Welcome Back to School, WBSD!

As we begin the 2024-25 school year, let’s step forward with optimism and anticipation for our best year yet. Each of us plays a vital role in the success of this organization. Creating a system of equity means ensuring that every individual has what they need to thrive. From homes to classrooms, bus stops to boardrooms, and building aesthetics to supportive furniture, every element contributes to our equitable learning environment. Thank you for all you have done and for everything you will do to make WBSD the best place to learn, work, live, and thrive.

INCLUSIVE CALENDAR CONSIDERATIONS

Educational Awareness

• Educate yourself and students about the various holidays and observances taking place.
  
• Encourage respectful discussions and activities that promote understanding of different cultures and beliefs.
  
• Understand that some observances and recognitions might be emotionally charging for some and/or not celebrated by all. Respect differences in beliefs, thoughts, and feelings by not pursuing a one-sided narrative
  
• There are many ways to introduce holidays/observances that don’t pressure people to celebrate in ways that contradict their personal beliefs and customs.
  

Curriculum, Classroom, School Communities

• Avoid scheduling significant school events, exams, or activities on major holidays and observances, especially those requiring evening participation.
  
• Flexibility and Accommodation - provide flexibility for students and staff who observe specific holidays or events. This may include allowing absences, rescheduling exams, or providing alternative assignments.
  
• Be mindful of fasting periods, such as during Ramadan, and adjust physical activities or lunch schedules accordingly. There may be times when some staff students, or families are reframing from meals, events, activities. Please be mindful.
  

Communications

Clearly communicate the inclusive calendar to all members of you school and WBSD communities.

• Acknowledge that a variety of experiences exist and validate them in communications with your school communities
  
• Try and make it a collaborative effort to learn and educate; don’t leave the responsibility only to those participating. Create awareness and thought partnership on ways of engaging that promotes inclusivity.
  
• Encourage students and families to inform the school of any additional observances or needs for accommodation.
  

Celebrations and Recognitions

• Celebrate and recognize various holidays and observances through school announcements, assemblies, or themed activities (lean into variety).
  
• School and District Newsletters are outlets for highlighting significant cultural and religious occurrences and providing resources and spreading awareness and education.
  
• You might: create displays or projects that highlight the significance of different cultural and religious events in a culturally responsive way.
  

Avoid Making Assumptions

• Avoid assuming a dominant holiday experience in your interactions or conversations. If someone mentions they celebrate a particular holiday, ask them about it openly and let them lead the conversation.
  
• When people share their experiences with the holidays/observances, actively listen to them. Do not minimize their experiences, and don’t tell comparative stories; both act as a means of suppressing people’s real and lived experiences.

Month-Long Celebrations:

Deaf Awareness Month

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15, 2024

Macedonian American Heritage Month

Daily Celebrations and Recognitions:

September 2, 2024 Labor Day

September 5, 2024 International Day of Charity

September 7, 2024 Ganesh Chaturthi

September 8, 2024 International Literacy Day

September 11, 2024 National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11, 2024 Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)

September 15 – 16, 2024 Mawlid al-Nabi (Islamic calendar, dates may vary)

September 16, 2024 Mexican Independence Day

September 16 -18, 2024 Korean Thanksgiving

September 17, 2024 Constitution Day (USA)

September 17, 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival

September 17 – October 2, 2024 Pitru Paksha (Hindu tradition)

September 27, 2024 Native American Day (fourth Friday of September)

1. Create a safe learning environment – safety “looks like” cultivating spaces where belonging is fostered. Spaces that welcome variation through curiosity, courageousness, and confirmation that every learner is exactly where the need to be for academic and social, emotional success.
   
2. Diversify learning material/content – culturally responsive teaching and learning considers the uniqueness of every classroom community member (including teachers) where learning is transactional and transformative.
   
3. Take stock of students’ needs – differentiation is essential to promoting equitable learning spaces. It goes hand in hand with diversity in learning materials providing each student exactly what they need, with high expectations for all.
   
4. Make student participation easy and exciting – craft educational situations where voice and choice is welcomed and appreciated. Deep inquiry through asking questions for instance, promotes deep learning.
   
5. Develop a rapport with every learner – relationships are not the least of importance but the foundation for successful, inclusive classrooms. One easy strategy to incorporate into classroom practices. They elevate community and can be curriculum focused or used for mindfulness moments.

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. This template offers you a wide variety of resources for a month of celebrating and honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose families hail from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

🥁 The 2024 theme is: Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, encapsulating the “spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic experience.”

On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked by a national holiday in Mexico, a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolution’s leader, and an array of performances from fireworks to dance routines

Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 22 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation of the U.S.A. came into being. However, the history of the Native Americans is written in blood and violence. After centuries of persecution, not much is left of the tribes and many have integrated into modern society. Those still in touch with their roots, will remember these events and honor their ancestor’s sacrifices. Native American Day is a holiday that hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.

• Share ideas for the next WBSD Inclusive newsletter
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• Share ideas for the next WBSD Inclusive Newsletter
• Click the contact button below