The month of December is a time of togetherness, reflection, and joy, as our community celebrates the many holidays, observances, and traditions that enrich our district. From Hanukkah and Christmas to Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and beyond, this season highlights the beauty of our cultural diversity.

As we move through this month, let’s embrace the opportunity to learn about and honor these holidays, observances, and traditions in meaningful ways. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to foster inclusivity and deepen your understanding. Your support helps to strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our school communities.

• Consider: how to celebrate various holidays that honor many cultures throughout the school year, while not over-emphasizing December holidays.
• Teach Global Traditions: Explore holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Bodhi Day, and Las Posadas to highlight cultural variety.
• Encourage Sharing: Invite students to share their family customs, offering personal insights into different traditions.
• Respect Non-Celebrants: Provide inclusive alternatives for students who don’t observe holidays.
• Focus on Shared Values: Emphasize universal themes such as kindness, gratitude, and community which connect us all.
• Thoughtful Decorations: Reflect the diversity of your classroom with symbols from various traditions.
• Voices, Perspectives, Experiences: Whose voices, perspectives, and/or experiences are heard and centered in this content, activity, event, or practice?

December 16 to 24: Las Posadas (Mexican) is a religious festival in Mexico and some parts of the U.S. during the Christmas season.

December 25 to January 2: Hanukkah (Jewish) begins at sunset on December 25, the start of an eight-day Jewish festival of lights, which offers an opportunity to explore Jewish traditions and resilience.

December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa (Black/African American/Pan-African) is a seven-day African-American and Pan-African celebration emphasizing communal values and heritage.

December 1: World HIV/AIDS Day helps raise awareness and support for a cure.

December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery recognizes the need to end all forms of slavery and human trafficking. Theme for 2024: "Ending Modern-Day Slavery"

December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities focuses on the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, promoting accessibility and inclusion.

December 3: GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement focused on the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

December 5: International Volunteer Day celebrates and recognizes the global impact and contributions of volunteers.

December 10: Bodhi Day (Buddhist) commemorates Buddha's enlightenment and serves as a time for reflection and meditation. 2024 Theme: "Enlightenment and Compassion"

December 10: International Human Rights Day brings awareness and promotes advocacy for human rights around the world.

December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe is significant in the Catholic faith, particularly among Mexican communities, celebrating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in Mexico.

December 15: Bill of Rights Day commemorates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, promoting civil rights and civil liberties.

December 20: International Human Solidarity Day elevates humanity and cooperation.

December 21: Winter Solstice/Yule takes place in the Northern Hemisphere and combines the shortest day and longest night of the year with a celebration of the sun's rebirth.

December 24: Advent (Dec 3 - Dec 24) (Christian): The period leading up to Christmas, observed by Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

December 25: Christmas (Christian) commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a religious and cultural celebration among billions globally.

December 26: Boxing Day serves as a day of gift giving and appreciation.

December 31: New Year's Eve is a celebration to usher in a new year recognized around the world with cultural traditions and festivities.

The theme for this year is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."

Key Goals and Call to Action

• Promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
• Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
• Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
• Raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities.

Learn more HERE

• Use #DisabilityDay and #IDPD as the main hashtags
• Other hashtags: #EveryoneIncluded, #GlobalGoals and #CRPD

Human Rights Day is a special day that recognizes and celebrates the fundamental human rights that every person is entitled to. It’s observed every year on December 10th and is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in protecting human rights around the world. It is also a day of recommitment; ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect.

2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948 by the United National General Assembly, is "a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." ~United Nations

International Human Solidarity Day is a global holiday that celebrates the idea of humanity and cooperation. It was created by the United Nations in 2007 and is celebrated every year on December 20th. The goal of this holiday is to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation amongst all people. This day is also used to raise awareness about global issues such as poverty, hunger, and disease.

International Human Solidarity Day is:

• a day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
• a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
• a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
• a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
• a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it. – Amanda Gorman

Las Posadas is a December holiday celebrated in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. It commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, usually beginning on the 25th of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah or Chanukkah) is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights and usually occurs in December. It is also known as the Festival of Lights.

• When Is Chanukah?
• What Chanukah Celebrates
• How Chanukah Is Observed
• Chanukah Foods
• Dreidel: the Chanukah Game
• Chanukah Gelt
• Enjoy a Chanukah Lesson From the Rebbe
• Hanukkah Meaning for Us Today
• Other Important Chanukah Links:

Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians all around the world and is considered one of the most important holidays of the year. Christmas honors the day that Jesus Christ was born to Joseph and Mary in the city of Bethlehem.

Expressions of "Merry Christmas" in different languages:

Arabic: Milad Majid

Chinese (Cantonese): Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun

Chinese (Mandarin): Sheng Dan Kuai Le

Croatian: Sretan Bozic

Danish: Glædelig Jul

French: Joyeux Noel

German: Fröhliche Weihnachten

Greek: Kala Christouyenna

Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka

Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie

Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto

Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Portuguese: Feliz Natal

Swedish: God Jul

Spanish: Feliz Navidad

Kwanzaa is a winter holiday that celebrates African-American heritage. It was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga. The name Kwanzaa comes from the words matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruit” in Swahili, referring to the first crops of the harvest. In Africa, the first fruit festivals are celebrated in accordance with the summer solstice (winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere). Some might consider Kwanzaa as an alternative to Christmas. However, Kwanzaa was not created with the purpose to give black people their own religious holiday as an alternative to Christmas. Many African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa in addition to Christmas. Maulana Karenga defined the seven principles of Kwanzaa, calling them “Nguzo Saba” (the seven principles of African heritage). Together, the seven principles make up Kawaida (meaning tradition). Each of the seven days during Kwanzaa symbolically represents one of the seven principles on which the holiday builds.

These principles are:

Umoja (Unity)

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)

Nia (Purpose)

Kuumba (Creativity)

Imani (Faith)

Kwanzaa is also distinguished by seven symbols including:

Makka (mat), a traditional straw or woven textile. It represents the base or the foundation on which the other symbols are placed

Kinara (candle holder) holds seven candles

Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles)

Mazao (crops)

Mahindi (corn)

Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup)

Zawadi (gifts)

Motivation is a key driver of student success, influencing their ability to stay engaged, overcome challenges, and achieve academic goals. However, sustaining motivation throughout an entire school year can be challenging. Let’s explore why motivation diminishes, how to reignite it, and what strategies can be employed to keep students motivated year-round.

Why Does Student Motivation Diminish?

Several factors contribute to the decline in student motivation as the school year progresses:

1. Burnout and Fatigue

The initial excitement of a new school year often wanes as students face increasing academic pressures. As the workload piles up, students may feel overwhelmed, leading to fatigue and decreased enthusiasm for learning.

2. Lack of Clear Goals

Without clear, achievable goals, students may lose their sense of purpose. When academic tasks feel disconnected from their interests or future aspirations, motivation can decline.

3. Fear of Failure

Students who experience repeated setbacks may develop a fear of failure, which can discourage them from putting in effort. This mindset can lead to disengagement and a decline in academic performance.

4. Monotony and Boredom

Repetitive tasks or teaching methods that fail to engage students’ curiosity can result in boredom. Without variety or interactive learning opportunities, students may struggle to stay interested.

How to Keep Student Motivation High

Maintaining motivation requires intentional effort from educators, parents, and students themselves. Here are strategies to reignite and sustain motivation:

1. Set Meaningful and Achievable Goals

Encourage students to set both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals offer immediate rewards and a sense of accomplishment, while long-term goals provide a broader sense of purpose.

2. Incorporate Student Interests

Link academic content to students’ passions and real-world applications. When students see the relevance of what they’re learning, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

3. Foster a Growth Mindset

Teach students that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. Emphasizing progress over perfection helps them view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

4. Provide Varied Learning Experiences

Incorporate diverse teaching methods, such as group projects, hands-on activities, and technology-based learning. Variety keeps students interested and engaged, making the learning experience more dynamic.

What We Can Do Throughout the School Year

Motivation isn’t a one-time effort—it requires consistent reinforcement. Here’s how we can support students throughout the year:

1. Regular Check-Ins

Frequent conversations about academic progress and emotional well-being help identify struggles early. Checking in shows students that their efforts are valued and that support is always available.

2. Recognize and Celebrate Effort

Recognizing not just achievements but also the effort behind them encourages persistence. Celebrations can be as simple as verbal praise, a note of encouragement, or class-wide recognition.

3. Create a Supportive Environment

A positive, inclusive classroom environment fosters collaboration and trust. When students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to take risks and stay motivated.

4. Encourage Reflection and Self-Assessment

Teach students to reflect on their learning processes and assess their progress. Reflection helps them recognize their growth, understand their strengths, and identify areas for improvement.

Sustaining student motivation is a shared responsibility that requires consistent collective effort. By addressing the root causes of diminished motivation and implementing strategies that foster engagement, we can help students remain motivated throughout the school year. This continuous support not only enhances academic success but also nurtures a lifelong love for learning.

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

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. Join Us January 16 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 the link below...

The Student Equity Council (SEC) has been actively expanding its presence across OneTroy high schools by hosting monthly meetings - in each building - aimed at growing membership, raising awareness, and advancing the council’s goals and purpose. This year, the SEC welcomed many new, energetic student leaders who share a vision of equity and inclusion and are committed to making a positive impact across the district for themselves and their peers. The final SEC meeting before the break will be held at Troy College and Career High School.

Stay connected by following SEC on Instagram and get ready for more in 2025!

Are you an educator seeking to better support your neurodivergent students? Please consider participating in the following learning opportunities.

• Neurodiversity in Education: Building Understanding, Fostering Affirming Support (15 sessions-virtual)
• Supporting Autistic Students in the General Education Classroom (1/29/25)
• Visual Supports for Autistic Learners that Benefit All! (1/9/25 and 3/20/25)
• Proactive & Positive Classroom Management-STOIC ( 11/22/24)
• Behavioral Foundations Series (monthly session)

The winter solstice is a holiday that celebrates the shortest day of the year. It is observed on December 21st in most countries, but some celebrate it on other dates. The word “solstice” means “sun stands still,” and this name reflects the that on the winter solstice, the sun appears to stand still in the sky. After the winter solstice, the days begin to get longer again.

Yule is a winter holiday that celebrates the rebirth of the sun. It is celebrated by many different people around the world, including Pagans, Wiccans, and Druids. Yule usually takes place in late December or early January and is often marked by special celebrations, gift-giving, and family gatherings.

New Year’s Eve, people around the globe celebrate the coming of the New Year on this last day in the gregorian calendar.

Omisoka is the last of the December global holidays as the Japanese celebrate it on December 31st. It is a day to celebrate the coming of the New Year, and people typically exchange gifts, eat special foods, and participate in traditional ceremonies.

(some) New Year's Traditions From Around the World

• United States: Watching the ball drop
• Brazil: Heading to the beach
• Spain: Eating 12 grapes
• India: Building a sculpture of an old man and burning it down
• Japan: Eating soba noodles
• France: Feasting with Champagne
• Haiti: Sharing soup joumou
• Denmark: Throwing old plates