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R15 Equity & Inclusion Newsletter

October 2023: Region 15 Students, Families & Staff

R15 Equity &Inclusion NewsletterOctober 2023: Region 15 Students, Families & Staff

Congrats, Region 15 Alum Margaret Anne Mary Moore on her debut memoir publication: Bold, Brave, and Breathless Congrats, Region 15 Alum Margaret Anne Mary Moore on her debut memoir publication: Bold, Brave, and Breathless

Join Region 15 in celebrating our alum, Margaret Anne Mary Moore, as she publishes her debut memoir, Bold, Brave and Breathless: Reveling in Childhood's Splendiferous Glories While Facing Disability and Loss.


Available 10/2/23 on Amazon!


Additionally, all of Region 15 is invited to Long Meadow Elementary School this Wednesday, October 4, at 4:00 pm in the Library Media Center for a book signing with Ms. Moore!

Margaret Anne Mary Moore's BOLD, BRAVE, AND BREATHLESS Book Trailer

Region 15 Public Calendar Updates: Religious & Cultural Observances

The first Theory of Action for Region 15 Public focuses on welcoming and inclusive schools. Part of this work includes ensuring members of the Region 15 community are aware of, appreciate, and are respectful of each other’s religious and cultural diversity.


Region 15 shares a district-wide events calendar on the Region 15 website. This calendar has been updated to reflect major observances and can be accessed here. Follow the directions on the webpage to subscribe to this calendar.


Region 15 faculty and staff will make appropriate accommodations for students who observe these and other special observance days.


Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this information. Any corrections or additional observances may be brought to our attention by email at equity_inclusion@region15.org

October is Italian American Heritage Month October is Italian American Heritage Month

Italian American Heritage Month is in October! It was first recognized by the United States Congress in October 1989. Italian-American Heritage Month is commemorated every October to acknowledge the accomplishments and successes of Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans.


Check out the following resources to celebrate:


  • Picture book recommendations
  • Boston Public Library's booklist (for adults!)
  • PBS Documentary: The Italian Americans

Indigenous Peoples' Day in CT: October 9 Indigenous Peoples' Day in CT: October 9

Indigenous Peoples' Day is October 9, 2023. 2022 marked the second year that Indigenous Peoples' Day was acknowledged by federal proclamation. Additionally, October 9 is Columbus Day as recognized by federal holiday. Here are a few reads to grapple with the complexities of this particular observance.

  • From Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day (Source: Harvard Graduate School of Education Usable Knowledge Project)
  • Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day (Source: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian)


Here are some events happening in CT on October 9:


  • Nowashe Village in South Windsor
  • Indigenous Peoples Day in Mystic Seaport
  • Ongoing events at the Institute for Native American Studies in Washington, CT

Read Aloud Video: National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15 and was first observed in 1968 and enacted into federal law as a month-long celebration in 1988. It offers the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the knowledge, richness, experiences, and diversity of Hispanic and LatinX families. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the following Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.


Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez and Jaime Kim is read with permission of HarperCollins Children’s Books.


Special thank you to our students, staff, and family member guest readers in this video!

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez Read Aloud

Calendar of Religious Observances October 2023

  • September 30-October 6 SUKKOT (Jewish): The week-long “Feast of Booths” commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land.
  • October 7 MAWLID AL-NABI (Islamic (Shi’a)): The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate it five days earlier than Shi’a Muslims.
  • October 7 SHEMINI ATZERET (Jewish): “The Eighth [Day] of Assembly” observed on the day immediately following Sukkot.
  • October 8 SIMCHAT TORAH (Jewish): “Rejoicing in the Torah” celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and its beginning anew
  • October 15-24 NAVARATRI (Hindu): Nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, and marks the start of fall
  • October 24 DUSSEHRA/DASSERA (Hindu): Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana. Also known as Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga
  • October 31 REFORMATION DAY (Christian): Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.

Stay Updated Stay Updated

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Region 15 Website: Equity & Inclusion

Click here to access the landing page through Region 15's website.
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Community bulletin board

Attention all Region 15 community members and organizations! Do you have an opportunity that you'd like to publicize? Are you looking for opportunities to be involved in the community? Click here to access the community bulletin board!


If you'd like to publicize an opportunity, simply follow the directions on this page.

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Click here to access the website created by and for the Middlebury & Southbury's Equity & Inclusion Council.
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Contact

Background photo: Bulletin board at LMES created by Mrs. Freund


Instagram: r15equity_inclusion


The importance of listening to your lived experiences, insights, ideas, and perspectives cannot be overstated. Please feel free to reach out! We'd love to connect.


*Note: Quotation (c) 2019 CLC Collective and Dottir Press

Email: equity_inclusion@region15.org
Website: https://www.region15.org/community/equity-and-inclusion
Twitter: @r15equity

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