February Events & Holidays in RTMSD

Welcome to February!

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" link.

What it is:
A month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements, history, and contributions of Black Americans.

Brief history:
Black History Month traces its origins to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to highlight the contributions of Black Americans that were largely excluded from history textbooks. February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the observance expanded to a full month, emphasizing that Black history is an essential part of American history and culture.

How it is celebrated:
Through lessons, assemblies, cultural events, and community activities that highlight Black leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers—past and present.

⭐ Did you know?
Carter G. Woodson believed that understanding history helps build pride, confidence, and mutual respect across communities.

What it is:
A day that celebrates love, kindness, friendship, and appreciation for others.

Brief history:
Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a figure associated with acts of compassion and care in ancient Rome. Over time, the holiday blended religious traditions and European customs, eventually becoming a day focused on expressing affection, friendship, and gratitude. By the 19th century, exchanging cards and notes became a popular tradition.

How it is celebrated:
People exchange cards, notes, and small gifts. In schools, activities often highlight kindness, friendship, and positive relationships.

⭐ Did you know?
The first known Valentine’s message dates back to the 1400s.

What it is:
A federal holiday honoring the presidents of the United States, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Brief history:
The holiday was originally established in 1885 to honor George Washington, the nation’s first president. In the 1970s, it became known as Presidents Day, expanding the focus to include all U.S. presidents and their roles in shaping the nation. The holiday encourages reflection on leadership, democracy, and civic responsibility.

How it is celebrated:
Through educational lessons, historical discussions, and activities that explore American government and leadership.

⭐ Did you know?
Only George Washington is officially honored by name in federal law, even though the holiday is commonly called Presidents Day.

What it is:
A celebration marking the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar, observed in many Asian cultures.

Brief history:
Lunar New Year has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years and is rooted in agricultural traditions that welcomed the return of spring. While commonly associated with Chinese culture, it is also celebrated in Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities, each with unique customs and traditions.

How it is celebrated:
Festivities may include family gatherings, traditional foods, decorations, cultural performances, and celebrations that last several days.

⭐ Did you know?
2026 is the Year of the Horse, a zodiac symbol associated with energy, strength, and perseverance.

What It Is:

Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is the final day of celebration before the Christian season of Lent begins.

Brief History:
Mardi Gras traditions began in medieval Europe and were brought to North America by French explorers in the 1600s. The celebration became especially well known in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans.

How It Is Celebrated:
Communities celebrate with parades, music, colorful beads, masks, and festive foods. Traditional colors include purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). King Cake is a popular treat during the season.

Did You Know?
King Cake often contains a small plastic baby hidden inside. The person who finds it is traditionally expected to host the next King Cake gathering.

What it is:
The holiest month in Islam, focused on fasting, reflection, prayer, and community.

Brief history:
Ramadan commemorates the month when Muslims believe the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The observance follows the lunar calendar and has been practiced for over 1,400 years. Ramadan emphasizes spiritual growth, self-discipline, empathy for others, and generosity.

How it is celebrated:
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in daily prayers, give to charity, and gather with family and community for evening meals.

⭐ Did you know?
Children, elders, and those who are ill are not required to fast during Ramadan.

What It Is:
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter.

Brief History:
The use of ashes as a sign of repentance dates back to ancient biblical times. By the Middle Ages, Christians began marking the start of Lent by placing ashes on the forehead as a symbol of humility and reflection. The ashes are traditionally made from palm branches used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday services.

How It Is Celebrated:
Many Christians attend church services where a clergy member places ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. During the service, phrases such as “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” may be spoken. Some denominations also observe fasting or abstinence on this day.

Did You Know?
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are typically created by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.

What It Is:
Lent is a 40-day season of reflection, prayer, and preparation observed by many Christians leading up to Easter.

Brief History:
Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The practice dates back to early Christianity and has been observed for centuries as a time of spiritual renewal.

How It Is Celebrated:
Many Christians attend church services on Ash Wednesday, receive ashes on their foreheads, fast or give up certain foods or habits, pray, and focus on service and acts of kindness.

Did You Know?
The 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays, which are considered celebration days within the Christian calendar.