Welcome to the 2024 IDEA Newsletter where you will find a place of belonging, inspiration, education, and contribution.

“The Arab American story is the American story—one of diverse backgrounds and faiths, vibrant tradition, bold innovation, hard work, commitment to community and stalwart patriotism, all coming together to accomplish something greater than any one of us."

https://www.chaldeanfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CulturalDash_04042023_V5.pdf

This document is from the Chaldean Community Foundation.

In the month of April, nearly all of our Elementary Equity Clubs will be going to the Arab American National Museum (AANM) to learn more about the rich culture of Arab Americans. The Arab American National Museum is the only institution in the United States dedicated to sharing the history, culture and contributions of the Arab American community with the world. Located in Dearborn, MI, the AANM has offered high-quality educational programming to educate the general public about the Arab American community and also inspire and encourage Arab Americans of every age to be proud of their heritage and culture. AANM is an invaluable and precious source of accurate knowledge and engaging educational programming about the Arab American community.

If you are interested in connecting with AANM about its educational and cultural offerings, including its in-person and virtual tours, please feel free to contact David A. Serio via email at dserio@accesscommunity.org or at 313.429.2546.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared that April is Chaldean-American month. The declaration comes as the Chaldean community mourns two beloved fathers, Behnam Rasho and Saad Halabo. Both were shot and killed at their place of business in separate incidents; Rasho was killed in January and Halabo was murdered in March.

The proclamation recognizes Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs as a Semitic people indigenous to Mesopotamia. “Collectively, there are nearly half a million Chaldeans/Assyrians/Syriacs in the United States, including about 160,000 in Michigan, the largest concentration in the country,” the proclamation said.

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, is a dedicated time to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals in society. This month-long observance serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the diverse experiences and needs of those on the autism spectrum, while also emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments that celebrate neurodiversity. Through the channels of understanding and empathy, Autism Acceptance Month aims to break down stereotypes, reduce stigma, and advocate for the rights and well-being of autistic individuals. It provides a platform for autistic individuals, their families, advocates, and allies to come together, share their stories, and work towards building a more inclusive and supportive world where everyone can thrive regardless of their differences.

Voice, expression, storytelling, advocacy... Poetry is an art form that lives within each of us! This month, recognize the time by crafting an original piece of poetry. Use the theme, "I AM FROM" beginning each stanza with this lead in and watch your creative genius shine through!

Here is an example:

I Am From ...

A culture of many things … a people of many things

Strong Women who have been broken and sometimes never healed but triumph

Learning forward and learning different

Artists through spoken words, sounds, movement, storytelling, and being

Pain

Push and Press ...

Eid al-Fitr holds great significance as a major religious and cultural celebration in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, self-reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide. Eid al-Fitr, meaning "Festival of Breaking the Fast," serves as a joyous occasion for Muslims to come together in gratitude, celebration, and communal worship. The holiday signifies the completion of a month-long journey of devotion and self-discipline, during which believers abstain from food, drink, and worldly desires from dawn until sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a time of spiritual renewal, where Muslims express gratitude for the blessings and guidance received during Ramadan, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. Beyond its religious significance, Eid al-Fitr holds cultural importance, serving as a time to celebrate shared traditions, values, and cultural heritage within the Muslim community.

Consider preparing your student(s) well for what is about to happen, they are sure to get more from it. In advance of eclipse day, help your student(s) learn the basic science of what will be happening and what they will see during the partial and total phases. A good place to start is What Will the Eclipse Look Like from My City? for useful simulations by eclipse expert Dan McGlaun of Eclipse 2024.org. Also handy is Time And Date, which will give you an exact schedule of what will happen, when, and what to look out for for any location.

If you are connected to Farmington Public Schools (parent/guardian, active community member w/ school district) and you are interested in volunteering at the upcoming Student Diversity Conference being held Tuesday, May 14, 2024 please complete the IDEA Student Diversity Conference Volunteer Form Please reach out to Khristian Alexander at khristian.alexander@fpsk12.net or Shannon Daniel at shannor.daniel@fpsk12.net

Engage in ways to "collaborate towards a more equitable and empowering educational landscape."

Register HERE

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.