TSD Inclusive
January 2024
Happy New Year🎉
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”
~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.~
Celebrations and Recognitions
Why is this Important?
The Troy School District embraces a diverse and culturally rich community. Elevating celebrations and recognitions not only highlights our community's diversity but also fosters a deeper understanding of one another and the world. Recognizing holidays and observances from various cultures is crucial for cultural responsiveness in education. These multicultural calendar insights represent the global humanity of OneTroy, encouraging readers to learn, understand, and share awareness.
MONTHLY
Poverty in America Awareness Month: Commitment to increasing awareness about the escalating poverty rates in the United States, organizations nationwide strive to eradicate poverty through the promotion of equity and opportunity.
Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Encourages reflection on the strength of trafficking survivors and recognizes the unwavering dedication of those tirelessly working to prevent and eliminate this inhumane and devastating form of abuse and exploitation.
DAILY
January 1 – Wishing you a joyful New Year! This day is a widely recognized and celebrated occasion worldwide, marking the beginning of a fresh year.
January 1 – Emancipation Proclamation: On this day in 1863, President Lincoln declared freedom for all enslaved African Americans. However, it is crucial to note that complete freedom was not realized until June 19, 1865, a day now known as Juneteenth.
January 4 – Louis Braille's birth anniversary: a French educator credited with developing the "braille" reading and writing system specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments.
January 6 – Feast of the Epiphany: The Christian celebration known as the Feast of the Epiphany commemorates the guiding star that led the three wise men.
January 7 – Observance of Christmas according to the Julian calendar, acknowledged and celebrated by Orthodox Christians and their faith.
January 15 – Makar Sankranti: Hindu festival – usually occurring around January 14th – dedicated to the sun god, Surya, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The festival signifies the harvest season, and its observance varies across different regions in India with diverse cultural practices.
January 15 – Celebrated on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes the life and legacy of Dr. King, a civil rights activist and servant leader. It serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, and community service to commemorate King's contributions to the fight against racial inequality and injustice.
January 17 – This day marks the 7th Annual National Day of Racial Healing. On this day, individuals, organizations, and communities across the U.S. come together to explore their common humanity and build the relationships necessary to create a more just and equitable world.
January 22 – Lunar New Year: This celebration signifies the beginning of the new year in the lunar calendar observed in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and various other regions.
January 24 – International Day of Education: the United Nations proclaimed this day on December 3, 2018, in celebration of the role of education for peace, development, for inclusivity, and equitable, quality education for all. This year’s theme is “learning for lasting peace.”
January 25 – Mahayana New Year: is a celebration observed by Mahayana Buddhists, typically falling on the first full moon day in January. Also known as "Bodhi Day" or "Rohatsu" in some traditions, it commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Buddha. The day holds significance in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the pursuit of compassion and wisdom.
January 26 – Republic Day of India: Republic Day in India is celebrated on January 26th each year to honor the date when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935). The event symbolizes the values of democracy, equality, and justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day: A Global Day of Remembrance dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, recognized by the United Nations. This holiday commemorates the approximately 6 million Jewish victims and emphasizes ongoing efforts to prevent future genocides.
January 30, 31 and Feb 1 – The Chaldean Church observes the Feast of Ba’outha, also known as the "Supplication of the Ninevites" in English. This event occurs three weeks prior to the commencement of traditional Lent.
District's MLK Day of Service
MLK Day, or Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a significant national holiday in the United States that honors the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, and community service to commemorate King's contributions to the fight against racial inequality and injustice. MLK Day encourages people to engage in activities that promote equality, justice, and social harmony, and servant leadership, fostering a collective commitment to Dr. King's vision of a more inclusive and equitable society.
Curated Resources from Oakland Schools
National Day of Racial Healing
The National Day of Racial Healing is a significant observance dedicated to acknowledging, understanding, and addressing the racial disparities that persist in our society. Recognized annually, this day encourages individuals and communities to engage in conversations, activities, and reflections aimed at fostering healing and unity. By recognizing and confronting the impacts of systemic racism, we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable future. It serves as a call to action for individuals, educational communities, organizations and beyond to contribute to dismantling barriers, promoting empathy, and creating a society where everyone can thrive regardless of their background.
Here are book recommendations from our early learning experts to read aloud with your little one to learn about racial healing:
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
The Other Side by Jaqueline Woodson
When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
You Matter by Christian Robinson
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Holocaust Remembrance Day holds deep significance as a day of reflection, remembrance, and commitment to preventing atrocities of the past from recurring. As we honor the memory of the millions who endured during the Holocaust, let us approach this day with cultural sensitivity and empathy. It is an opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, educate ourselves about the historical context, and emphasize the importance of tolerance and understanding. By fostering a culture of remembrance and learning, we contribute to building a world where diversity is celebrated, and the lessons from history guide us toward a future of peace and unity.
Your Book Collection Might Include (but is not limited to)
- Books about people that represent an array of the cultures, languages, and ethnicities around the world
- Books about children, celebrating their identity, lived experiences, and everyday contributions
- Books that positively reflect many different lifestyles and family makeups (adoptive parents, single parent households, LGBTQIA families, foster families, multigenerational families, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc.)
- Books that portray children with disabilities positively and as active, capable main characters
The Social Justice Corner
How effectively is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy integrated into the educational curriculum to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to civil rights and social justice?
In what ways is the community actively engaged in commemorating and furthering Dr. King's vision of justice, equality, and community service?
How are schools and community organizations promoting diversity and inclusion, aligning with Dr. King's principles, to create environments that embrace all individuals regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds?
To what extent are parents, teachers, and community leaders fostering social justice advocacy among students and community members, encouraging them to actively address issues of inequality and discrimination?
How are parents, teachers, and community leaders fostering open and honest dialogue about race, discrimination, and social justice issues to cultivate empathy and understanding among individuals of diverse backgrounds
TSD Community Corner
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