"There's a million things I haven't done, but just you wait." ~ Alexander Hamilton

Congratulations to all of our FPS graduates and students who have advanced throughout our K-12 system. We know that for you, the best is yet to come.

Generations of immigrants have settled in the United States from every corner of the globe and built up our nation's economy; and, immigrants continue to grow businesses, offer innovative ideas, and create jobs in Michigan; and, immigrants have provided Michigan and the United States with unique social and cultural influence, launchmichigan.gov.

No matter where you're from, or how you came here, we stand with you! Join I Stand With Immigrants as we celebrate the power of immigrants across the country.

launchiamanimmigrant.com

America is the only country in the world with a heart and soul that draws from old and new. We are home to people whose ancestors have been here for thousands of years and home to people from every place on Earth. Some people came freely, some came chained by force, some came when famine...aunchwhitehouse.gov.

We are honored to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, marking the effective end of slavery in the United States. This day, known as Juneteenth, is a profound reminder of the struggles and triumphs in the long journey towards freedom and equality.

WHY JUNETEENTH MATTERS

Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It is a day to honor the African American experience and recognize the contributions of the Black community to our nation's history, culture, and progress.

“As We Learn We Grow” To further understanding and awareness of Juneteenth and its significance, we recommend exploring the following resources:

Juneteenth is an often overlooked event in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

launchnmaahc.si.edu

Congress has moved to establish a new national holiday, this time for Juneteenth. It's the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

launchabcnews.go.com

As we recognize Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to building and maintaining a sense of belonging for all members of our school and local community. Belonging is not just a principle; it is an active practice that we strive to embed in every aspect of our district and community.

In Farmington Public Schools our commitment to inclusion and equity is rooted in fundamental principles that recognize every student's right to a safe, supportive, and brave educational space. We believe that when students feel safe and respected, they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

For additional information and resource in building safe and brave spaces for all students, please visit the links the below:

U.S. Department of Education Title IX Regulations

Title IX Regulations Fact Sheet

The Trevor Project

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)

Teaching Tolerance - An Inclusive Guide for School Leaders

• How to Explain Pride Month to your child

• What it Means to Be an LGBTQ+Ally-And How to Raise One

• It's Your Duty to Support Your LGBTW+ Child's Mental Health, Here's How

• 30 Great LGBTQIA+Books for Kids and Teen

• Stonewall Award Winning Books

• Making School a Safe Place for LGBTQ Students

June is also National Caribbean American Heritage Month which recognizes the history and culture of Caribbean Americans in the United States. During this time, Caribbean Americans or individuals with Caribbean American heritage will come together to celebrate their history through a variety of activities including traditional meals, festivals, concerts, dancing, parades, etc.

Street scene in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 1919 (National Archives Identifier 45545527) Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean American people and their contribution to the United States of America.

launcharchives.gov

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.