The Essential

Happy December DDSD,

As the weather grows colder outside and we have one big push until winter break, we are wishing you moments of restoration and community. Please see below for resources around a few of the holidays that are celebrated during this time of the year. Additionally, hear from our student services department about Special Education Day.

-DEI Team

Every month, we will highlight the cultural and identity based celebrations that are celebrated nationally within each month. However, it is important to state that people who hold the identities that we are celebrating should not only be celebrated one month out of the year. We choose to celebrate the diversity of often marginalized groups because their histories and stories historically have been left out. There are many people who hold these identities within our community, students and staff, who deserve to see themselves in the work we do. We move forward with these celebrations encouraging a continuing visibility, representation, and celebration of the groups we highlight.

Celebrate Special Education Day – December 2

On December 2, we recognize Special Education Day, a time to celebrate the progress made in ensuring every student has access to quality education tailored to their unique needs. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, a landmark law guaranteeing students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education.

Why Special Education Matters

Special education is about creating opportunities for all learners to thrive, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive environment where every student’s potential is valued. It reflects our commitment to equity, collaboration, and innovation in meeting the needs of every child.

How You Can Celebrate

• Learn and Advocate: Take time to explore how IDEA continues to shape educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Show Gratitude: Thank the educators, families, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure students with disabilities succeed.
• Promote Inclusion: Highlight ways your school or community fosters an inclusive culture for all students.

Together, We Build a More Inclusive Future

As we celebrate Special Education Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion. Every student deserves a champion, and together, we can create a world where every learner has the tools and support they need to succeed.

Thank you to all the educators, families, and advocates who make a difference every day!

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. Hanukkah is celebrated in several ways. In addition to lighting each day one candle on the menorah, religious rituals can include daily reading of Scripture, recitation of some of the Psalms, almsgiving, and singing of a special hymn. Some nonreligious customs of celebration are eating treats fried in oil (which recalls the miracle of the oil), giving children gifts of money (Hanukkah gelt), and playing a game with a four-sided top called a dreidel.

Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. These principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.

34 juniors and seniors from David Douglas High School and Fir Ridge Campus recently visited Portland State University’s College of Education to participate in an engaging exploration of education as a career pathway. THANK YOU to all of the David Douglas and PSU staff that made this possible! See a summary of their day below:

• All students were able to learn about the PSU undergraduate admissions process and education programs at both the bachelors and masters levels from PSU’s Laura Sequeira and the admissions team.

• Students interested in teaching at the elementary and early childhood education level were able to tour the Remida Center at Helen Gordon Early Childhood Center with Dr. Sally Guyon. They used recycled materials to engage in identity exploration and learn about embedding constructivism into their learning environments.

• Students interested in teaching at the secondary level engaged in a Youth Participatory Science lesson on genetics with Dr. Mindy Chappell and a broader conversation about centering student experience, knowledge, and social justice in their planning and instruction.

• Students interested in teaching music were able to tour Lincoln Hall with Professor Mari Schay, listen to student performances, and chat with music education students about their college experiences.

We are excited to continue supporting these amazing Douglas students on their pathway to college and in exploring education as a career!

If you are or you know a David Douglas student, family, or community member who is interested in pursuing a career in education, please contact Andreina Velasco (andreina_velasco@ddsd40.org), Grow Your Own Pathway Navigator.

On November 18th, the district held a second district wide gathering to hold conversation about racial incidents pertaining to race that have affected our football team/community. During this meeting, district officials talked with the community about steps that have been and will be taken to address our communities concerns.

Gilbert Park Elementary School is in the second year of having both an after school and lunch Student Equity Team. The after school group has been focusing on ways to highlight the diversity of their community. During the second week of November, Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) , Taye Spears, visited the group and did a Q&A about what it's like to in DEI.

On Friday, November 22nd, the annual Indigenous Cultural Night was hosted at the DDHS South Cafeteria. Over 100 participants came together in community to celebrate Native American Heritage month and Indigenous culture.

In recent weeks, we have had the pleasure of collaborating with our student ASB class with Kelsey Stiff's leadership.

This partnership has enabled the Department of Equity to amplify student voices while aligning with ODE’s Civil Rights goal of establishing a transparent process for addressing discrimination complaints. Our students have demonstrated remarkable reflection throughout this process, making it a true delight to work with them.

We are committed to fostering an environment in DDSD where everyone feels welcome and accepted. While we still have some final adjustments to make, we are optimistic about sharing our progress in early January.

At West Powellhurst Elementary counselor, Jonohn Clower, leads students through lessons weekly. Here is a sneak peak into some of the work students did around Native American Heritage Month.Here is a sneak peak into some of the work students did around Native American Heritage Month.

December 8 - Bodhi Day (Buddhist)

December 10 - Human Rights Day (International)

December 16-24 - Las Posadas (Christian/Latin American)

December 21-January 1 - Yule (Pagan)

December 25 - Christmas (Christian)

Are you doing something wonderful in your classroom, building, or in the wider community that has to do with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Are you super proud of an engagement strategy, a lesson, or a community bulletin board that you’ve created? Do you see someone else doing something wonderful and want to shout them out? The equity departments want to hear from you! Every month, we’ll be highlighting a few educators and staff members who are doing wonderful work. We know that there is wonderful work being done out there, and we would love to hear from you and share! To submit something, or invite one of us to your classroom or space, please email gabie_mbenza-ngoma@ddsd40.org.