Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- January Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- MLK Jr. and Black History Month
- February Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- March Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- April Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- May Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- June Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- Juneteenth
- September Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- October Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- November Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
- December Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
January Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
January is Poverty Awareness Month. It was first recognized in 2009 yet remains a topic which is sometimes overlooked. According to the 2020 Census Report, approximately 10% of households in the United States live at or below the poverty line. In Snohomish County, the numbers are similar. On average, one out of every 10 households is directly impacted by poverty.
Poverty is generally defined as a condition where the income for an individual or family fails to provide for all their basic needs. Inability to provide for basic needs can include homelessness, food insecurity, inadequate clothing and resources for inclement weather, and lack of access to transportation. Causes and impacts of poverty are complex and can include stress, anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and sense of not belonging. Addressing poverty requires awareness, conversation, and collective action to ensure efforts are initiated and maintained to support the needs of our community.
In our efforts to improve awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Snohomish School District collaborates with community partners to improve communication around resources for our families.
Click here to download a flier that identifies resources within our community.
MLK Jr. and Black History Month
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month in February, below are instructional resources and lessons that may be helpful in the classroom. There is no expectation that teachers use these resources in particular. Selection of lessons and resources is a professional decision. The below resources aim to address the political, social and economic realities of Black life in America, the Civil Rights struggles – and equally, if not more, important – the achievements and cultural contributions of Black Americans that enable our society to transcend the bounds of racism.
Elementary School
Elementary or Middle School
MLK Jr. and Black History Month- Culture & Change: Black History in America (Scholastic)
Middle School
MLK Jr. and Black History Month Lessons and Resources, Grades 6-8 (National Education Association)
Middle or High School
From Selma to Montgomery: An Introduction to the 1965 Marches (PBS)
Great Books for Social Studies (Great Books Foundation)
How the Civil Rights Movement Embodied a Time of Change (PBS)
The Goals of the March on Washington- Lesson Plan (PBS)
High School
MLK Jr. and Black History Month Lessons and Resources, Grades 9-12 (National Education Association)
Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" Speech as a Work of Literature (PBS)
Other
African American History (The Kennedy Center)
African American History Month (Library of Congress)
EDSITEment's Guide to African American History and Culture
Yolanda Evans and Adolescent Health- UW School of Public Health
Star Power (Michael Anderson '81)- University of Washington Magazine
The African-American Mosiac- A Library of Congress Resource Guide
February Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
February Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Black History Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join with us this month as we acknowledge Black History Month.
Black History Month origins date back more than 100 years. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915, originally designated the second week of February as a time for researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
By the late 1960s, the week had evolved into a month on many college campuses. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon the public to honor the often-over-looked contributions of Black Americans to American history. Since 1928, the ASALH has selected a theme for each year. The theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance”
March Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
March Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Women’s History Month, Gender Equality Month, Irish-American Heritage Month, and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join us this March as we acknowledge Women’s History, Gender Equality, Irish-American Heritage and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. As a reminder, though these months may be designated as times for specific recognitions, we encourage honor and recognition of our culture and diversity throughout the year.
Women’s History Month began as a national recognition in 1982 as “Women’s History Week”. The recognition grew from a weeklong celebration started by a school district in Sonoma, California. In 1987, after a petition from the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month. Each year, the President delivers a proclamation celebrating the contributions women have made over the course of American history.
Check out this link for more information and specific topics related to the contributions of women in our history.
In addition, March is recognized by the United Nations as Gender Equality Month, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8. One of the goals of the United Nations is to empower women and girls while also ensuring their equal rights. As we continue our growth and learning in cultural awareness and honoring diversity, please visit this page from OSPI to read more about gender-inclusive schools. March 31 is the International Transgender Day of Visibility. The day is meant to celebrate accomplishments as well as bring attention to discrimination against people who are transgender or gender non conforming.
During March, we also celebrate and recognize the contributions of Irish-Americans. The timing was originally selected to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish national holiday celebrated on March 17.
According to history.com, the first celebration of St. Patrick on the American continent happened as early as 1600 in St. Augustine, Florida. Some of the traditions associated with the holiday are American in origin. In Ireland, ham and cabbage were consumed during celebrations, while corned beef which was a less expensive substitute became a staple of Irish Americans living in slums in lower Manhattan.
March is also a time designated for awareness around developmental disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six or approximately 17% of children have one or more developmental disabilities. These include ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disability, vision impairment, and others. Developmental disabilities occur across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and are not always clearly visible. For more information on developmental disabilities, please check out this link.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
April Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
April Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Arab American Heritage Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Month of the Military Child, National Volunteer Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join us this April as we acknowledge Arab American Heritage Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Month of the Military Child, and National Volunteer Month. As a reminder, though these months may be designated as times for specific recognitions, we encourage honor and recognition of our culture and diversity throughout the year.
Arab American Heritage Month was first nationally recognized in 2021. Estimates are that 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots and, in the Snohomish School District Arabic is the ninth most spoken language. The recognition coincides with Ramadan (March 10-April 9), a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. During this time, Muslims around the world will fast from dawn to sunset as part of their spiritual practices.
Autism Acceptance Month is also recognized in April. The first national recognition occurred in 1972 with Autistic Children’s Week. Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, expressed the following about moving from awareness to acceptance: “While we will always work to spread awareness, words matter as we strive for autistic individuals to live fully in all areas of life. As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system." This year also marks the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
The Month of the Military Child was first recognized in April 1986 as a time to acknowledge children for their selflessness and sacrifice as they serve our country as part of a military family. According to Military One Source, the theme for 2024 is “Military Child: Brave, Fearless, and Resilient." The Military Child Education Coalition provides information and resources for children, parents, and educators to support children in military families.
National Volunteer Month and Global Volunteer Month are dedicated to honoring the importance of volunteers and their contribution to service. Beginning as National Volunteer Week in 1974, participation and activities continue to grow exponentially each year. This year, the week is being held April 21-27.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome". ~ Arthur Chan
May Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
May Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join us this May as we acknowledge Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Speech and Hearing Awareness Month. As a reminder, though these months may be designated as times for specific recognition, we encourage honor and recognition of our culture and diversity throughout the year.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was first nationally recognized in 1992. In June of 1978, a resolution was proposed to proclaim a week including the 7th and 10th of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. The timeframe was selected to honor the first Japanese immigration to the United States on May 7, 1843 and the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the railroad tracks were laid by Chinese immigrants. Asian/Pacific encompasses all the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
Haitian Heritage Month is an opportunity for individuals to celebrate the culture and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism.
Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated since 2006 after an initial proclamation from President George W. Bush. The announcement was the crowning achievement in an effort by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders that resulted in resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania urged the president to proclaim a month that would recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month was founded in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual event serves to raise awareness about hearing problems and communication disorders.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
June Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
June Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: National Caribbean American Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Please join us this June as we acknowledge Caribbean American Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Although these months may be designated as times for specific recognition, we encourage honor and recognition of our culture and diversity throughout the year.
National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM) was first recognized in 2006 by Presidential Proclamation. The observation serves to promote the culture, heritage, and contributions of the Caribbean people to the United States of America. Some notable figures of Caribbean heritage in our history include Alexander Hamilton, Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte, and Sidney Poitier.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride is observed during June in recognition of the Stonewall Uprising which occurred in 1969. The first Pride march was held in 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the uprising where thousands of people gathered to protest and raise awareness around hostility and discrimination. During the month of June, memorials are also held for those lost to hate crimes and recognition is given to LGBTQ+ individuals who have had an impact on history.
Please consider the following statistics provided by one of our student organizations: It is important to acknowledge and celebrate Pride Month because of all the challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces. LGBTQ+ youth, especially youth of color and transgender youth, are an especially vulnerable part of our community. According to The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021, 42% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year and 75% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that they had experienced discrimination based on their LGBTQ+ identity at least once in their lifetime.
While LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress and the strength of the LGBTQ+ community, it is also a great opportunity for reflection on how we can better support and uplift our LGBTQ+ staff and students.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth FAQ (Britannica.com)
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
Origin of Juneteenth
Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas, on June 19, 1866. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued. The holiday was originally celebrated with prayer meetings and by singing spirituals and wearing new clothes to represent newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans were celebrating Juneteenth in other states, making it an annual tradition.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States. Legislation establishing the holiday was passed on June 16, 2021, and signed into law the following day. Juneteenth had previously been established as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, with a number of other states later declaring it a state holiday or day of observance.
How is Juneteenth celebrated/observed?
Juneteenth celebrations in the United States typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with food, music, and dancing. The day is also celebrated outside the United States and is used to recognize the end of slavery as well as to celebrate African American culture and achievements.
How did the civil rights movement affect Juneteenth celebrations?
Juneteenth celebrations in the United States declined in the 1960s, overshadowed by the civil rights movement. However, the holiday began to regain its importance in 1968 when the Poor People’s Campaign, originally led by Martin Luther King, Jr., held a Juneteenth Solidarity Day. Interest in Juneteenth continued to increase in the following decades, and the first state-sponsored Juneteenth celebration was held in Texas in 1980.
Resources and helpful links
- Elementary links
- Grades 9-12 - www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/texts/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july
- Grades 9-1 - www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
- www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2021/06/lesson-plan-history-of-juneteenth-and-why-its-set-to-become-a-national-holiday/
- www.hmhco.com/blog/juneteenth-activity-lesson-plan
- https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/juneteenth_national_freedom_day_free_lesson_plan.pdf
September Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
September Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Hispanic Heritage Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Deaf Awareness Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity while also working to identify and navigate potential barriers to student growth and learning. Please join us as we acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Deaf Awareness Month.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The time period coincides with national independence day of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Similarly, Mexico celebrates on the 16th, Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st.
While Hispanic is a term commonly used, there are others ways people may communicate their cultural identity. Chicano, Latin, and identification based on country of origin have been ways some people choose to identify themselves. One way to navigate this is to engage in conversation and ask, when appropriate.
Educational equity acknowledges needs to navigate barriers to learning. Physical health concerns can impact the ability of a student to engage in learning as well as a family’s ability to support.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. The time is meant to both honor and remember children lost to childhood cancer and promote advocacy efforts. In the United States, one in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday.
Deaf Awareness Month is also recognized each September. Estimates indicate that nearly 10,000,000 Americans are hard of hearing and close to 1,000,000 are functionally deaf. More than half of all persons with hearing loss or deafness are 65 years or older and less than 4% are under 18 years of age. Overall in the United States, 3.5% of people are deaf or hard of hearing. The purpose of Deaf Awareness Month is to increase public awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture. The week focuses on promoting the positive aspects of deafness, encouraging social inclusion, and raising awareness of the organizations locally, nationally and globally that support those who are deaf.
Although specific months may be designated as times for recognition, we encourage awareness of our cultural diversity and potential barriers to access throughout the year.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
October Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
October Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Global Diversity Awareness Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Recognizing diversity facilitates our collective ability to support each and every student and family regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, cognitive ability, background, personality, and more. Diversity presents the opportunity for critical thinking to occur through exposure to different viewpoints, life experiences, and beliefs allowing us to explore and examine our world. Check out this article communicating the benefits of inclusion and diversity in the classroom.
According to census.gov, the U.S. Census Bureau was one of the first government agencies to hire men and women of many ethnicities. The diversity in staff provided the agency with local knowledge, language skills and cultural understanding to engage with various community groups. The census website also provides a diversity index which tells us the chance that two people chosen at random will be from diverse ethnic groups. The numbers range from 2.2% in Puerto Rico to 76% in Hawaii.
With October being Global Diversity Awareness Month, several groups are recognized during this time. Please see the list and links below:
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome." ~ Arthur Chan
November Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
November Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Native American Heritage Month
In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Recognizing diversity facilitates our collective ability to support each and every student and family regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, cognitive ability, background, personality, and more.
Diversity presents the opportunity for critical thinking to occur through exposure to different viewpoints, life experiences, and beliefs allowing us to explore and examine our world. Check out this article communicating the benefits of inclusion and diversity in the classroom.
Native American Heritage Month was first recognized in 1990 after approval of a resolution by President George H. W. Bush. Since then proclamations have been made each November under various names including National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
Skykomish Valley Indian Education (SVIE) is a federally funded program serving Native students in the Snohomish, Monroe, and Sultan school districts who are enrolled tribal members or have a parent/guardian or grandparent who is or was an enrolled tribal member. SVIE coordinates programs throughout the year for the entire community, such as its holiday make and take, pow wow and activities at the longhouse during fair time. In the past, these culture nights have been held to strengthen ties in our Native community and enroll new families.
Learn more about SVIE by clicking here.
For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.
"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome". ~ Arthur Chan
December Cultural Awareness and Recognitions
As with most other months, there are daily observances which have been identified. One of these is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. According to un.org, disability is a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual of their group. Referred to as “the world’s largest minority,” persons with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities.
As we wrap up the calendar year, take this time to reflect on what it means to recognize, honor, and celebrate culture. Each of us, even within our own cultural identities have a multitude of beliefs, values, and passions. I use the term cultural identities because though we may be identified on the surface by our ethnicity, which is what often comes to mind when we hear culture, our identity is also our age, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, thinking style, political ideology, education level, geographic location, socioeconomic status, and others.
As we enter this holiday season, please be mindful of what this time of year can mean for the people in our lives. For some, it is a time of comfort and joy celebrated with friends, family, and loved ones. For others, it is a time of discomfort and stress related to past or present experiences due to family hardship or media and social pressures connected to holiday spending. For more information, please check out this link about holiday stress and the brain.
In addition, during this time of year, families may experience a greater need for support and resources.
- More than 1 billion people in the world have some form of disability.
- More than 100 million disabled persons are children.
- Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled children.
- 50% of disabled persons cannot afford health care.
- Please review and share the following link for resources in our area - Snohomish Community Resources (Recursos del Comunidad Snohomish)Employee Assistance Program
- Snohomish County Children’s Wellness Coalition website