TSD Inclusive
September 2023
Monthly Celebrations and Recognitions
September 4 – Labor Day
September 6 – Arbaeen
September 11 – National Day of Service and Remembrance
September 15 to October 15 – National Hispanic/ Latinx Heritage Month
September 15 to September 17 – Rosh Hashanah
September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
September 17 – Constitution Day
September 20 – HeForShe (UN Movement started to promote gender equality)
September 22 – Native American Day
September 23 – Autumnal Equinox
September 24 to 25 – Yom Kippur
September 26 to 27 – Mawlid al-Nabi
September 29 to October 6 – Sukkot
September 29 to October 14 – Pitru Paksha
September is also National Recovery Month
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year.” The festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during the months of September or October. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion.
Mexican Independence Day
On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked by a national holiday in Mexico, a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolution's leader, and an array of performances from fireworks to performing arts celebrations.
Native American Day
Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year. Falling on September 22 this year, Native American Day is a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation came into being. After centuries of persecution, not much is left of the tribes and many have integrated into modern society. Those still in touch with their roots, will remember these events and honor their ancestor’s sacrifices. Native American Day is a holiday that hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.
Yom Kippor
Otherwise known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism. The holiday lasts approximately 25 hours and is typically observed with fasting and prayer in alignment with the themes of atonement and repentance. On Yom Kippur, people observing the holiday are asked to abstain from food and drink (among other routines or hobbies).
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Originally observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, then expanding to a month in 1988, Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Hispanic/Latinx community. This year's theme is Prosperity, Power, and Progress; celebrating the significant achievements of the Hispanic community in the economic and political arenas.
Spotlight: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
A great video intro to spotlight this Supreme Court Justice and her contributions to her culture, heritage, and society as a whole. For more Hispanic women taking charge today, check out this list.
CURATED RESOURCES FROM OAKLAND SCHOOLS
Cultivating Belonging through JOY!
"We have been watering some children's futures and not others. Can you imagine if the sun shined only on some of our children and not others?" Gholdy Muhammad provides this as a reflective thought in her book, Unearthing Joy, and it graciously captures the essence of why belonging is important for the success of all learners, for all communities. As we elevate belonging this year as a school district and it becomes baked into our thoughts, our learning and development, and into our practices as professionals and people... let us be reminded that belonging is a verb! Everyone has a space and the right to belong. We should all feel it, press for it, and water it to produce the most joyous outcomes!
- Joy is connected to self-determination and self-empowerment.
- Joy is connected to justice and criticality.
- Joy is present and experienced when learning is collective and collaborative.
- Joy is enacted when young people's voices and truths are centered and shared.
- Joy results from cultivating the mind and heart together.
Tapping into Social Emotional Learning (and Leadership)
As we aim to create a deeper and actionable sense of belonging for OneTroy, we must consider the social and emotional learning needs (SEL) of students. SEL is heavily embedded into our district's Red Pillar priorities, centered around equity and well-being. This month, and all year long, let's remain committed to fostering environments of belonging, by growing our understanding of social and emotional learning, to cultivate compassionate life long learners.
SEL Practices for Returning to School 🏫
Modeling SEL Practices with Staff/Teams
Troy School District JEDI Council: About Us
The work of Educational Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations is a central and embedded focus for the Troy School District. In 2020, this resulted in the introduction of an administrative role at the district level to support district wide initiatives centered around this focus. In the Spring of 2023, the JEDI Council (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) was formulated, as a district level equity team. The core of the council is made up of the district administrator, staff, students, and families.
TASC (TSD Administrator and Staff Council) is currently comprised of building equity leaders (with plans of expansion across the organization).
SEC (Student Equity Council) will be comprised of student leaders and initiatives at both the elementary and secondary levels, with current student leadership representation from TSD High Schools.
FACE (Family and Community Engagement Council) is comprised of families/caregivers within the community vested in the needs of our students’ experiences and advancing/engaging community as a whole.
This council will work collaboratively to drive the district’s mission, vision, and values forward. Our shared commitment is to ensure that all students receive what they need through our collective effort toward equity centered, forward progression.
Elevating Student Voice, Leadership, and Agency in TSD
In August, high school student leaders from the Student Equity Council (SEC) came together for a retreat opportunity to kickoff the school year focused on deep learning, engagement, belonging, and council action planning for 2023-24. SEC spent the latter portion of the 2022-23 school year vision casting and creating a council model. This council consists of a diverse group of students focused in areas such as student agency, outreach/engagement, and mentorship. They look forward to partnering with their peers and school communities at both the secondary and elementary levels on equity driven initiatives.
Want to know more?
JEDI Council involvement opportunities are forthcoming and further inquiry can be expressed by clicking the contact button below!