Vail Elementary-Teacher, Christion Covington, ABIA, Stephanie Pandes, and ABIA Sherri Hatchett

Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Women’s History Month has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to highlight powerful women who fought against injustice and to reflect on the political, cultural, and socioeconomic achievements of women worldwide. Women’s History is American History and should be taught year round. March is another opportunity to highlight Women who have positively influenced and enriched our Nation and society.

“Deal with yourself as a individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”

― Nikki Giovanni

In 1987 Ronald Regan officially declared Proclamation 5613 making the month of March National Disabilities Awareness Month. The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. March is a time to take extra steps to raise awareness about the rights of the people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole! We would also like to acknowledge the endless commitment and dedication of our educators who have committed their careers to serving our differently abled students.

Our Equity, Access, & Inclusion (EAI) Team desires to bring to your attention the start of the month-long Islamic holiday of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a tradition associated with dawn-to-sunset fasting. This year, the holy month is expected to begin on either March 1 or March 2, 2025, depending on the moon sighting. If it happens on March 1, it would be a rare celestial event. The first day of the Islamic holy month will coincide with March 1, a phenomenon that occurs roughly every 33 years

It is important to note that during this time Muslim students, families and colleagues may be fasting (consuming no food or water) from dawn until dusk.

During this time of fasting it’s important to note the following considerations for students:

Accommodation for Physical Activity

· Rigorous physical should be avoided and alternate activities offered for students who are fasting

Changing Sleep Patterns

· For some the typical patterns of sleep may be shifted so that more waking hours occur during the night, which can make it difficult to wake up early and stay alert during the day.

Food Centered Activities

· If possible schedule food centered activities or celebrations at a time when all students can participate

Alternative Areas

· Some schools may choose to offer a place for students to go during lunchtime or alternative options for physical education

Testing Accommodations

· Students who are fasting may benefit from taking tests earlier in their school day instead of having to test later in the day when they have less energy and mental clarity as a result of fasting

Administration: It may be beneficial to acknowledge the beginning of Ramadan in any monthly newsletters or communication that you send schoolwide and express the opportunity for families that are celebrating to contact their student’s teachers so that they can make necessary accommodations if needed.

Teachers: Acknowledge the start of Ramadan and let students know that if they are fasting that they can contact you before or after class should they feel accommodations are needed. Be sure to not single out students by asking to see a show of hands of those that are celebrating. If a student shares they are fasting it is not their responsibility to educate the rest of the class on their culture. (see attached document for resources on Ramadan and Eid that you can use for further information on the holiday)

Classified Staff: Be on the lookout for students being teased or excluded due to their choice to fast during snack, lunch, or breaks.

Student Leadership Advisors: Student leadership groups may make posters or announcements to acknowledge Ramadan and provide information to the school community about the holiday reminding the school community that we are to embrace the diversity of our school communities and respect practices and cultures different than our own.

Coaches: Be aware of students with low energy and be willing to modify intensity of training for individuals that are fasting (Taking into consideration most practices/games will be taking place during daylight hours due to the time change and longer days)

Below are resources to be used at your discretion. If you have any questions I am always open to help troubleshoot or problem solve together.

Future Ramadan Timeframes:

Ramadan 2026

*Evening of Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 - Evening of Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026 (fasting will begin 2/18/26)

*Ramadan can be earlier/later by one day but that is usually known beforehand nationally.

We encourage you to identify materials in your existing core curriculum that can be used to highlight Women’s History, Disabilities Awareness Month and Ramadan. Below are additional resources that you may find helpful in aligning with our existing state standards

Happy reading!

During Women’s History Month, teachers can incorporate lessons on women who made a huge impact on music history but are often overlooked.

Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair! May every year find you in good health. Find out more about Ramadan and stories about Muslim families.

The Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Commission reviews and makes recommendations on topics of diversity and inclusion within City events, services, programs, policies and enhanced community relations. The Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 41000 Main Street, Temecula. Resolution No. 2023-46