Welcome to the 2024 IDEA Newsletter where you will find a place of belonging, inspiration, education, and contribution.

Black History Month - Black History Month is celebrated in February in both the United States and Canada, initiated by Carter G. Woodson through the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This tradition began in 1926 with the creation of Negro History Week, which later expanded into a month-long observance. Since 1976, February has been officially designated by the federal government to honor and commemorate the significant contributions made by individuals of the African diaspora.

Heart Health Month – Dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and promoting strategies for a healthy heart. Throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use. Educational campaigns and events aim to empower people with knowledge about heart disease prevention and management, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely interventions.

Oakland Schools is proud to host Don Tate, award-winning author/illustrator. The first 500 Oakland County households to register will receive a FREE copy of Jerry Changed the Game.

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUs-v1kqiJfpe9dMe3UseN58yBOZqh1y-DMEA_RVxxzMTm-w/viewform

In honor of Black History Month, each week in February, MDE is releasing a calendar of lessons and resources submitted by educators for educators. There is a new lesson for each school day of the week. Additionally, there is a description or summary of the lesson, the name of the educator who submitted the lesson or resource, the educator’s organization, and a personal why for teaching Black history, along with the educator’s recommendation for instructional grade levels, the content areas, and the standards to which the lesson aligns. MDE appreciates all the educators who contributed to this year’s calendar in support of teaching comprehensive history and engaging students.

Click below for additional links in the MDE Calendar of lessons and resources:

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Memos/2024/02/Black-History-Month.pdf?rev=cde3b0e401904229b7b4d819142ffdef

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The nationally recognized cultural gem hosts several opportunities to celebrate the rich legacy of African Americans. Including:

• Second Sundays at the Wright: FREE Admissions to all exhibits, special programming, and events EVERY 2nd Sunday

• Book Talk and Celebration for Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's release of Barracoon a reimagining of Zora Neal Hurston's novel adapted for young readers (2/1)
  
  
• Sunday Films-a series uncovering stories of courage and resilience (2/4. 2/18, 2/25)
  
  
• The Wright Conversations: Benjamin Crump, renowned civil rights attorney will address critical topics to inspire civic engagement. (2/15)

View the Museum Program page, here: https://www.thewright.org/programs

World Cancer Day is an international global initiative designed to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment, and inspire actions to reduce the impact of cancer worldwide. World Cancer Day aims to unite people, communities, and governments in the fight against cancer. It provides an opportunity to educate individuals about the signs and symptoms of cancer, promote early detection and prevention measures, and advocate for improved access to cancer care and treatment. The day also serves as a platform for organizations, governments, and individuals to collaborate in raising funds for cancer research, treatment facilities, and support services for cancer patients and survivors.

ACS CAN Michigan prides itself on our amazing cancer advocates. They work to fight cancer at the state capitol and hold our representatives in Washington, D.C. accountable. Our cancer advocates believe access to health care and preventing youth from becoming regular tobacco users are important issues to all of us! Won’t you join us?

The Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC) is a statewide partnership of public and private organizations that collaborate to reduce the human and economic burden of cancer among the residents of Michigan.

Karmanos Cancer Institute offers a variety of educational classes, support groups, integrative therapy classes, screenings, seminars and other special events to benefit you and your loved ones.

The Lunar New Year holds great cultural and spiritual significance, marking a momentous occasion for millions across East Asia and beyond. As a celebration deeply rooted in tradition, it signifies the transition from winter to spring, embodying themes of renewal and fresh beginnings. At its core, the festival emphasizes the importance of family, fostering reunions and shared meals that strengthen bonds. Rich in symbolic customs and rituals, such as the exchange of red envelopes for good luck, the festival also showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of diverse communities through traditional clothing, music, and dance. The significance of the Lunar New Year extends beyond the familial realm, reaching into the spiritual as people engage in prayers and temple visits, seeking blessings and good fortune for the upcoming year. Overall, this joyous celebration serves as a unifying force, connecting generations and fostering a collective sense of hope, optimism, and cultural pride.

For more information, please contact Gregory Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

for Farmington Public Schools at gregory.smith@fpsk12.net

The government has made legal provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, natural origin, sex, age, or disability. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, the Farmington Public Schools District has appointed Mr. Christopher O’Brien as Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504 and Mr. Greg Smith as Coordinator of Title VI, the Age Discrimination Act, and Title II. Inquiries concerning the application of, or grievances for, any of these regulations should be addressed to: christopher.obrien@fpsk12.net or gregory.smith@fpsk12.net.