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.

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

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."

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

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: 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.

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: 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.