Team eagles is excited about all of the learning happening with their ancient Egypt interdisciplinary unit! Families will visit with the student pharaohs and wander through the pyramids (gallery/Museum).

Friday, April 11, 5:15 - 6:45 p.m.

East Middle School LGI Room

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of Arab Americans to our society. In Michigan, home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the nation, this month holds particular significance. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially recognized April as Arab American Heritage Month, acknowledging the invaluable impact Arab Americans have had on the State's culture and economy. In Farmington/Farmington Hills and surrounding communities, Arab Americans have enriched various facets of life, including medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, and the arts. This month serves as an opportunity to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Arab American culture, promoting unity and respect within our diverse community.

CMEAA joins Governor Whitmer and President Biden, who recognized April as Arab American Heritage month this year. As Governor Whitmer said in her Proclamation, "Arab Americans have been an integral part of the State of Michigan since their migration to the United States around 1880."

Today, Michigan is home to the largest concentration of Arabs in the country, with the population predominantly located in Southeast Michigan. President Biden said in his letter recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month, "For centuries, Arab Americans have embraced working hard, giving back, and cultivating friendship and community — helping shape our nation's history and build our future."

This April, CMEAA invites all to recognize the significant contributions to academia, business, medicine, law, technology, government, science, and social justice Arab Americans make. Experience the rich culture of Arab Americans by going to your local Arabic restaurant or visiting the Arab American National Museum.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared that April is Chaldean-American month. 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.

​April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to embrace and celebrate the diversity within our community. It's an opportunity to move beyond mere awareness and actively foster environments where autistic individuals are not only recognized but truly valued and included. By educating ourselves about the unique experiences of those on the autism spectrum, we can break down barriers of misunderstanding and build bridges of empathy and support. This month calls us to action: to listen to autistic voices, to champion their rights, and to create spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated as a vital part of our collective human experience. Together, let's commit to building a world where everyone, regardless of neurological makeup, is empowered to thrive.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to show love to the autism community during Autism Awareness Month:

1. Wear or display the infinity symbol: The Infinity Symbol represents the diversity of the autism spectrum. Using a rainbow or gold infinity symbol is common, and there are ribbons, banners, stickers, and digital widgets that are popular.

2. Educate Yourself About the Autism Conversation: One of the best ways to help reduce stigma and produce positive change is to know the facts about autism acceptance. Research and best practices are constantly changing, and helping your loved ones and support group stay up to date is a great way to show your alliance

3. Create Resources for Teachers, Clinicians, and Students Near You: Autism support is not achieved without the proper resources. This can include visual aids, book donations, food and drinks for fundraising events, or any sort of technical expertise you can offer to organizations in need.

4. Learn and Share Information About Autism Safety: Autism Awareness extends into the unique safety needs of autistic people. Learning and sharing the perils of things like wandering can help prevent stressful situations – or even save lives.

5. Be Open-Minded to All Autism Allies: Autism awareness and being an ally can be a deeply personal journey, especially if you have family members or loved ones who need support for autism. However, there are many different ways to support autism awareness, and every bit counts. Don’t try and hold others to unreasonable standards or apply pressure for more; we should be building an inclusive community of autism awareness.

Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences among individuals are natural variations of the human experience, rather than deficits or disorders. This perspective encompasses conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others, recognizing that these variations contribute to the rich tapestry of human cognition and behavior.

Recognizing neurodivergent students whose neurological development and functioning differ from societal norms, is crucial for fostering inclusive educational environments. By acknowledging and valuing these differences, educators can implement tailored strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all students. This approach not only supports the academic and social development of neurodivergent individuals but also promotes empathy, understanding, and respect among neurotypical peers. Creating such inclusive settings benefits the entire school community by embracing the full spectrum of human diversity.

Poetry, with its origins rooted in ancient oral traditions, has long served as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and the preservation of history. Recognizing its profound impact, the Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month in April 1996, which has since grown into the world's largest literary celebration, engaging millions of readers, students, and educators annually. This month-long observance highlights poetry's vital role in fostering empathy, understanding, and human connection. By engaging with diverse poetic voices, we not only honor this rich art form but also deepen our appreciation for the myriad human experiences it encapsulates.

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 …

READ to THEM…

Read to Them has a number of novels in-verse, as well as novels, where poetry plays a major role within the text*. We invite you to use them as your building blocks for exploring poetry with readers of all ages. Check out the list below:

Jack (the protagonist) doesn’t think he can write poetry – because that’s what girls do, not boys. This initial objection, however, is written in the form of a poem, as is every entry that follows. But as Jack’s poetry unit goes on, he finds himself inspired by the work of Walter Dean Myers and decides to write a poem of his own about his dog. Sharon Creech’s short, stunning stanzas beg readers to slow down and appreciate the beauties of poetry beyond the month of April.

While this isn’t a novel in-verse, the role of poetry is essential. Young Langston, who has just moved from Alabama to Chicago in the wake of his mother’s death, discovers the poems of his namesake – Langston Hughes. Readers will find themselves just as touched by Hughes’ poetry as young Langston is, and may just find a narrative window into their own lives, too.

This Newbery Award-winning novel-in-verse brings readers to the basketball court, and into the lives of twin brothers, Josh and Jordan. When the bond between the brothers begins to unravel after Jordan meets a new girl in school, readers will find that the playbooks of basketball and life overlap more than they thought possible. Alexander’s poetry truly dazzles both on and off the court. Also available as a graphic novel!

Nick is just like any other young teen: he loves soccer, he’s got a crush, and he’s trying to figure out what his future holds. However, when the dependable stability of Nick’s world starts to flounder, he finds himself struggling to stay afloat. Alexander’s poems briskly propel readers through the highs and lows of Nick’s life as he finds solace and solutions, even (unexpectedly) from the books recommended by a teacher who visits him in the hospital. Also available as a graphic novel!

This memoir-in-verse paints a rich picture of the Ohio, South Carolina, and Brooklyn of Jacqueline Woodson’s youth. Woodson steadily finds storytelling to be an essential part of herself, one that she is eager to share with the world. It’s a fully-realized dream, one that Woodson relays in gorgeous, varied, and layered poems that are sure to inspire readers to delve into their own sense of self-expression.

Step into the ARTT Room – A Room to Talk. Though there are six middle school students featured in Harbor Me, the heart of the novel lies with Esteban. His father, who has been deported, shares poetry with Esteban that he translates into English to share with his friends. Using these poems as stepping stones, this unforgettable group of six is able to elevate their own feelings, stories, and secrets.

Among the small wonders of this collaborative work, you’ll find Kwame Alexander’s novella-in-verse, “Seventy-Six Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents.” This series of 31 poems introduces readers to Monk, a twelve year old boy who, in the wake of a car accident, develops the ability to read people’s minds. Dive into Alexander’s beautiful free verse (and one haiku) and get a taste of rhyme and anaphora, too!

Jason Reynolds masterfully guides readers through the lives of ten neighborhood kids as they leave school. Everyone has a different story to tell, and each is more complicated than it first appears. During Satchmo’s story, Reynolds employs a free-verse poem that brilliantly captures Satch’s anxiety about walking past a house with a ferocious dog. Readers will find each empathetic, humorous, and profound thread is woven into a lush quilt of interconnectedness.

Calling all passionate parents, guardians, and community members of Farmington Public Schools! The Student I.D.E.A. Diversity Conference is fast approaching on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, and we need your enthusiasm and dedication to make it a resounding success. This student-led event will feature engaging breakout sessions, a vibrant cultural "marketplace" lunch experience, and inspiring special guests. Your support is crucial in fostering an inclusive and enriching environment for our students. To join us as a volunteer, please complete the IDEA Student Conference Volunteer Form. For more information or any questions, reach out to Shannon Daniel at shannon.daniel@fpsk12.net. Let's come together to celebrate the IDEA Conference and empower our students!

Exciting news, Farmington Public Schools community! Mark your calendars for the upcoming Student I.D.E.A. Diversity Conference on April 30th, 2025. This dynamic, student-led event will feature multiple breakout sessions, a vibrant cultural "marketplace" lunch experience, and special guests. It's an incredible opportunity for our students to engage, learn, and celebrate diversity together. Stay tuned for more details and prepare to be part of this inspiring day!

Our recent book study on "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt sparked an insightful, honest, and hopeful conversation among families, educators, and community members. Together, we explored how growing screen time, reduced free play, and heightened adult anxieties have shaped a generation of more anxious youth and what we can do to help.

One central theme that emerged: change starts with us. From limiting our own screen use to building stronger neighborhood connections, our community shared both reflections and practical ideas for creating healthier environments for kids.

Recommendations from the Discussion

• Lead by Example with Screens and Screen Time

• Bring Back Neighborhood Connection

• Create Scheduled Opportunities for Play

• Make Inclusion a Priority

• Reflect on Our Own Anxieties

• Rethink Recess & Boundaries

• Get Creative with Community Building

One Powerful Reflection:

“Maybe the anxious generation isn’t just our kids—it’s us, too.” – Thomas Hull

This honest moment led to a rich conversation about generational trauma, shifting parenting norms, and the importance of reclaiming our own courage as we raise the next generation.

As we enter the last meeting of our journey through "The Anxious Generation" (April 10th), let’s keep the momentum going. Whether it's organizing a playdate, putting down your phone, or talking to your neighbor, every small action counts toward building a stronger, freer, and more connected community for our kids and ourselves.

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.