March Events & Holidays in RTMSD

Welcome to March!

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.

What It Is:
Women’s History Month is a month-long celebration recognizing the achievements, contributions, and impact of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It highlights women’s roles in shaping culture, education, science, government, the arts, and social movements.

Brief History:
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978. It grew into a national observance in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress officially designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.

How It Is Celebrated:
Schools and communities celebrate by highlighting influential women in history lessons, hosting assemblies, showcasing student projects, organizing guest speakers, and recognizing women leaders in the local community. Many organizations also focus on advancing equity and leadership opportunities for women and girls.

Did You Know?
Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a national theme to guide celebrations and highlight specific contributions of women.

What It Is:
This month raises awareness about developmental disabilities and promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities.

Brief History:
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to encourage understanding and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

How It Is Celebrated:
Communities promote inclusive practices, host awareness campaigns, provide educational programming, and celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Did You Know?
Developmental disabilities begin before adulthood and may impact learning, mobility, communication, or behavior — but individuals with disabilities contribute meaningfully to every community.

What It Is:

Magha Puja is an important Buddhist holiday that commemorates a significant gathering of monks who assembled to hear the Buddha teach.

Brief History:
According to tradition, 1,250 monks gathered spontaneously without prior arrangement to hear the Buddha deliver an important teaching. This event is seen as a foundational moment in the formation of the Buddhist community (Sangha).

How It Is Celebrated:
Many Buddhists visit temples, participate in candlelight processions, meditate, listen to teachings, chant, and perform acts of generosity or service.

Did You Know?
In some countries, devotees walk around temples holding candles, flowers, and incense in a ceremony called a “wian tian.”

What It Is:
Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday celebrating the story of Queen Esther and the saving of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.

Brief History:
The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. It tells how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai helped prevent a plot against the Jewish people.

How It Is Celebrated:
Traditions include reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), wearing costumes, giving gifts of food (mishloach manot), donating to those in need, and enjoying festive meals and treats such as hamantaschen.

Did You Know?
When the villain Haman’s name is read during the Megillah, listeners make noise with groggers (noisemakers) to symbolically “drown out” his name.

What It Is:
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrating spring, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. It is often called the “Festival of Colors.”

Brief History:
Holi is connected to the legend of Prahlad and the symbolic victory of good over evil. It also celebrates the arrival of spring and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts.

How It Is Celebrated:
Celebrations include throwing brightly colored powders, singing, dancing, gathering with friends and family, and sharing festive foods.

Did You Know?
The colored powders used during Holi were traditionally made from flowers and natural herbs.

What It Is:
St. Patrick’s Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrates Irish heritage and culture.

Brief History:
St. Patrick lived in the 5th century and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. The day began as a religious feast day and evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture.

How It Is Celebrated:
People wear green, attend parades, enjoy Irish music and dance, and share traditional foods. Many cities host large public celebrations.

Did You Know?
The shamrock became a symbol of Ireland because tradition says St. Patrick used it to explain the concept of the Trinity.

What It Is:
Eid al-Fitr, meaning “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

Brief History:
Eid has been celebrated since the time of the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the most important holidays in Islam.

How It Is Celebrated:
The day begins with a special congregational prayer. Families give charity (Zakat al-Fitr), gather for festive meals, wear special clothing, exchange gifts, and visit friends and relatives.

Did You Know?
Before attending Eid prayers, it is customary to eat something sweet — often dates — to mark the end of the fasting month.

What It Is:
World Down Syndrome Day raises awareness and promotes inclusion, advocacy, and support for individuals with Down syndrome.

Brief History:
The United Nations officially recognized March 21 in 2012. The date (3/21) represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome that characterizes Down syndrome.

How It Is Celebrated:
Many people wear colorful or mismatched socks to spark conversations about inclusion and celebrate differences. Schools and organizations host educational events and advocacy initiatives.

Did You Know?
The “Lots of Socks” campaign is a global movement encouraging people to wear bright socks to celebrate diversity and inclusion.