In this space you will find resources, ideas, and places for your contributions.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Detroit Historical Society, Michigan History Day

• Detroit Institute of Arts, Women's History Month Educator Workshop

• The Wright Museum, Women's History Month and other events

Bella Abzug

A formidable leader of the women’s movement, Bella Abzug fought to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and other vital legislation for the rights of women. During her three terms in Congress, she advocated for groundbreaking bills including the Equal Rights Amendment and crucial support of Title IX.

Barbara Myerhoff

Myerhoff was a renowned scholar, heading the University of Southern California's anthropology department in Los Angeles where she lived and raised her family. A creative and extremely popular professor, she urged her students to use the tools of anthropology to question and better understand their own lives and the lives of others. But Myerhoff's influence also reached far beyond academia, and she touched a broad audience with her books and films.

In the year 2000, a group of eager, dedicated dancers at Harrison High School came together to establish their very own dance company. Unbeknownst to them, the “Harrison Dance Company” would soon become a bridge between high school and college dance, and serve as a segue to making their own lives as dancers.

From the start, Harrison Dance Company (HDC) has been a way for young dancers to learn and grow in their skills. Each year, members make their way through numerous festivals at the local, state, and national levels. They also attend lively concerts in a variety of styles and locations in order to expand their knowledge of dance. In addition to these experiences, dancers are also exposed to guest choreographers, invited from numerous companies and locations which include Alvin Ailey Dance Company and Visceral Dance Company. It’s rarely easy, as the choreographers are often used to working with professional companies, making their levels of rigor extremely high. When not learning outside choreography, students with more seniority have the chance to create their own pieces, if they so choose. Most often, this serves as a unique way to express creativity, and each dance created is proudly showcased at semi-annual Showcase Concerts.

In addition to dance experiences, HDC offers a plethora of scholarship opportunities, in places such as the National High School Dance Festival. Dancers spend a week in Pittsburgh attending classes, auditioning for scholarships/summer intensive programs, and, if selected, performing in a series of concerts. This year, two of their pieces were selected to perform in the concerts, a high honor. Furthermore, dancers can earn community service hours via these various performance opportunities. Service hours can easily go towards the National Honor Society, or their very own Charter for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Dancers are inducted during their junior year, earning their own graduation cord when they become seniors. The opportunities granted by this program remain boundless. Throughout its 23 years, Harrison Dance Company has changed the face of dance in Farmington Public Schools. The endless teamwork, discipline, and drive has created a community unlike any other; one that strives for tradition and excellence.

As we approach the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, we want to be understanding of Muslim students within our district who may need accommodations during this time. For Muslims around the world Ramadan is a time of worship, study, prayer and fasting. During this fast, Muslims who are able, do not eat or drink during daylight hours for the entire month of Ramadan. While younger children are not required to fast, many will fast for all or part of the day.

Ramadan culminates with a holiday called Eid al-Fitr. This celebration can involve praying, visiting friends and relatives, exchanging gifts, sharing food, remembering deceased loved ones and helping those experiencing poverty. While students will be in attendance during Ramadan, it is likely that most will be absent in observance of Eid-al-Fitr.

Because Ramadan is observed based on the lunar calendar, it is not celebrated at the same time each year and some families may have observances that differ by a day or two.

Ramadan 2023 in the U.S. will begin at sundown on March 22, with Eid-al-Fitr occurring on April 21 or 22.

It is important that we support all of our students who fast by:

• Leveraging relationships with students and families by reaching out to them, especially if you notice the student is struggling academically or physically during this time.

• Being cognizant that students may be up late at night or early in the morning, specifically during the last 10 days.

• Refraining from planning food-related activities so that all students can partake in these events together.

• Showing grace with deadlines.

• Demonstrating empathy when planning lessons, school activities, sports and other physical activities, and/or various school events.

• Providing a place for students to go that is away from others who are eating and drinking during lunchtime.

• Being mindful that students may be absent on April 21 or 22.

• Understanding and educating ourselves.

READ ACROSS AMERICA AND DR. SEUSS

Read Across America, Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. Celebrated on March 2nd, this program focuses on “motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone” (NEA, 2021). In past years, March 2nd was known as a day to celebrate Dr. Seuss, and the NEA partnered with Seuss Enterprises; however, since 2018, the NEA found it imperative to “recognize the need to work with more diverse arrays of organizations and publishers” allowing students read books that served as windows and mirrors, promoting inclusivity and equity in literacy. The NEA has shifted its focus from celebrating this day as Dr. Seuss Day to a more inclusive approach. If you are planning to celebrate Read Across America Day, below is a list of recommended texts and activities/ideas on the NEA 2023 Calendar.

• How do you uplift women's voices in March and beyond?

• How do you teach the intersections of various identities in Women's History Month? Ex: LGBTQ+ Women, Latine' Women, Black Women, Indigenous Women, Asian Women, Women with (Dis)abilities, Neurodiverse Women, etc?

• When teaching Women's History, where do you begin? Do you begin with joy or struggle? Why might this be important to think about?

• What more do you need to learn about Women's History? Where can you find out more?

Resources:

SIOP Virtual & Blended Workshop Series (5 Trainings)

Foundations of Restorative Practices for Educators (March 15 and April 4)

Training of Trainers Restorative Practices for Administrators and Mental Health Professionals (June 20-22)

Building An Inclusive Classroom Library (Elementary Educators), April 12 - May 17

Farmington Public Schools shall not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status in any of its programs, services, activities or employment. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 32500 Shiawassee, Farmington, MI 48336.