The Universe is circles within circles, and everything is

one circle, and all the circles are connected to each other.

Each family is a circle, and those family circles connect

together and make a community, and the community

makes its circle where it lives on the Earth. [The community]

cares for that part [of the Earth] but cares for it as a circle –

which is to say in a cooperative and egalitarian way, where

everybody is cared for, and everybody is respected.

~Black Elk

American Diabetes Month

Aviation History Month
Child Safety and Prevention Month
Movember
National Adoption Awareness Month
National Child Mental Health Month
National Children’s Month
National Diabetes Awareness Month
National Education/ Scholarship Month
National Epilepsy Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month
National Hip Hop History Month
National Native American Heritage Month
National Veterans and Military Families Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Prematurity Awareness Month

November 1 to 7 – World Communication Week: takes a moment to celebrate diversity in communication styles that we all bring to humanity, elevating both verbal and non-verbal communications.

November 7 to 13 – International Games Week: when communities worldwide can connect with their libraries through various types of games

November 11 to 15 – National Young Readers Week: It is held annually during the second full week of November, offering families and schools an opportunity to focus on the joy and importance of reading.

November 11 to 15 – National Psychology Week: the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and schools across the United States will mark this as National School Psychology Week (NSPW). This week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists' work to help children thrive in school, at home, and in life.

November 11 to 17 – World Kindness Week: with world kindness day embedded on November 13, this week serves as a reminder to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of generosity.

November 13 to 19 –Transgender Awareness Week: Trans Awareness Week takes place the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of members of the transgender community whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence that year. This observance raises community visibility and educational awareness to address issues surrounding discrimination toward transgender individuals in society.

November 18 to 22 – American Education Week: honors the dedication and hard work of educators and educational support professionals. It is a moment to appreciate the value of educational advancement and the professionals who make it happen!

November 17 to 24 – International Restorative Justice Week: highlights – and brings awareness to – the significance of access to restorative justice, and restorative practices approaches to address harm, build community and cultivate relationships worldwide.

1 – All Saints’ Day

1 – Autistic Speaking Day

2 – Diwali ends*

1 to 2 – Día de los Muerto

6 – International Stress Awareness Day

8 – Jain New Year

8 – National STEM/STEAM Day

9 – World Freedom Day

9 – World Adoption Day

11 – Veteran’s Day

13 – World Kindness Day

14 – Ruby Bridges National Walk to School Day - Wear Purple

14 – World Diabetes Day

16 – International Day for Tolerance

16 – Dutch American Heritage Day

19 – International Men’s Day

20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance

23 – National Adoption Day

20 – World Children’s Day

28 – Thanksgiving

29 – Native American Heritage Day

I've been meaning to ask...Where Do We Go From Here?

We have hosted community book reads where we gathered for great dialogue and deeper understanding. Now, we invite you to continue the conversation we started with the Anxious Generation and BUILD on this through engaging discussions surrounding many topics in this family and community engagement series. Interested? Click this link or below join us January 16 and beyond!

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.

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.

Ruby Bridges Day, also known as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (RBWTSD), is celebrated on November 14th to honor Ruby Bridges' historic walk to school in 1960:

The day is a chance to teach children about the civil rights movement and inspire them to make positive changes in their communities. Some ways to celebrate include:

• Walking to school: Students can walk to school in honor of Bridges.
• Discussing activism: Schools can engage in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying.
• Sharing books: Booksellers can share books about activism, dialogue, and local action.
• Taking pictures and videos: People can take pictures and videos to share on social media.
• Continuing conversations: After the event, schools can continue conversations about racism, bullying, and activism throughout the year.

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.

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.

Discussing War with Children

How to talk to children about difficult news

Talking to children about war

Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators

Approaching News & Images

"11 Tips for Protecting Yourself from Upsetting Images" (Great Good)

“How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War” (Common Sense Media)

Harmful Acts and Speech

Navigating difficult conversations with youth

Understanding hate speech

Talking to youth about hate speech

How to talk about cyberbullying

During this time of year, secondary students may often find themselves juggling several stressors simultaneously, from managing academic pressures to re-adjusting to school routines after the holiday break. We often see the impact of these challenges firsthand and want to offer insights and strategies to support your student's well-being through this pivotal time.

How to Support Students (Tips for Families):

1. Normalize the Feeling of Stress
   Open conversations about stress can reassure students that these feelings are common and manageable. Remind them that setbacks are part of the learning process, and expressing their worries can be a powerful step toward resilience.

2. Encourage Time Management and Organization
   Encourage your child to set small, achievable goals. Breaking down tasks can make their workload seem more manageable and prevent procrastination. Setting aside consistent study times helps them develop habits that enhance focus and reduce last-minute stress.

3. Balance Encouragement with Empathy
   Focusing on effort, rather than purely on outcomes, reinforces that learning is a journey. Students benefit greatly when adults celebrate their progress and recognize hard work, especially when they face academic difficulties.

4. Support Re-establishment of Routines
   Coming back to structured days after a break can be hard. Reinforcing regular sleep, study, and self-care routines helps students readjust. For neurodivergent students in particular, routines offer stability and a sense of control.

5. Encourage Downtime and Self-Care
   While academic success is important, so is rest. Encourage your child to take breaks, engage in physical activity, or spend time on hobbies. These activities help reduce stress levels and build emotional resilience.

As we continue through the school year, understand that each student faces unique challenges—whether academic, social, or emotional. Together, we can help create a positive, supportive environment for everyone in our school community.

Share your ideas for the next TSD Inclusive newsletter. Click the contact button below!