In August 2023, 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. This council consists of a diverse group of students focused in areas such as student agency, outreach, advocacy, and mentorship. As they wrap up their first successful full academic year as a council, they invite peers to join them on this leadership journey!
The Zekelman Holocaust Center
"Founded in 1984, The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) first opened its doors on the campus of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield as the Holocaust Memorial Center and relocated to the current award-winning building in 2004. The HC houses not only our core museum exhibits, but an extensive research library, archives, and a gallery for special art and history exhibits.
Each year, we reach more than 100,000 people through our teacher trainings, virtual museum experiences, virtual programs, and in-person visits to the museum. As the Center continues to grow, so have our educational outreach efforts. To aid teachers in meeting the Holocaust education mandate of Michigan Public Act 170, our teacher trainings now reach schools in nearly every county. In addition, we continue to develop new relationships with school districts and virtual schools, understanding their needs so that every student in the state has equitable access to Holocaust education.
Today, not only is there a rise in antisemitism, there is a decline in living testimony as we are approaching a time when Holocaust survivors will no longer be with us. The Holocaust Center’s content focuses on Holocaust victims’ and survivors’ personal stories to help our visitors understand how the Holocaust could have happened.
We invite each of you to visit and hope through your experience you gain tools to stand up to hatred, antisemitism, and genocide. Together, we envision creating a more tolerant and empathetic society."
In May, we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing (NSLH) Month. Communication plays a vital role in our lives, whether we speak, use sign language, or rely on devices like hearing aids or AAC devices. NSLH Month, held in May (and again in October for Audiology Awareness Month), is a time to explore the wide range of options and technology available for effective communication.
Originally called Better Hearing and Speech Month, this month-long observance was established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 1972. It traces its roots back to National Hearing Week in 1927, organized by the Federation of Organizations for the Hard of Hearing. Over time, it evolved into Better Hearing Month in 1958, and finally became Better Hearing and Speech Month in 1972. Just last year, ASHA renamed it National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, reflecting a more inclusive approach to all forms of communication.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
4th Grade: Breaking The Silence: Asian American History in Michigan
This critical inquiry leads students through an exploration of Asian Americans’ experiences in Michigan by investigating the compelling question, How do Asian Americans contribute to my state? Elementary students focus on the stories of struggle, strength, and successes of past and present Asian Americans. The supporting questions guide students to investigate what brought Asian Americans to our state, examine Asian American contributions, explore historical acts of resilience, and consider contemporary challenges faced by Asian Americans. In answering the compelling question and taking informed action, students are challenged to make the history and contributions of diverse groups of Asian Americans more visible. This C3 Inquiry Lesson was developed by Dr. Linda Doornbos, Professor of Education at Oakland University.
No No Boy by John Okada
John Okada's 'No-No Boy' captures the deep conflicts faced by Japanese Americans following World War II. The novel follows Ichiro Yamada, a young man who returns to Seattle after two years in prison for refusing the draft. Struggling with his identity in a divided community and a changed America, Ichiro experiences rejection from both his country and his community. Okada's powerful narrative explores themes of loyalty, belonging, and healing, making it a seminal work in Asian American literature and a profound story for understanding historical injustices and the quest for reconciliation.
Systems of Inequity Series - Oakland Schools
Engage in ways to "collaborate towards a more equitable and empowering educational landscape."
Register HERE
Leading to Liberate Spring Conference
It's almost time for our Tri-County Culturally Responsive Leadership Spring Conference: Leading to Liberate. Join us as we explore how we can create more humane, joyful and successful learning environments for students and educators alike. This is a free in-person event! Register HERE