Welcome to the 2024-25 IDEA Newsletter where you will find a place of belonging, inspiration, education, and space for your contributions…

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

Christmas (Christian Faith): Christmas is an annual holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25th as a religious and cultural celebration.

Kwanzaa (Black/African American/Pan-African): 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. Kwanzaa is held from December 26 - January 1, 2024.

Farmington Public Schools is dedicated to building and sustaining a restorative educational environment that prioritizes relationships, respect, accountability, and healing. As part of this commitment, East Middle School has launched an exciting pilot training model, guided by Lindsey Moore, Restorative Practices Facilitator. Over two days of intensive learning, a team of staff engaged deeply with the fundamentals of restorative practices, foundation of the restorative practice continuum, and framework of restorative practices circles. This initiative reflects our belief in creating inclusive, supportive spaces where every student and staff member feels valued and empowered to thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected school community where restorative practices serve as a cornerstone for growth and understanding.

"What a delight it was to be able to spend two days with our incredible faculty to do the important work of understanding and embracing restorative practices," said Lindsey Moore. "What we were able to accomplish will revolutionize the teaching and learning experience in the classroom communities."

A group of dedicated high school students from Farmington High School, North Farmington High School, and Central High School proudly represented Farmington Public Schools at the MSAN (Multicultural Student Achievement Network) National Student Conference. This year’s theme, “Leaving Our Legacy,” inspired these scholars to reflect on their role in promoting social justice, equity, belonging, and inclusion. They embraced the idea that their work—though often met with resistance such as ignorance, prejudice, and apathy—serves as a torch in a relay race. While the finish line may not always be in sight, their mission is to keep the flame of progress burning for future generations. Collaborating with peers from across the nation, these students are laying the groundwork for better educational environments for all cultural backgrounds, ensuring their legacy endures for years to come.

The holiday season offers a wonderful chance to celebrate the richness of global traditions while fostering understanding and inclusivity in your classrooms. By recognizing the diversity of celebrations and creating space for all students, we can make this season meaningful for everyone.

• 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.

Thank you for creating an inclusive and respectful holiday environment for all students!

This webinar recording will help you create deeper understandings of religious and secular holidays, facilitate classroom discussions surrounding inclusion and respect for religious and non-religious differences, and evaluate existing classroom resources and strategies for equity and inclusivity.

It's common for teachers and schools to turn to holiday-themed worksheets and projects at this time of year. But for some students, these are not inclusive of their cultures, identities and traditions. Here are some LFJ resources that offer ways to find balance in your curriculum and facilitate classroom discussions around inclusion while respecting religious and non-religious differences.

Human Rights Day, celebrated every year on December 10th, is a powerful reminder of the unshakable truth that every person deserves dignity, respect, and equality. It’s a day to honor the progress made in advancing human rights worldwide while reigniting our commitment to creating a world where these rights are upheld for everyone. This year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” calls on us to reflect, act, and champion the principles that unite humanity. Through the global call to action, #StandUp4HumanRights, we are reminded that the fight for justice is ongoing and each of us has a role to play in shaping a future rooted in compassion, inclusion, and unwavering equity.

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, celebrated every year on December 20, is a vibrant tribute to the unbreakable bond that connects all of humanity. Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day shines a spotlight on the power of unity, cooperation, and collective action to build a better world. It’s a call to stand together across borders, cultures, and differences to promote peace, understanding, and shared responsibility. More than a celebration, it’s a rallying cry to confront global challenges like poverty, hunger, and disease with courage and compassion. On this day, we are reminded that by joining hands, we can create a world rooted in justice, equality, and hope for all.

Las Posadas is a vibrant and heartfelt Mexican Christmas tradition that brings the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem to life. Celebrated from December 16th to December 24th, this nine-night festival is filled with joyful processions, soulful music, and heartfelt prayers. Each evening, communities unite as participants, often led by a couple portraying Mary and Joseph, journey from house to house, reenacting their quest for lodging. At each stop, they are symbolically turned away by "innkeepers" until they reach the final home, where they are warmly welcomed. More than a reenactment, Las Posadas is a powerful celebration of faith, community, and the anticipation of Jesus’ birth, bringing people together in a spirit of love, generosity, and hope.

Christmas is a joyful celebration that unites communities, families, and hearts in honoring the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. For Christians, this sacred day marks the fulfillment of a divine promise, the arrival of the Messiah, embodying God’s boundless love and salvation for humanity. The season comes alive with vibrant religious services, where believers gather to sing hymns, offer prayers, and share in the timeless story of Christ’s birth. Yet, the spirit of Christmas goes far beyond church walls. It’s a time to live out the teachings of Jesus through acts of love, generosity, and compassion. From exchanging gifts to sharing meals and performing acts of kindness, Christmas inspires us to spread hope, joy, and goodwill. It’s a season where the light of Christ shines through our connections, bringing communities together in celebration, gratitude, and a shared commitment to love one another.

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 rooted celebration of African-American heritage, culture, and unity, observed annually from December 26th to January 1st. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, its name, Kwanzaa, is derived from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits," honoring traditional African harvest celebrations. Far from being an alternative to Christmas, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday often celebrated alongside Christmas by many families, emphasizing shared values of community and connection.

At the heart of Kwanzaa are the Nguzo Saba—seven principles of African heritage—each symbolized by one of the seven days of the holiday. These principles, including unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), and collective work and responsibility (Ujima), inspire reflection, growth, and action. Rooted in the philosophy of Kawaida (tradition), Kwanzaa encourages families and communities to come together in joy, remembrance, and renewal. Through storytelling, music, dance, and the lighting of the kinara (candle holder), Kwanzaa serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, beauty, and resilience of African-American culture and its profound contributions to the world.

Monday, December 30th at 6:00 F.A.M.E. at Nardin Park 29887 W. Eleven Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336

Music • Music • African Drums • Traditional Dance • Candle Lighting Ceremony

Hosted by: Rev. Dr. Patricia Coleman Burns

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.