May Events & Holidays in RTMSD
Learning About Our Community & Our Cultures
A Collaborative Effort
Welcome to May!
In 2023, a dedicated group of parents, teachers, students, and administrators met monthly to review and discuss the many cultural holidays and other events that occur throughout the school year. This group collaborated to create a list of holidays and events that we will recognize, instruct, or celebrate in our schools. Our community chose the holidays and events you will see each month in this newsletter.
Please email Ralph Harrison if you have any suggestions or ideas about our monthly events and holidays. We honor Dignity by taking the time to learn about the cultures of all of our community members. The events/holidays are listed in the order they occur during the month. For more details, please click on the "Resources" links.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
What it is:
A month-long recognition of the contributions, cultures, and histories of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Brief history:
The observance began in 1978 as a 10-day celebration signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. It expanded to a full month in 1992. May was selected to honor two key events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, where many Chinese immigrants played a critical role despite facing harsh conditions and discrimination.
Did you know?
People who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander represent more than 20 different countries and cultures, making this one of the most diverse groups in the United States.
Resources
The Asian American Foundation Resource
Jewish American Heritage Month
What it is:
A time to recognize the contributions of Jewish Americans to U.S. history, culture, science, and public life.
Brief history:
Jewish American Heritage Month was officially proclaimed in 2006 by President George W. Bush after years of advocacy by Jewish organizations and members of Congress. The month builds on a long history of Jewish immigration to the United States, beginning in the 1600s, and highlights the impact Jewish Americans have made across fields such as civil rights, education, government, and the arts.
Did you know?
Jewish Americans have played key roles in major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Resources
Weitzman National Museum Resource
Cinco de Mayo
What it is:
A celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day.
Brief history:
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when a smaller and less-equipped Mexican army defeated French forces. While the victory did not end the war, it became a symbol of resistance and unity. The holiday gained prominence in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in Mexican American communities, as a way to celebrate cultural identity and heritage.
Did you know?
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more widely in the United States than in most parts of Mexico.
Resources
History com Cinco de Mayo Resource
Mother's Day
May 10, 2026
What it is:
A day to honor mothers and mother figures for their care, support, and influence.
Brief history:
Mother’s Day was established as a national holiday in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson. It was largely inspired by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother’s work promoting peace and community care. Earlier efforts to recognize mothers included local observances focused on healing and unity after the Civil War.
Did you know?
Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for phone calls and restaurant visits in the United States.
Resources
History com Mother’s Day Resource
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
May 21, 2026
What it is:
A United Nations–recognized day that promotes understanding, inclusion, and dialogue among cultures.
Brief history:
This day was established by the United Nations in 2002 following the 2001 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The declaration emphasized that cultural diversity is essential for human development and global peace. The day encourages countries and communities to strengthen cooperation and reduce divisions through dialogue and mutual respect.
Did you know?
About three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension, which is why promoting dialogue and understanding is a global priority.
Resources
Shavuot
Evening of May 21 – May 23, 2026
What it is:
A Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.
Brief history:
Shavuot has its origins in ancient agricultural practices as a harvest festival marking the end of the grain harvest in Israel. Over time, it became associated with the biblical event of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, a central moment in Jewish history and identity. The holiday is observed 50 days after Passover, linking physical freedom from slavery to spiritual responsibility and law.
Did you know?
It is a tradition during Shavuot to eat dairy foods like cheesecake and blintzes, symbolizing themes of nourishment and the “land flowing with milk and honey.”
Resources
Memorial Day
May 25, 2026
What it is:
A U.S. federal holiday honoring military personnel who died in service to the country.
Brief history:
Memorial Day began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” when communities decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. One of the earliest large observances took place in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. Over time, the holiday expanded to honor all U.S. military members who died in service, and it became a federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May.
Did you know?
At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, a National Moment of Remembrance is observed across the United States.
Resources
Eid al-Adha
Evening of May 27- May 31, 2026 (Approximate)
What it is:
An important Islamic holiday known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” observed by Muslims worldwide.
Brief history:
Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The holiday occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and reflects themes of faith, sacrifice, and compassion for others.
Did you know?
Eid al-Adha follows the completion of Hajj, a pilgrimage that millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to complete each year.
Resources
Islamic Society of North America Resource