Equity and Diversity Newsletter

The 2020s are here (pronounced "twenty-twenties" or "two thousand (and) twenties," shortened to "the '20s") is the upcoming decade in the Gregorian calendar that will begin on 1 January 2020 and will end on 31 December 2029. Are you ready?

This month I would like to share a few excerpts for you and your students to ponder as we embark on a new decade. They’re from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. Somehow, they just seem to capture the promises and challenges of the new year ahead. So, the 2020s here we come!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

Everyone goes through both good times and bad times, EVEN when they are successful, and there is a good chance they are if they are comfortable with their own skin. It’s how you choose to handle the things that you cannot control, which define how you will succeed in the face of upsetting challenges and losses. Or basically, the way out when things aren’t going your way.

Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t Because, sometimes, you won’t. I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true and Hang-ups can happen to you. And when things start to happen. Don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

You were made to do the impossible because impossible is made possible through each step you take, so never put a limit to who you can be and what you can achieve. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed). Every day belongs to you. Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places You’re off and away! Kid, You’ll Move Mountains If You Only Believe!

Facts About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Full name: Michael King Jr.
Born: 15 January 1929.
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Occupation: Minister and activist.
Died: 4 April 1968.
Best known for: Campaigning for the rights of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

• Martin Luther King Jr was born in the United States of America to African American parents. At birth, he was named Michael King, but his father later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr.
• Martin Luther King had his first experience of segregation at just six years old, when he was told he wasn’t allowed to play with his white friend anymore – his friend’s father wouldn’t allow it!
• Martin Luther King entered college at the age of 15. King was such a gifted student that he skipped grades nine and 12 before enrolling in 1944 at Morehouse College, the alma mater of his father and maternal grandfather.

• Martin Luther King loved Star Trek.
• In 1983 a new U.S. federal holiday dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. The holiday was first observed three years later in 1986.

What does "civil rights" mean?
Civil rights are fundamental rights that every citizen has under the laws of the government. In the United States, the civil rights of each citizen are protected by the Constitution. Civil rights for every person means that regardless of gender, skin color, religion, nationality, age, disability, or religion, a person should not be subjected to discrimination. Civil rights include the right to free speech, privacy, religion, assembly, a fair trial, and freedom of thought.

The term "civil rights" comes from the Latin term "ius civis", which means "rights of a citizen." Anyone who is considered a citizen of a country should be treated equally under the law.

Civil Rights Movements Throughout history, there have been different civil rights movements. Each movement fought for the rights of the population that was being discriminated against. For example, the women's suffrage movement fought for the right for women to vote.

You can learn more about some of these movements by clicking the links below.

• African-American Civil Rights Movement
• Apartheid
• Disability Rights
• Native American Rights
• Slavery and Abolitionism
• Women's Suffrage

https://www.ducksters.com/history/civil_rights/

We Shall Overcome The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy

"We Shall Overcome" is a song that helped to bring change to the United States and around the world. It only takes a few people to believe that change is possible. And when those people sing out, they can change the world. The song is rooted in America’s slavery era and was passed down through generations of those fighting for their freedom from slavery, the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s and today. It is a song of faith and courage. We Shall Overcome.

Link for YouTube:

We Shall Overcome The Story of a Song

We Shall Overcome The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy can be found in Springfield Public Schools Libraries.

Reading With Ms. Gwen

Registration for Reading with Ms. Gwen

Mark your calendar for the annual MLK March and Program:

On January 20, 2020, The Jordan Valley Ice Park will open its doors at 8:00 AM. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

The MLK march will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. We will sing the songs of the civil rights movement as we will march together to the Gilloz Theater. There will be a program that will celebrate our community through the arts and acknowledge the Springfield Public School (SPS) students who won the essay and art contests. In addition, we will be collecting outerwear donations (hats, gloves, scarfs, etc.) for SPS students at the ice park and the Gilloz Theater.

Bundle up and join us to honor the legacy, life, and work of Rev. Dr. King!