TSD Inclusive

As we move through the spring season, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to help shape a district culture where people feel seen, supported, and connected. This work continues to remind me that community engagement and wellness are part of the conditions that help people thrive. These conditions matter in our classrooms, in our buildings, in our relationships, and in the ways we create space for one another (students, staff, and families) to cultivate belonging.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea that belonging is also consideration. It is one thing to make space for people, but consideration asks us to move with care in the decisions we make, the conversations we hold, and the spaces we create. To me, that is where belonging becomes more transformative, when people are thoughtfully considered.

What support, connection, or collaboration would help strengthen the spaces you lead, serve, and show up in each day?

I welcome your insight, your questions, and your ideas. There is real power in a district community that is willing to listen, respond, and move forward together. And as we do, I hope we all remember this: YOU MATTER HERE!

The Student Equity Council (SEC) is excited to announce the launch of Operation Belonging, a district-wide initiative focused on making everyone in the Troy School District feel like they belong. The Troy School District has always emphasized that our greatest strength is our diversity and our ability to embrace it. We work hard to ensure everyone feels they belong, a crucial step toward making a lasting impact in this world. With Operation Belonging, we want to be more deliberate about creating that sense of belonging through our pledge, poster, podcast, and much more to come. We aim to make the Troy School District welcoming for all.

See the advertisement below for the launch of the contest, and save the date for May 8 as we gather for the community event, winner announcements, and final reveal.

This issue highlights all things inclusive for March -June 2026 with some reflection opportunities, tips, and resources, along the way (this is not an exhaustive list).

Women’s History Month

Celebrates the achievements and contributions of women past and present.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Promotes inclusion, accessibility, and understanding of diverse abilities.

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Builds understanding of MS and invisible disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Encourages inclusion and support for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Social Work Month

Recognizes professionals who support student wellness and advocacy.

Irish-American Heritage Month

Honors Irish American culture and contributions.

National Reading Month

Encourages literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

Greek-American Heritage Month

Celebrates Greek American history and traditions.

National Optimism Month

Promotes resilience, hope, and positive thinking.

National Gender Equality Month

Supports fairness and opportunity for all genders.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Promotes prevention and early detection awareness.

Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Raises awareness and supports research and education.

Bisexual / Bi+ Health Awareness Month

Promotes inclusive and affirming health awareness.

Red Cross Month

Highlights humanitarian service and community care.

Ramadan

A sacred month of fasting, reflection, generosity, and community in Islam (dates vary annually; in 2026 it ran from mid-February into March)

IMPORTANCE & RELEVANCE

“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power – women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• Honor: Celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.

• Educate: Raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change.

• Inspire: Empower individuals and institutions on how to take action toward sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence.

• Connect: Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.

• Envision: Encourage a long-term vision for our future where women’s leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet.

  Courtesy of NWAH

Arab-American Heritage Month
We honor the culture, history, and impact of Arab-Americans in our schools and beyond. It's a time to learn, celebrate, and uplift stories that strengthen our shared community.

MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) Heritage Month
We recognize the diversity and richness of MENA cultures. This month is about celebrating language, identity, and legacy across the region’s many communities.

Autism Acceptance Month
This month is about moving from awareness to acceptance. We celebrate neurodiversity and commit to creating inclusive spaces where autistic students, staff, and families thrive.

Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
Language is a strength. We lift up our bilingual and multilingual learners and continue working to ensure equity in access, opportunity, and voice.

Celebrate Diversity Month
We take time this month to pause, reflect, and honor the many identities, stories, and strengths in our community. Diversity deepens our humanity.

Chaldean-American Month
We celebrate the deep cultural roots and contributions of Chaldean-Americans in our schools and neighborhoods. Their story is part of our shared story.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month
This month reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and empower children. Awareness, action, and care create safe spaces for all kids to grow.

National Poetry Month

We celebrate words that move us. Poetry invites creativity, connection, and reflection—and gives voice to every age and background in our community.

Neurodiversity Celebration Month
We recognize and celebrate the unique ways our brains work—autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar, and more—as part of the diversity in our community. This month is about moving past awareness and honoring neurodivergence as a strength, not a setback.

National Volunteer Month
Service shapes us. This month we celebrate the volunteers who give their time and hearts, and we inspire others to step in and help build a stronger community.

1. Wear or display the infinity symbol: The Infinity Symbol represents the diversity of the autism spectrum. Using a rainbow or gold infinity symbol is common, and there are ribbons, banners, stickers, and digital widgets that are popular.
   
2. Educate Yourself About the Autism Conversation: One of the best ways to help reduce stigma and produce positive change is to know the facts about autism acceptance. Research and best practices are constantly changing, and helping your loved ones and support group stay up to date is a great way to show your alliance
   
3. Create Resources for Teachers, Clinicians, and Students Near You: Autism support is not achieved without the proper resources. This can include visual aids, book donations, food and drinks for fundraising events, or any sort of technical expertise you can offer to organizations in need.
   
4. Learn and Share Information About Autism Safety: Autism Acceptance extends into the unique safety needs of autistic individuals. Learning and sharing the perils of things like wandering can help prevent stressful situations – or even save lives.
   
5. Be Open-Minded to All Autism Allies: being an ally can be a deeply personal journey, especially if you have family members or loved ones who need support for autism. However, there are many different ways to support autism awareness, and every bit counts. Don’t try and hold others to unreasonable standards or apply pressure for more; we should be building an inclusive community of autism awareness.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrates the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities while uplifting the diversity within and across those identities.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Honors the history, culture, resilience, and contributions of Jewish Americans while encouraging deeper understanding, respect, and belonging across communities.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Highlights the importance of mental and emotional well-being and encourages care, reflection, support, and continued efforts to reduce stigma.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Raises awareness about the importance of communication, connection, and support for individuals with speech, language, and hearing needs.

International Month of Awareness for Vascular Birthmarks

Promotes understanding, compassion, and visibility for individuals and families impacted by vascular birthmarks.

Show Some Love to Your Teachers

Want to make a teacher’s day? Bring a little something special to show your appreciation! Think gift cards, homemade treats, or even a donation in their name. You could also decorate their classroom door, volunteer for a day, or use the hashtag #ThankATeacher to spread the love.

Reconnect with a Favorite Teacher
Remember that one teacher who really made a difference? Chances are, they remember you too. Reach out! Send a message, pay a visit, or connect on social media to let them know how they impacted your life.

Support Teachers in Need
This week, consider giving back to teachers who are pouring their hearts and resources into their classrooms. Organizations like Donors Choose, Fund for Teachers, and the NEA Foundation let you donate directly to classroom projects—whether it’s art supplies, science kits, or books. Every little bit helps!

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Encourages greater awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias while reminding us of the importance of brain health, early support, and compassionate care for individuals and families impacted.

Black Music Month
Celebrates the legacy, brilliance, and cultural influence of Black music and honors the ways Black artists, traditions, and sound have shaped American history and global culture.

Immigrant Heritage Month
Honors the stories, contributions, and lived experiences of immigrants while affirming the strength, humanity, and cultural richness they bring to our communities and classrooms.

LGBTQI+ Pride Month
Celebrates the identity, resilience, history, and contributions of LGBTQI+ communities while reinforcing the importance of safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces for all.

Men’s Health Month
Raises awareness about the health and well-being of men and boys and encourages education, prevention, connection, and care across the lifespan.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Celebrates the history, culture, resilience, and many contributions of Caribbean American communities while uplifting the richness and diversity of the Caribbean diaspora.

National PTSD Awareness Month
Builds understanding around post-traumatic stress disorder, encourages compassion and support, and reminds us that healing and effective treatment are possible.

As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, it is an opportune moment to recognize and honor the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and contributions that immigrants bring to our communities and classrooms. Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the diverse stories of those who have journeyed from afar, seeking new beginnings and enriching our collective experience with their unique traditions, languages, and perspectives.

Started in 2014, and celebrated every June, Immigrant Heritage Month, is a nationwide observance that honors and recognizes the contributions and experiences of immigrants. The month-long celebration aims to highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds, traditions, and stories of immigrants who have helped shape the nation's history and continue to play a vital role in its development. Here are a few ways we can honor Immigrant Heritage Month in our classrooms and communities:

• Share Stories: Incorporate books, articles, and resources that highlight the experiences of immigrants. Invite students to share their own family stories and traditions which enrich our collective experiences, as we learn about their unique traditions, languages, and perspectives.
• Cultural Exchange: Encourage students to bring cultural artifacts, recipes, or music from their heritage. This can foster a deeper appreciation and understanding among peers.
• Inclusive Curriculum: Integrate diverse perspectives into your lessons. Highlight the contributions of immigrants in various fields such as math, science, art, literature, and history.
• Community Engagement: Involve immigrant community leaders and families in school events and discussions. Their insights and experiences can provide valuable learning opportunities.

Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It is a day to honor the African American experience and recognize the contributions of the Black community to our nation's history, culture, and progress.

Wellness is fundamental to our ability to think, feel, and simply be. Every person has a right to psychological and physical safety as they move through their roles here, at home, and in the community. Take CARE of yourself!

This year's work at a glance, reflecting an ongoing commitment to making sure wellness, belonging, student voice, restorative culture building, and community engagement remain visible and meaningful parts of the way we support our schools.:

• Continued growth of Continuing the Conversation (community events) as a space for dialogue, reflection, and shared learning
• Wellness Committee revitalization and growth, helping re-center wellness as an important district priority
• Continued elevation of the Student Equity Council, with stronger student leadership, voice, and visibility
• Expanded student and staff partnerships to support collaboration, connection, and shared ownership
• Increased visibility and presence of the Office of Wellness and Community Engagement across district spaces
• Ongoing newsletter outreach and communication to keep staff, students, and families connected and informed
• Continued Restorative Practices cohort building and development, helping strengthen both foundational learning and overall implementation
• Ongoing support for district learning tied to MTSS, SEL, and healing-informed practices
• Meaningful community collaboration with local organizations and groups to help advance district culture and climate
• Support for Journeys experiences for 7th grade students across middle schools
• Reflection and wrap-up connected to the National Equity Project District Redesign Network
• Continued support for pillar captains and cross-district leadership efforts
• Advancement of the Operation Belonging initiative
• Planning, partnership, and presentation support connected to the JEDI Educator and Student Summit
• Continued professional growth and skill development to better support district needs with care, strategy, and intention