Cultural Awareness and Recognitions

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month
National Poverty in America Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that poverty remains a persistent and complex challenge affecting millions of individuals and families across the United States. While often misunderstood or overlooked, poverty impacts access to essential needs such as housing, food security, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Raising awareness throughout January helps bring visibility to these challenges and encourages informed conversations about their root causes and long-term solutions.

Click here learn more and download a flier that identifies resources within our community.

January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr Observance calls us to reflect, rejoice, and recommit, to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the transformative power of his vision. In 2026, we gather under the strategic theme: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way. This theme is more than a banner; it’s a blueprint for action. It guides our programming, fuels our outreach, and anchors our commitment to building the Beloved Community; a world where injustice ends, violence is replaced by compassion, and love becomes the prevailing force. We invite you to be part of this journey. Stand with us. Learn with us. Build with us. Let’s unite a nation… boldly, bravely, and the nonviolent way.

MLK Celebrations in Snohomish County

• YMCA of Snohomish County Day of Service - All six YMCA branches in Snohomish County will host local service projects for volunteers of all ages and abilities to give back to the community. The Y says it is dedicated to turning this day into one of action, reflection, and impact. Across the county, the Y will mobilize hundreds of volunteers, bringing together individuals, families, and community partners to give back through the YMCA MLK Day of Service. These meaningful projects are identified and facilitated by Y staff, civic leaders, and passionate community volunteers who share the goal of building stronger, more connected neighborhoods. You can register for these at: https://www.ymca-snoco.org/mlk/
• Greater Everett MLK Community Celebration - The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee’s Greater Everett MLK Community celebration will be held at the First Presbyterian Church – located at 2936 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett – this year on Sunday, January 18, at 4 p.m. This years’ theme is “Building Community: The Dream and the Work” and will feature music, speakers, the MLK Celebration Choir, and Prodigies for Peace Youth Award Winners. On MLK Day proper, Monday, January 19, the celebration continues with a Community March and Rally beginning at the Everett Memorial Stadium (2900 Broadway in Everett) and marches to the Volunteers of America Carl Gibson Center (3025 Lombard Avenue), spanning from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Edmonds College’s MLK Tribute at Lynnwood’s Black Box Theater - Edmonds College hosting a free, family-friendly tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on January 21, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be engaging, inspiring, and a reminder of the importance of taking action to create a more just and equitable society.
• Edmonds Waterfront Center MLK celebration - The Edmonds Waterfront Center will be hosting a MLK Celebration on January 19 from 9:30 AM to noon featuring dancing, games, children’s book readings, youth performances, and arts and crafts. The event is free and located at the Edmonds Waterfront Center at 220 Railroad Avenue in Edmonds.

January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, "Bridging Generations," is a call-to-action. A reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors - it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us. This theme encourages us all to engage actively with the past - to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

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 School Black History Month Lessons and Resources, Grades K-5 (National Education Association)
• 90 Picture Books for 90 Years of Black History Celebration (Association for Library Service to Child)

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 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

Black History Month in February celebrates the theme for 2026: “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This theme marks 100 years since the first organized recognition of Black history began with a foundation laid by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) - and has grown into the annual Black History Month that enriches our schools, communities, and culture today.

This centennial milestone invites us to reflect on the legacy of intentional study, teaching, and celebration of Black history and the profound impact these commemorations have had in shaping understanding, identity, and education across generations. It is a moment to honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Black individuals whose stories and contributions continue to inspire and transform our shared history.

During Black History Month, we honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals and communities. This month is an opportunity for our schools and community to reflect on the countless contributions Black leaders, innovators, artists, educators, and activists have made - and continue to make - toward shaping our society.

We are committed to fostering learning spaces that value diversity, promote equity, and encourage respect for all. As we celebrate Black History Month, we also reaffirm our responsibility to listen, learn, and work together to build a future rooted in justice, understanding, and belonging for every student and family in our community.

Resources: The following links provide resources schools can access to learn and study with students, families, and staff throughout Black History Month.

• Black history month around Puget Sound
• Smithsonian: National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Black History Month Digital Toolkit
• Black History Month for Teachers
• NEA Black History Month Lessons and Resources

February Cultural Awareness and Recognitions

Black History Month
Black History Month this February celebrates the theme for 2026: “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This theme marks 100 years since the first organized recognition of Black history began with a foundation laid by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—and has grown into the annual Black History Month that enriches our schools, communities, and culture today.

This centennial milestone invites us to reflect on the legacy of intentional study, teaching, and celebration of Black history and the profound impact these commemorations have had in shaping understanding, identity, and education across generations. It is a moment to honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Black individuals whose stories and contributions continue to inspire and transform our shared history.

February 2-6 – National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week 2026 focuses on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. The theme this year is School Counselors Amplify Student Success. This highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.

February 11 – International Day of Women and Girls in Science
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a day to raise awareness of the crucial role that women and girls play in the world of science and to remind us how we should have full and equal access and participation for women and girls in science.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11th each year. This date was chosen to honor the birthday of Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of radioactivity and nuclear physics. Marie Curie remains an inspirational figure for women in science.

February 16 – Presidents Day

February 17 – Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year festival celebrates the beginning of a new year in China and other Asian countries and cultures whose calendars follow the cycle of the moon. 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse. 

March Cultural Awareness and Recognitions

March is Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month Theme for 2026 is Leading the Change: "Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month takes place each March to celebrate the inclusion of people with disabilities. The 2026 theme is: "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” This reminds us that people with developmental disabilities have always been, and will continue to be, integral members of our communities. Their presence, contributions, and voices shape our shared past, present, and future.

March 1-7 School Social Worker Week
This week, we proudly recognize National School Social Work Week 2026 and the theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact.”

School social workers serve as the vital link between home, school, and community. They advocate for students, remove barriers to learning, and support children and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.They are often the voices of the unheard, working tirelessly behind the scenes to address and remove barriers that others may never know exist.

Snohomish School District currently has three licensed social workers serving at our secondary schools providing direct and district-level support. We are incredibly thankful for their compassion, expertise, and advocacy which make a difference every single day.

March 2 – Read Across America Day

March 8 – International Women’s Day
International Women's Day is a worldwide celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day also serves as a mass movement for greater gender equality.

International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated on March 8, 1911 and has been acknowledged every year since. This day inspires girls and women from all walks of life to be their best selves and change the world. It shows them that their gender is not a barrier to their dreams, a message not many hear often enough.

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is marked every year on March 21, to create awareness about Down Syndrome. The date for World Down Syndrome Day, the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is the cause of Down syndrome.  On this day, activities and events are organized throughout the world to raise public awareness and create a global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

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. 

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

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 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: 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: 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.

• Filipino American History Month
• German American Heritage Month
• Italian American Heritage Month
• LGBTQ History Month
• National Disability Awareness Month
• Polish American Heritage Month

November Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is also referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of our First Peoples. In the U.S. there are 567 Federally recognized tribal nations and Alaskan Native villages.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities, with a particular focus on the tribes of Washington state. This month, we encourage our community to engage with local events, resources, and literature to better understand and appreciate the Native cultures that have shaped our region. Washington state is home to a diverse array of Indigenous tribes, each with a unique cultural legacy. In the Puget Sound area, some prominent tribes include:

• Puyallup Tribe – Known for their significant environmental conservation efforts, including fisheries restoration.
• Tulalip Tribes – Located in Snohomish County, the Tulalip Tribes operate the Hibulb Cultural Center, which offers exhibits on tribal history and traditions.
• Duwamish Tribe – Named after Chief Seattle, this tribe’s historical influence is deeply woven into the Seattle area.
• Nisqually Tribe – Advocated for fishing rights and environmental preservation, led by Billy Frank Jr., whose contributions are celebrated with a statue in the U.S. Capitol Statuary Hall.

Where to learn more:

• Native Land Digital (native-land.ca) – This online tool allows you to enter your location and discover the Indigenous territories you reside on.
• Hibulb Cultural Center (Tulalip, WA) – Offers extensive exhibits on local Native history, artifacts, and cultural programming. The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve mission is to “Revive, restore, protect, interpret, collect and enhance the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott.”
• Burke Museum (Seattle, WA) – Known for its collections on Native art, archeology, and history, the museum provides insight into the lives of Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest.

This month is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Indigenous communities who have shaped our region and to honor their legacies. We invite you to attend local events and join us in recognizing Native American Heritage Month.

Learn more about Skykomish Valley Indian Education (SVIE) by clicking here. 

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has resources available for teachers and people who want to learn about Native history and cultures.

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

December 2 -  National Special Education Day – People with Disabilities Day
Special Education Day is celebrated on December 2 to commemorate the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law on this day in 1975 (IDEA). IDEA granted access to children with special needs to free and quality public education. The act has been revised several times and is the foundation for special education in the U.S. We  pledge to provide access to quality education for  students with special needs.

December 2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, started in 1949 and focuses on eliminating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labor, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

The United Nations has an excellent library of articles and videos about international trafficking, exploitation and child labor.

December 7 -Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Each year on December 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.

On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on December 7. To see videos of these events, please see the links below. https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm

December 8-14 - Computer Science Education Week
Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.