Black History Month: Black History Month is celebrated in February in both the United States and Canada, initiated by Carter G. Woodson through the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This tradition began in 1926 with the creation of Negro History Week, which later expanded into a month-long observance. Since 1976, February has been officially designated by the federal government to honor and commemorate the significant contributions made by individuals of the African diaspora.

Heart Health Month: Dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and promoting strategies for a healthy heart. Throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco use. Educational campaigns and events aim to empower people with knowledge about heart disease prevention and management, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely interventions.

Ramadan: Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, Muslims fast from food, drink, and other physical needs, focusing on spiritual growth and self-discipline. It is also a time for increased charity, nightly prayers called Taraweeh, and breaking the fast each evening with a meal called Iftar, often shared with family and friends.

A short video in Black History

Farmington Public Schools is proud to offer African American History and African American Literature as part of the 2024-2025 course selections, with both classes currently running. These courses were carefully developed over several months to provide students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience, exploring the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. By integrating these courses into our curriculum, we are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage in critical, thought-provoking discussions that shape a more inclusive future.

Photo from Beechview Elementary School.

Have You Considered...

• Ending Curriculum Violence

• Black History Month Teaching: Miseducation or Empowerment?

• Resources for Teaching About Racism, Anti-racism, and Human Rights from NCSS

Do's and Don'ts

• Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History

• Four Black History Month Must-Haves

• Five Things Not to Do During Black History Month

Some How To's

• How Should I Talk About Race in My Mostly White Classroom?

• Look Beyond the Struggle to Celebrate Black Achievement

• Black History Month is Over. Now What?

Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond (free webinar from Facing History & Ourselves)

Black Culture Connection from PBS

Black History Month from iCivics

NCSS Black History Month Curated Resources (also includes K-5 resources)

In preparation for Black History Month, NCSS editors have curated this selection of articles and resources from Social Education, Middle Level Learning, and Social Studies and the Young Learner.

Anti-Defamation League Black History Month Resources (also includes K-5 resources)

Building Democracy for All resources through Amherst School of Education--check out the Black History choice boards available (also includes K-5 resources)

Black History Month from the National Constitution Center

February is Heart Health Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and the steps we can take to prevent heart disease which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. This month serves as a reminder for educators, families, and community members to prioritize heart-healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and routine health screenings. By educating ourselves and making small lifestyle changes, we can significantly improve heart health and overall well-being.

American Heart Association (AHA) – www.heart.org (Heart health facts, prevention tips, and educational materials)

CDC Heart Disease Prevention – www.cdc.gov/heartdisease (Statistics, risk factors, and prevention strategies)

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – www.nhlbi.nih.gov (Heart-healthy recipes, fitness tips, and awareness campaigns)

GoNoodle & Kids Heart Challenge – www.gonoodle.com (Fun movement activities for students to encourage an active lifestyle)

Mayo Clinic – Heart Health – www.mayoclinic.org (Expert advice on heart disease symptoms, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations)

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, including a growing and diverse Muslim community in the United States. It is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset, deep spiritual reflection, increased charity, and community connection. In today’s American culture, Ramadan holds profound significance as it holds interfaith understanding, highlights the nation’s rich cultural diversity, and promotes values of self-discipline, gratitude, and compassion. As workplaces, schools, and communities become more inclusive, recognizing and respecting Ramadan strengthens social unity and allows for meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and shared human values. Embracing this holy month in American society not only enriches cultural awareness but also reinforces the importance of respect, inclusion, and the celebration of diverse traditions.

Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating discipline, appreciation, and empathy for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers.

When does Ramadan take place?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year. It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season.

The Length and Purpose of Fasting

Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Muslims welcome Ramadan as an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual improvement, and as a means to grow in moral excellence. Ramadan is also a highly social time as Muslims invite each other to breakfast together and meet for prayers at the mosque.

Family Routines

A Muslim family usually rises before dawn and eats a modest, breakfast-like meal called suhur. After the meal, the family performs the morning prayer, and depending on the circumstances, goes back to bed or begins the day. At sunset, family members break the fast with a few dates and water, and depending on the culture, other light foods such as soup, appetizers or fruit. This is referred to as iftar which means “breaking the fast.” After performing the sunset prayers, the family eats dinner.

Special Activities

Many mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can break their fast together. This is a great service for students, the poor, and anyone who desires a break from cooking. Many mosques also host a community dinner on the weekends.

Special Ramadan prayers called Taraweeh are held in most mosques after the night prayer. During Taraweeh, the prayer leader recites at least one thirtieth of the Qur’an so that by the end of the month the entire Qur’an will have been recited.

Eid ul-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays called Eid ul-Fitr or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” Food, games, and presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day socializing, eating, and reuniting with old acquaintances. The greeting Eid Mubarak means “blessed holiday!”

How Teachers Can Support Students During Ramadan

Ramadan Resources and Craft Ideas:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HpKidcPSOgP1fF5bkVEZNy7ZFMoD9Rxa

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.