3 International Day of Persons with
Disabilities 2. 10th Human Rights Day 3. 25 Christmas 4. 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa
1. International Day of Persons with Disabilities - The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
2. Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.
3. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader
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whose teachings form the basis of their religion (from: https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas)
4. Kwanzaa - Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa. (from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history)
January 1. 17 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2. 21st International Holocaust
Remembrance Day 3. Korean American Day
1. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. King sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986.
2. International Holocaust Remembrance Day - On January 27, 1945, the advancing Red Army entered the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp complex, liberating more than 7,000 remaining prisoners, who were for the most part ill or dying.
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Days earlier, the SS had forced nearly 60,000 prisoners to evacuate the camp and embark on the infamous 'Death Marches,' in which many thousands lost their lives.
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 60/7 on November 1, 2005 to designate January 27 as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, the day upon which every year the world would mark and remember the Holocaust and its victims. (from: https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/international-holocaust-remembrance-day)
3. Korean American Day on January 13th commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. The day also honors the Korean American’s immense contributions to every aspect of society.
February 1. Black History Month 2. 1 - Chinese New Year
1. Black History Month – Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. (from: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month)
2. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China's most important festival. It is time for families to be together and a week of an official public holiday. It celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
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March 1. Women’s History Month
1. Women’s History Month - Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. (from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month)
April 1. Arab American Heritage Month 2. Autism Awareness Month (2nd World
Autism Day) 3. April 2-May 1 Ramadan 4. 15-22 Passover 5. 17 Easter
1. April is here and that means we are celebrating Arab American Heritage Month (AAHM). While not recognized by the federal government, AAHM is celebrated in many U.S. schools, cities, and states. Simply put, Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North African regions: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. And within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of our American story. (adapted from https://www.pbs.org/articles/2021/04/april-is-arab-american-heritage-month/)
2. Autism Awareness Month aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism and others living with autism face every day. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding and WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe. (from,
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https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-autism-awareness-day-2021/
3. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. (from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/ramadan)
4. Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. In Judaism, Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt, which appears in the Hebrew Bible’s books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, among other texts. Jews observe the weeklong festival with a number of important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal known as a seder, the removal of leavened products from their home, the substitution of matzo for bread and the retelling of the exodus tale. (from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/passover)
5. Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D. The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration
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of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles, also known as “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday. Although a holiday of high religious significance in the Christian faith, many traditions associated with Easter date back to pre-Christian, pagan times. (from, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter)
May 1. Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2. Mental Health Awareness Month 3. 5th Cinco de Mayo
1. May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month - a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island). The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. (adapted from https://asianpacificheritage.gov/about/)
2. Mental Health Awareness Month - Each year millions of Americans face
the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. (https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month)
3. Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of
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General Ignacio Zaragoza. It is celebrated by Mexican Americans with festive dress, parades and food.
June 1. 19 – Juneteenth
1. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. (https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm)
