TSD Inclusive
November 2023
🍂 Hello Fall 🍁
"The world is a fine place and worth fighting for."
~Earnest Hemingway in Unearthing Joy~
Celebrations and Recognitions
Why is this Important?
The Troy School District is comprised of a very diverse and culturally rich community. Elevating celebrations and recognitions not only provides a space where the diversity of our community can be both seen and felt, but also provides an opportunity to learn more deeply about one another, and the world around us. Furthermore, it honors humanity and our need to be culturally responsive within our educational system especially. There are holidays and recognitions for virtually every part of the world, including religious/faith based observances. These multicultural calendar insights and newsletter highlights are important because they represent the whole of OneTroy, the humanity of OneTroy and of people across the globe. You are the steward of your learning. For humanity, you are encouraged to read on, digest for greater understanding, and even pass along to spread awareness.
MONTHLY
National Native American Heritage Month: This month calls attention to and celebrates the contributions cultures, traditions, histories of Native/indigenous people to the United States
Movember: A month-long fundraiser that seeks to support and raise awareness for men’s issues for matters such as suicide or prostate cancer
Child Safety and Prevention Month: Bringing awareness of potential dangers that children may face and providing educational tools for prevention.
Prematurity Awareness Month: Bringing focus and attention to the impact premature birth has on babies and families and ways to foster support.
National Child Mental Health Month: A designated time to focus on the mental health and social, emotional needs of youths.
National Diabetes Awareness Month: The 2023 theme is “Take Charge of Tomorrow: Preventing Diabetes Health Problems.” This is a time to educate, raise awareness, provide support, and take action for prevention.
National Education/ Scholarship Month: Established by America’s Charities in 1998, this time recognizes the contributors within the scholarship arena and encourages individuals to help improve educational opportunities/educational achievement around the world.
National Epilepsy Awareness Month: To raise awareness and understanding about epilepsy and to generate advocacy for those directly and indirectly impacted. Additionally, to improve and save lives through adequate care opportunities and public education.
National Family Caregivers Month: A month-long observance to honor, support, and elevate caregivers through awareness around caregiving issues and educating communities.
National Family Literacy Month: an opportunity for families to learn and read together and to celebrate the dedicated work of literacy programs and educators.
WEEKLY
November 1-7 – World Communication Week: a celebration of the diversity in communication styles that we all bring to humanity. It elevates both verbal and non-verbal communication as well.
November 12-18 – World Kindness Week: with world kindness day embedded on November 13, this week serves as a reminder to spread and perform intentional acts kindness, fostering a culture of generosity.
November 13-17 – American Education Week: a week that honors the dedication and hard work of educators and educational support professionals.
November 19-25 – International Restorative Justice Week: a week elevated to highlight – and bring awareness to – the significance of access to restorative practices and approaches to address harm.
DAILY
November 1-2 – All Saints’ Day, All Souls Day, Día de Los Muertos: days dedicated to all those who have passed away in the Christian faith and Mexican and Aztec communities
November 1 – Autistic Speaking Day, a day of recognition of the inclusivity and diversity of our world for individuals with autism. This is a day where individuals can tell their stories in various and meaningful ways.
November 1 – International Stress Awareness Day , a day highlighting the ways that stress can affect people and offering ways of managing and prevention
November 9 – World Freedom Day, a day which is earmarked to recognize the end of the cold war and the beginning of a “new era” of freedom. This is a day of acknowledging the significance of freedom and human rights.
November 9 – World Adoption Day, a day for individuals to share their stories, symbolizing hope, and support for adoption.
November 11 – Veteran’s Day, observance which honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces through gratitude and (for some) also remembrance.
November 12 – Diwali: a five-day, festival of lights observance in the Hindu, Sikh, Jain faith which celebrates the triumph of light over dark (good over evil), enlightenment, freedom, and blessings
November 16 – International Day for Tolerance: The United Nations founded and observed founded to encourage respect, acceptance, and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, languages, religions, and ethnicities
November 16 – Dutch American Heritage Day: a day that applauds the friendship and community building between the Netherlands and the United States
November 19 – International Men’s Day: a day uplifting the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and their respective communities
November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance: a day of remembrance for the lives lost because of transphobia
November 20 – World Children’s Day, a day celebrated annually in honor of children. Officially proclaimed in 1925 as International Children's Day in Geneva and was enacted as World Children’s Day November 20, 1959. 2023 Theme: "For every child, every right"
November 23 – Thanksgiving: A US holiday observance which offers the time for deeper meaning through learning and exploration of the holiday roots – for some – it is a time of gratitude and giving, meal sharing, and coming together as family and community. Thanksgiving also serves as a day of honor and remembrance for indigenous people and their ancestors.
November 27 – Jain New Year: A day celebrated on the first day after the month of Kartika
November 28 – Giving Tuesday: An annual celebration day of generosity
November 29 – Women Wednesday: A day to appreciate, support, listen to and stand up for women
Our Endless Pursuit For Joy
10 Lessons of Joy from Historical Examples
Joy is related to advancing happiness by elevating beauty in humanity, as well as embracing truthful narratives and representations of diverse people of the world.
- Joy is defined by one's truths, justice, problem-solving, anti-racism, and anti-oppression.
- Joy is when we define abolition as education and education as abolition.
- Joy is liberation and liberty for all.
- Joy is connected to self-determination and self-empowerment.
- Joy is when we center love, music, and art.
- 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.
- Joy is healing from pass and present societal harms.
Deepening our Understanding
Joy through Humanity (The HILL Model)
Culturally and Historically Responsive Education (CHRE) calls for the need to humanize pedagogical practices which embrace all parts a students' make up from lived experiences, to their identities, wonderings, joy, and genius. Dr. Muhammad encourages the embracing and embedding of the HILL Model, a CHRE Framework allowing for a students' histories, identities, literacies, and liberation to be welcomed, accepted, and normalized in their learning journeys. We must think about the ways in which we can incorporate this framework into curriculum, lesson planning, professional learning and development and our collective school culture and community.
THIS FRAMEWORK EMBODIES FIVE PURSUITS:
- Identity
- Skills
- Intellect
- Criticality
- Joy
3 Shifts For A More Culturally Responsive Classroom
Culturally Responsive Instruction is easy as 1-2-3!
Embracing culturally responsive teaching is pivotal in ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and validated in the classroom. By recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, educators pave the way for more meaningful learning outcomes. Here are 3 actionable strategies to amplify cultural responsiveness in your instruction:
1. Highlight Diverse Role Models
Highlight and celebrate individuals from various cultures and backgrounds who've made significant contributions in various fields. By doing so, students can see themselves in the narratives of success and be inspired by role models that resonate with their own cultural identities.
2. Incorporate Multilingual Resources
Consider the linguistic diversity of your classroom. Introduce multilingual resources, tools, and materials wherever possible. This gesture not only supports non-native English speakers but also fosters an appreciation for languages and cultures among all students.
3. Engage in Reflective Practice
Consistently engage in self-reflection to recognize any unconscious biases or cultural blind spots. Seek feedback from peers, students, and communities. Attend professional development sessions on cultural proficiency and implement the learnings in your teaching. Remember, the journey towards cultural responsiveness is ongoing and requires active engagement and commitment.
November is Native American Heritage Month!🌟
First declared a month of recognition in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, this November heritage month celebrates Indigenous Peoples in the United States. If you need a refresher, or would like to reframe your understanding of American History through the lens of those who occupied the Americas well before European "discovery," check out An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. The comprehensive account details the indigenous experience and perspective predating European exploration through the political and environmental activism to the present day. There is also a young person's text available for K-12 learners that is very accessible.
Curated Resources: Teaching, Leading, and Learning
Windows, Mirrors, & Sliding Glass Doors
In partnership with Oakland Schools and through the newly published TSD Social Studies curriculum, elementary teachers have a variety of texts that they can utilize with students to address indigenous peoples' history, experiences, and values. These texts include: We Are Water Protectors, Encounter, Life In An Anishinaabe Camp, Nations of the Western Great Lakes, Mashikiki Road, and The Legend of Sleeping Bear.
5th Graders Center Indigenous Perspectives
Troy Historic Village | Oct 3rd - Oct 12th
All Troy 5th graders had the opportunity to center indigenous perspectives and culture in an immersive, authentic learning experience that concluded their first unit of social studies instruction that focused on European, West African, and Indigenous people's interaction in the Atlantic World in the 15th and 16th centuries. Students learned from local native people on a variety of subjects, including: Medicine Wheel Teachings, Foraging & Harvesting, Clothing & Dance, Songs & Drumming, a Cultural Overview, and have the opportunity to craft a Corn Husk Doll and participate in a celebratory Dance Celebration. We are thankful for our partnership with the Troy Historic Village in developing and offering this powerful teaching and learning opportunity for our elementary community.
November 11th is Veteran's Day
Veteran's Day: A Day of Reflection and Appreciation
Veteran's Day, observed on November 11th each year in the United States, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918. In 1954, recognizing the contributions of veterans of all wars, the U.S. renamed it to Veteran's Day.
At its core, Veteran's Day is about gratitude, reflection, and acknowledgment of those who've dedicated themselves to protecting the values and freedoms we hold dear. In the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the day also reminds us of the myriad backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of those who've served. Military personnel come from all walks of life, representing a broad spectrum of the American tapestry. On this day, we celebrate both their shared commitment and their unique stories, advocating for their rights, well-being, and continued integration into the fabric of our society.
A Diwali Spotlight
Deepavali
Growing up, my favorite part about Deepavali (Diwali in English) is going to my grandparents’ house and wearing new clothes. My sister and I would wear our new clothes and perform Lakshmi pooja a sacred prayer honoring Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Throughout the day we would gather with our cousins and neighbors and eat the special sweet and savory dishes my mom and grandmother made. In the evening, we would light up the night starting by lighting Diya, lamps made from clay with a cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee. At night, we would light firecrackers, mostly sparklers and fountains but as a kid it seemed as grand as rockets taking flight. I still recall the bittersweet moments when my mother would make us change out of our new clothes, to light the fireworks, and my sister and I would be scrambling to change as fast as possible to get back to the action.
Deepavali, (translation – rows of lamps) is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists all over the world. It is celebrated on Amavasya, new moon day in October or November. Multiple stories are linked to this celebration with a common theme of victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is the day Lord Rama returned to his homeland after 14 years in exile and defeated the demon king Ravana. It also marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed the people of his kingdom. Jains believe this is the day Lord Mahaveer attained enlightenment.
It is a time of fun and celebration with family and friends. People decorate their homes and offices with various lights, cook delicious food, exchange gifts, and share happiness. Businesses consider Deepavali as the first day of the financial new year. Courtyards are decorated with colorful rangoli, and lamps are lit throughout the front yard. People dress in new clothes, eat delicacies, light lamps, and as the sun sets, they light firecrackers. Growing up this was one of my favorite holidays that always brought the community together. ~Vital Anne, Troy Board of Education Trustee
Cultural Competence: Teaching and Talking About Thanksgiving
Dear Educators,
As the Thanksgiving Holiday draws near, we’re sure you’ll be wanting to include some holiday-themed instruction to spice up your day. The traditional narrative of a joyous celebration between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people presents a challenge to all educators in ensuring we don’t share harmful stereotypes with our students.
Please take a moment to consider the impact that the resources and activities you’ll be sharing with students will have – and the messages they might send. Please find attached a guide from the National Museum of the American Indian from the Smithsonian to better familiarize yourself with the gap between our national mythology and the historical past.
Also, here are some “Do” and “Don’t” guidelines, with resources and ideas, that you may find useful.
• Don’t – Create culturally insensitive crafts.
Please do not create or color headbands, bead necklaces, deer-skin clothes etc. Often, many activities found through Pinterest or Googling perpetuate inaccurate indigenous iconography, clothing, and practices.
• Do – Emphasize Gratitude
Did you know that November is both National Gratitude month and Native American Heritage month? See “Gratitude” below for lesson ideas.
• Don’t – Teach historically inaccurate info
There are many grade-level, accurate, student appropriate articles to read on Newsela. They can be found in one place, here.
• Do – Focus on food
Food connects us across cultural boundaries and is foundational to many celebrations. Learn more about how Harvest Celebration turned into a national holiday (Newsela) Also, author Pat Mora has published a collection of Haiku poems that celebrates uniquely American foods. (Yum! MMMM! Que Rico! America’s Sproutings / Epic)
_____________________________________
Gratitude
A typical Thanksgiving classroom activity is for students to list what they are thankful for. The
book Gracias-Thanks can initiate broader conversations about expressions of gratitude. The bilingual text and illustrations depict a vibrant and close-knit family of color, offering a culturally sensitive departure from the common image of a family gathered around a turkey laid out on a white tablecloth. Presented alongside a more stereotypical Thanksgiving text, teachers can even ask students to analyze what makes Gracias-Thanks a more inclusive look at being thankful. _____________________________________
We hope the upcoming break offers you and your families a respite from the hard work and emotional toll of being there for our students in this trying time.
~Department of Teaching & Learning
TSD Community Corner
Consider Cub Scouts
Learn more about the Troy's Cub Scouts opportunity HERE
Systems of Inequity Series - Oakland Schools
Engage in ways to "collaborate towards a more equitable and empowering educational landscape."
Register HERE
TSD Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Webpage
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