1. Message From Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness.
2. Community Cares Update.
3. Celebrating Holidays.
4. Department Update.

Evening of Tue, Apr 9, 2024 – Wed, Apr 10, 2024

Atheist Day, observed on April 1st, is an occasion for atheists worldwide to come together to celebrate reason, critical thinking, and secular values. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about atheism, promote understanding and acceptance of non-belief, and advocate for the separation of religion and state.

While April 1st may seem like an unusual choice for Atheist Day, it's a deliberate one. The date was chosen to coincide with April Fools' Day, symbolizing the skepticism and questioning of beliefs that are inherent in atheism. It's an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about atheism and to engage in constructive dialogue about the role of religion in society.

On Atheist Day, individuals and organizations may engage in various activities to mark the occasion:

1. Community Events: Organize gatherings, meetups, or discussions where atheists can come together to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

2. Educational Outreach: Host lectures, workshops, or seminars to explore topics related to atheism, secularism, science, and ethics.

3. Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to raise awareness about Atheist Day, share information about atheism, and engage in conversations with a wider audience.

4. Public Advocacy: Advocate for the separation of religion and government, defend the rights of atheists, and challenge discrimination based on religious beliefs.

5. Charitable Activities: Participate in volunteer work or charitable initiatives that align with secular values and contribute to the well-being of communities.

6. Promotion of Rational Thinking: Promote critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and skepticism as essential tools for navigating the world.

7. Cultural Expression: Create art, music, literature, or other forms of creative expression that reflect atheist perspectives and values.

Overall, Atheist Day serves as a reminder that atheism is a valid worldview deserving of respect and recognition. It encourages individuals to embrace reason, science, and humanism while fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.

HRS LEVEL 1 Building Equity Walkthroughs

Ten Focus Areas

1. Windows and Mirrors (MCGF)
2. Professionalism
3. PBIS Implementation
4. Inclusivity
5. Self-Regulation/ SEBH
6. Consistency w/Redirection and Response to Behaviors
7. Transitions
8. Psychologically Safe Spaces
9. High Regulation of Support
10. Restorative Practices

At Weber, we have spent a lot of time working on restorative practices and circles. Weber classrooms start almost everyday in a circle during their classroom morning meeting building their classroom community. In addition, to this we use circles and restorative practices daily to resolve conflicts and disagreements, build relationships, and learn from one another.

As part of the support we offer through our SST team and process, we offer teachers the opportunity to request circles through a form and the team will respond and support holding circles and training others in the process.

Lastly, we are holding a parent community meeting hosted by our PTO on April 2nd to share more with our parents about restorative practices and circles. We are hoping to have students there to help us show parents how circles work. In addition, administration will speak to how they approach this work to support students.

The GROWW (Girls Recognizing their Own Warrior Within) girls' group was founded in 2023 by Ebony Hawkins and provides young females in our school community with encouragement and support. GROWW was established with an explicit mission of addressing the critical need for young women to have access to a safe space for self-reflection, goal-setting, and accountability in times of conflict.

The purpose of this program is to help young women develop healthy connections with trustworthy mentors, learn alternative coping mechanisms for when they experience intense emotions and participate in other physical activities instead of fighting. Female students with a history of behavioral referrals, including suspensions for fighting and/or physical aggression, were the students that we primarily targeted.

The group meets twice a month. We practice yoga and meditation services provided by a partnership with Hothouse Yoga, at one of our twice-monthly meetings, which provides essential opportunities for relaxation, self-reflection, and restoration. We've held additional meetings where we've talked about self-awareness or engaged in team-building exercises. Recently, we visited Longfellow Elementary for our first field trip. With their newly acquired skill sets, the GROWW members inspired younger girls by demonstrating to them how to accept and value who they are, get over the nervousness associated with starting junior high school, and navigate growing up without encountering negativity.

The Latino Hawks and International Club at City High

"Culture Day" on April 26th

There are 2 sessions 9:45 and 12:55. There is a fashion show, dancing, and display boards showcasing different cultures. The fashion show and dancing will be in the auditorium and weather permitting, the display boards will be outside of the auditorium.

The ICCSD is proud to recognize April as Arab American Heritage Month

and acknowledge the contributions of all in our community with Arab

heritage regardless of nationality.

The Arab world is made up of 22 countries that span North Africa to West

Asia with great diversity. The three most common religions are Islam,

Christianity and Judaism. Hospitality, generosity, faith, family and

community are key pillars of Arab culture and children often become

caretakers for their parents.

It is estimated there are 3.7 million Arab Americans. There are an

estimated 1.2 million Arab immigrants in the US, doubled since the year

2000. The Biden administration has proposed the 2030 US census allow

people of Middle Eastern or North African descent to be counted (they are

currently categorized as white).

Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National

Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. President Biden

recognizes the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month

with a special letter each year. Congress, the U.S. Department of State,

and 37 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative

in 2021.

To learn more, visit the following sources:

Arab America Foundation

National Arab American Medical Association

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

NPR: What Race are Middle Eastern, North African People?

Credit to: Eyad Hanna and Riad Rahhal for drafting this statement in 2022, and sharing with us their knowledge of Arab American Heritage. Many thanks from ICCSD for all of your hard work.

ArabAmericanNationalMuseum

open_in_new

The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the only museum in the United States completely devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions to American life. They offer a wide variety of experiences and resources to teach young people about this diverse and rich culture.

You can take a look at their Core Galleries here. You'll find amazing art, videos, and even samples of different instruments. Or, if you're interested in taking a road trip, the museum is located in Dearborn Michigan! They also do virtual tours!

Check out their lesson plans for Middle School and High School here.

Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily fast during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It's one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with family and friends coming together to break their fast.The atmosphere during iftar is one of joy and gratitude, as Muslims come together to break their fast, strengthen their bonds with one another, and reflect on the spiritual significance of Ramadan. It's considered a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and increased devotion to God.

Tartan Day

Did you know that April 6th is National Tartan Day where we celebrate Scottish-Americans?

In 1998, a Coalition of Scottish Americans with the support of Senator Trent Lott successfully lobbied the Senate for the designation of April 6 as National Tartan Day "to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States".

Today there are around 6 million Americans that claim Scottish descent! And of the 13 governors of the newly established United States, did you know that NINE were Scottish? Some scholars even say that of the 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence, nearly a third are of those of Scottish descent!

Listen to some authentic Scottish Bagpipe music.

Additional Resources:

• Scotland and the USA | Scotland.org
• Scottish American history and influence | National Library of Scotland

In 2010, the number of identified and diagnosed children with autism was 1 in 125, and by 2020, this number has increased to 1 in 54. We want to celebrate all of our students, families, and parents who are Autistic and/or neurodivergent this month and promote love and celebration of differences in our schools.

Acceptance is about having an understanding of diversity, and the individual experiences and prejudices that affect autistic people in our society. We will sometimes need to confront uncomfortable truths and change our behavior and systems to create environments for our autistic and neurodivergent students to thrive.

Celebration is about lifting up and honoring the contributions of autistic individuals, and wrapping around each other with support and love!

*In a previous year, we used a graphic for Autism Acceptance Month that depicted puzzle pieces. It was brought to our attention that puzzle pieces have been used by groups to depict autistic and neurodivergent individuals negatively. The Autistic community prefers either the gold infinity symbol for autism or the rainbow infinity symbol for neurodiversity to represent them. We removed the image last year and will continue to use the preferred symbols moving forward, and we urge others to do the same.

Strategies to Help Our Students

Many autistic people have trouble recognizing tone. With our increasing communication via email/text here are some helpful tone indicators that you can incorporate into your day-to-day communication to help our neurodivergent individuals and cut down on miscommunications. Educators can provide a "Key" or a vocabulary resource for their class to show that these will be the tone indicators you will be using going forward.

Tone Indicators:

• /j = joking

• /hj = half joking

• /s or /sarc = sarcastic/sarcasm

• /srs = serious

• /nsrs = not serious

• /ref = reference

• /nm = not mad

• /ot = off topic

• /q = quote

• /m = metaphor/metaphorically

• /rt =rhetorical question

• /pc or /pos = positive connotation

• /nc or /neg = negative connotation

• /neu = neutral connotation

Try these out in your classroom to see what is and is not helpful to your neurodivergent students!

Additional Resources

• A Proclamation on World Autism Awareness Day, 2023 | The White House

• Autism Awareness Month: The History and Today | Stages Learning

• Autism Acceptance Month | AUCD

• Free Webinars | Monarch Center for Autism

Passover is celebrated in the United States (April 22nd- 30th) with a combination of religious observance, family gatherings, and cultural traditions.

Here's how Passover is typically celebrated in the US:

• Preparation:

• Before Passover begins, Jewish households engage in thorough cleaning and removal of leavened products (chametz) from their homes. This process, known as "spring cleaning" or "Passover cleaning," ensures that only unleavened products (matzah) are consumed during the holiday.

• Many families also purchase special Passover foods and ingredients, such as matzah, matzah meal, kosher-for-Passover wine, and other kosher-certified products.

• Seder Meals:

• The centerpiece of Passover observance is the Seder, a ritual meal held on the first two nights of the holiday (one night in Israel). Families and communities gather around the Seder table to retell the story of the Exodus using the Haggadah, a book containing prayers, readings, and songs.

• The Seder plate, which holds symbolic foods, is prominently displayed on the table. Participants take turns reading from the Haggadah, engaging in discussions, and partaking in rituals such as the dipping of vegetables in saltwater and the drinking of four cups of wine (or grape juice).

• Family Gatherings:

• Passover is a time for families to come together, often traveling long distances to be with loved ones. Multigenerational gatherings provide opportunities for storytelling, sharing traditions, and passing on cultural heritage.

• Extended family members and friends may join Seder meals, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

• Community Events:

• Many Jewish communities host communal Seders for those who may not have family nearby or wish to celebrate with a larger group. These events may be held at synagogues, community centers, or other venues and often include traditional rituals, music, and festive meals.

• Observance in Synagogues:

• Synagogues typically hold special Passover services, including additional readings and prayers related to the holiday. Some congregations organize communal Seders for members who may not have the opportunity to celebrate with their families.

• Cultural Traditions:

• In addition to religious observance, Passover is marked by cultural traditions such as singing Passover songs (known as "zemirot"), reciting traditional blessings, and engaging in discussions about freedom, justice, and social responsibility.

• Some families incorporate modern elements into their Passover celebrations, such as creating themed decorations, organizing Passover-themed games and activities for children, and experimenting with new recipes using kosher-for-Passover ingredients.

Overall, Passover in the United States is a time for reflection, connection, and celebration, as Jewish communities come together to commemorate their ancestors' journey from slavery to freedom and to reaffirm their commitment to the values of liberation, justice, and compassion.

EarthDay

April 22nd is Earth Day when we support environmental protection! This day was first held in 1970 and now it is a holiday that is celebrated all over the world! Our students have shown a lot of passion for our planet and have advocated for the Iowa City School District to reduce our carbon footprint and become greener!

The district took this to heart, and in March our Director of Facilities stated that we've reduced our carbon footprint by 48%, nine years ahead of schedule for our 10-year plan! Wow!

Click here to read The Gazette article to learn more!

Additional Resources

• Earth Day: Celebrate online and in-person | EarthSky

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY Also known as May Day, it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, in which police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight-hour work day.

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) Recognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an annual commemoration in the United States that celebrates the contributions of Jewish Americans to American culture, society, and history.

Here's a brief overview of the history of Jewish American Heritage Month:

Since its establishment, Jewish American Heritage Month has been observed annually in May, with various events, programs, and initiatives held across the country to honor and celebrate Jewish American history, achievements, and contributions.

The month-long celebration provides an opportunity for communities, organizations, schools, and individuals to explore Jewish culture, history, and identity through lectures, exhibits, performances, film screenings, and other activities.

Jewish American Heritage Month serves as a platform for educational outreach and public awareness about Jewish history, traditions, and values. Schools, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions often host special programs and exhibitions highlighting Jewish American experiences and achievements.

Jewish American Heritage Month has garnered widespread recognition and support from government officials, community leaders, religious organizations, and advocacy groups. It has become an important occasion for promoting intercultural dialogue, understanding, and solidarity among diverse communities.

Overall, Jewish American Heritage Month serves as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Jewish Americans and to reaffirm the principles of religious freedom, pluralism, and inclusivity that are central to American identity. Through education, dialogue, and commemoration, the month-long observance promotes greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for Jewish culture, history, and contributions in the United States.

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully repelled the French forces in what became a symbolic victory for Mexican resistance against foreign intervention.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. Mexico's independence from Spanish colonial rule is celebrated on September 16th, known as "El Grito de Dolores" or Mexican Independence Day.

While Cinco de Mayo is observed throughout Mexico, it is primarily celebrated in the city of Puebla, where the historic battle took place. Festivities in Puebla typically include military parades, reenactments, traditional music and dance performances, and culinary events.

Cinco de Mayo has become a widely celebrated cultural holiday in the United States, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. It is an occasion to celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and contributions to American society.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States often feature parades, parties, festivals, mariachi music, folkloric dances, Mexican cuisine, and traditional beverages such as margaritas and Mexican beer. It is a festive and colorful holiday that brings people together to enjoy food, music, and cultural activities.

In recent years, Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly commercialized in the United States, with businesses promoting sales, marketing campaigns, and themed events tied to the holiday. However, some critics argue that the commercialization has led to the trivialization of the holiday's historical significance.

While Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated, there is sometimes a lack of awareness about its historical context and significance. Efforts to educate the public about the true meaning of the holiday and its historical roots are important for promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.

Overall, Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant and festive celebration that honors Mexican heritage and resilience, both in Mexico and among Mexican-American communities in the United States. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate diversity, promote cultural exchange, and foster appreciation for the rich traditions of Mexico.

The modern holiday was first celebrated in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held the first Mother's Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia.[1][13] Andrew's Methodist Church now holds the International Mother's Day Shrine.[1] Her campaign to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, died.

Ann Jarvis had been a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War, and created Mother's Day Work Clubs to address public health issues. She and another peace activist and suffragist Julia Ward Howe had been urging for the creation of a "Mother's Day For Peace" where mothers would ask that their husbands and sons were no longer killed in wars. 40 years before it became an official holiday, Ward Howe had made her Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870, which called upon mothers of all nationalities to band together to promote the "amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace."[14] Anna Jarvis wanted to honor this and to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".[15]

In 1908, the U.S. Congress rejected a proposal to make Mother's Day an official holiday, joking that they would also have to proclaim a "Mother-in-law's Day".[16] However, owing to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, by 1911 all U.S. states observed the holiday,[17] with some of them officially recognizing Mother's Day as a local holiday[18] (the first being West Virginia, Jarvis' home state, in 1910). In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.[19]

Although Jarvis, who started Mother's Day as a liturgical service, was successful in founding the celebration, she became resentful of the commercialization of the holiday, and it became associated with the phrase "Hallmark holiday". By the early 1920s, Hallmark Cards and other companies had started selling Mother's Day cards. Jarvis believed that the companies had misinterpreted and exploited the idea of Mother's Day and that the emphasis of the holiday was on sentiment, not profit. As a result, she organized boycotts of Mother's Day, and threatened to issue lawsuits against the companies involved.[20] Jarvis argued that people should appreciate and honor their mothers through handwritten letters expressing their love and gratitude, instead of buying gifts and pre-made cards.[19] Jarvis protested at a candy makers' convention in Philadelphia in 1923, and at a meeting of American War Mothers in 1925. By this time, carnations had become associated with Mother's Day, and the selling of carnations by the American War Mothers to raise money angered Jarvis, who was arrested for disturbing the peace.[19][20]

In Britain, Constance Adelaide Smith was inspired to advocate for Mothering Sunday, an already-existing Christian ecclesiastical celebration in which the faithful visit the church in which they received the sacrament of baptism, as an equivalent celebration.[21][22][23][24] She referred to medieval traditions of celebrating Mother Church, 'mothers of earthly homes', Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mother Nature.[23][12] Her efforts were successful in the British Isles and other parts of the English-speaking world.[2

When discussing the Nakba with students, it’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and age-appropriate language. Here are key points to cover:

Historical Context

• What Happened: The Nakba, which means "catastrophe" in Arabic, refers to the period in 1948 when many Palestinian people lost their homes during the creation of the state of Israel.
• Displacement: Many Palestinian families had to leave their towns and villages and became refugees.

Human Impact

• Personal Stories: Share simple stories of families and children who experienced the Nakba to help students understand the human aspect.
• Refugees: The concept of refugees—people who have to leave their homes because it's not safe or they are forced out.

Geographical Info

• Where It Happened: Show a map of the region, highlighting Israel and Palestine, to give students a geographical understanding.

Culture and Heritage

• Palestinian Culture: Talk about Palestinian culture, traditions, and daily life before and after 1948.
• Respect for Differences: Emphasize the importance of respecting different cultures and histories.

Current Relevance

• Lasting Effects: The Nakba still affects many people today. Some families have been living as refugees for many generations.
• Hope for Peace: Highlight efforts and hopes for peace in the region, focusing on the importance of understanding and empathy.

Values and Lessons

• Empathy: Encourage students to think about how they would feel if they had to leave their homes.
• History Matters: Explain that learning about history helps us understand the present and can help us create a better future.

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, sometimes abbreviated World Day for Cultural Diversity, is a United Nations–sanctioned observance day for the promotion of diversity and intercultural dialogue. Begun in 2002, it is celebrated on 21 May. Wikipedia

Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Celebrations: Multiple events world-wide

Observed by: All UN member states

MEMORIAL DAYMemorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May. Wikipedia

Date: Monday, May 27, 2024

Event Length: 1 Day

Observed for: 155 years

Type: US Federal holiday

Observances: Decoration of military graves with American flags

Significance: Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service; Unofficial beginning of summer

Frequency: Annual

Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by service members and their families. It provides an opportunity for Americans to come together to honor the memory of those who have given their lives in defense of their country. Overall, Memorial Day holds significant importance as a day of tribute, remembrance, and gratitude for the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTHThe concept of Pride Month began with the Stonewall riots, a series of riots for gay liberation that took place over several days beginning on June 28, 1969. The riots began after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located within Lower Manhattan in New York City.[2] Activists Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie are credited for inciting the riots, though Johnson disputes her involvement.[3][1]

The year after the riots, the first pride marches were held in several US cities.[4] The march in New York City, aimed to celebrate the "Christopher Street Liberation Day", alongside parallel marches across the US, is considered to be a watershed moment for LGBT rights.[5] Fred Sargeant, an organizer of some of the first marches, said that the goal was to commemorate the Stonewall riots and further push for liberation. He noted that while the first marches were more akin to a protest than a celebration, it helped to remind people of LGBT communities and how they may include one's family and friends.[6] Transgender women and people of color were noted to have been excluded or silenced during the early marches, despite the initial riots largely consisting of them.[4][7]

How Might Parents Show Up for Their LGBTQ+ Students During Pride Month?

Supporting LGBTQ+ students during Pride Month, and throughout the year, is crucial for their well-being and affirmation. Here are several ways parents can offer support:

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and issues. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend workshops to gain a better understanding of what it means to be LGBTQ+. This will help you provide informed support to your child.

2. Create a Safe and Accepting Environment: Ensure that your home is a safe and accepting space where your child feels comfortable expressing their identity. Let them know that you love and support them unconditionally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

3. Listen and Validate: Be an attentive listener and validate your child's feelings and experiences. Let them know that their identity is valid and deserving of respect. Avoid making assumptions or judgments, and allow them to express themselves openly and honestly.

4. Respect Privacy: Respect your child's privacy and allow them to come out on their own terms. Avoid outing them to others without their consent, and maintain confidentiality regarding their LGBTQ+ identity if they are not ready to share it with others.

5. Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Advocate for inclusive policies and practices in your child's school and community. This may include supporting efforts to implement anti-bullying policies, gender-neutral facilities, and LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum.

6. Attend Pride Events: Attend Pride events with your child to show your support and solidarity. Pride parades, festivals, and other events provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to celebrate diversity and affirm their identities.

7. Connect with LGBTQ+ Support Networks: Encourage your child to connect with LGBTQ+ support networks, such as LGBTQ+ community centers, youth groups, or online forums. These spaces can provide valuable support, resources, and a sense of belonging.

8. Be an Advocate: Stand up for your child and advocate for their rights and well-being. Challenge discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry whenever you encounter it, and work to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for all LGBTQ+ individuals.

9. Seek Professional Support if Needed: If your child is experiencing significant distress or struggling with their LGBTQ+ identity, consider seeking support from a qualified mental health professional who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

10. Celebrate Pride Together: Use Pride Month as an opportunity to celebrate your child's identity and show your pride in who they are. Consider hosting a Pride-themed family gathering or participating in Pride-related activities together.

Overall, providing unconditional love, acceptance, and support is essential for parents in affirming their LGBTQ+ child's identity and well-being during Pride Month and beyond.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) The United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

ANNE FRANK DAY Birthday of a young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s experiences hiding from the Nazis through the assistance of Gentile friends.

An annual celebration held on June 12th to commemorate the anniversary of the historic court decision of Loving v. Virginia (1967) which struck down the anti-miscegenation laws (laws banning interracial marriage) that remained in 16 U.S. states.

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Wikipedia

On FATHER’S DAY, children of all ages show appreciation for their fathers and father figures.

Father's Day has undergone several changes since its inception, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes, cultural norms, and the evolving role of fathers. Some notable changes include:

Father's Day has become more inclusive, recognizing and honoring diverse forms of fatherhood beyond just biological fathers. This includes stepfathers, adoptive fathers, single fathers, same-sex parents, and other father figures who play significant roles in children's lives.

As traditional gender roles have evolved, Father's Day has adapted to reflect changing expectations of fatherhood. There is a greater emphasis on involved fathering, nurturing, and caregiving, challenging stereotypes that depict fathers solely as breadwinners or disciplinarians.

Similar to Mother's Day, Father's Day has become increasingly commercialized over time, with retailers promoting gifts, cards, and special deals targeted at fathers. While this has led to increased consumer spending, it has also been criticized for shifting focus away from the holiday's original sentiments of gratitude and appreciation.

With the rise of digital technology and social media, Father's Day celebrations have expanded beyond traditional methods. Families may now connect virtually through video calls, share photos and messages on social media platforms, or send electronic gifts and cards, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in celebrating the holiday.

There is growing recognition of the importance of fathers' mental health and well-being. Father's Day is increasingly being used as an opportunity to raise awareness about paternal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression, and to encourage fathers to seek support and resources when needed.

Father's Day celebrations have been influenced by broader social and cultural shifts, including movements for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and fatherhood advocacy. These changes have led to more nuanced discussions about fatherhood, masculinity, and the challenges fathers face in balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.

Overall, Father's Day has evolved to reflect changing notions of fatherhood, family dynamics, and societal expectations. While its core purpose of honoring fathers remains unchanged, the holiday continues to adapt to meet the needs and realities of contemporary families and fathers.

Juneteenth holds significant importance in American history for several reasons:

End of Slavery-Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory to be free, it took over two years for this news to reach Texas. The announcement of General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, effectively marked the end of slavery in the last Confederate state and symbolized the fulfillment of emancipation for all enslaved people in the United States.

Freedom and Liberation-For African Americans, Juneteenth represents a day of liberation and freedom from the bonds of slavery. It celebrates their resilience, perseverance, and the long-awaited realization of freedom after centuries of oppression and exploitation.

Historical Legacy-Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by African Americans in their fight for freedom and equality. It highlights the resilience of enslaved individuals and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and injustice throughout American history.

Cultural Celebration-Juneteenth has evolved into a cultural celebration that honors African American heritage, culture, and achievements. It is marked by various festivities, including parades, picnics, music, dance, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, fostering a sense of community and pride among African Americans and their allies.

Symbol of Progress and Continuing Challenges-While Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery, it also serves as a reminder of the unfinished work towards racial equality and social justice in the United States. The holiday prompts reflection on the progress made since emancipation and the challenges that persist.

Recognition and Awareness- Juneteenth's growing recognition and observance across the United States contribute to raising awareness about African American history, civil rights struggles, and the legacy of slavery. It encourages dialogue, education, and reflection on the complexities of American history and the ongoing quest for equality and justice for all.

What Can Parents Do to Educate Students about Juneteenth?

Parents should emphasize the ongoing significance of Juneteenth in contemporary society. It provides an opportunity to discuss issues of racial injustice, inequality, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Help students recognize the intersectionality of Juneteenth with other historical events and social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary activism against systemic racism.

Encouraging students to participate in Juneteenth celebrations and community events fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity. It promotes empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse cultural traditions.

SUMMER SOLSTICE Marks the first day of summer. The length of time between sunrise and sunset is the longest of the year with the sun shining the farthest from the Southern Hemisphere and the closest to the Northern Hemisphere.

https://iowacity.momcollective.com/2024/03/17/summer-camp-guide-2024/

https://www.icgov.org/government/departments-and-divisions/parks-and-recreation/recreation/camps

https://hr.uiowa.edu/employee-well-being/family-services/child-care/summer-programs

https://www.unitedwayjwc.org/summer-camp-and-summer-activity-ideas