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

"This Jewish American Heritage Month, let us join hands across faiths, races, and backgrounds to make clear that evil, hate, and antisemitism will not prevail. Let us honor the timeless values, contributions, and culture of Jewish Americans, who carry our Nation forward each and every day. And let us rededicate ourselves to the sacred work of creating a more inclusive tomorrow, protecting the diversity that defines who we are as a Nation, and preserving the dignity of every human being — here at home and around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies." -President Joseph R. Biden, April 28, 2023

The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City is dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. The museum offers a range of educational programs and resources for teachers, including lesson plans, online exhibitions, and virtual tours. Check out out these resources they provide:

• Curriculum Guides for Frequently Assigned Books

• Teacher Guides and Student Workbooks

• The Number of Great-Grandpa's Arm elementary and secondary lesson plan guide

"Founded in 1984, The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) first opened its doors on the campus of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield as the Holocaust Memorial Center and relocated to the current award-winning building in 2004. The HC houses not only our core museum exhibits, but an extensive research library, archives, and a gallery for special art and history exhibits.

Each year, we reach more than 100,000 people through our teacher trainings, virtual museum experiences, virtual programs, and in-person visits to the museum. As the Center continues to grow, so have our educational outreach efforts. To aid teachers in meeting the Holocaust education mandate of Michigan Public Act 170, our teacher trainings now reach schools in nearly every county. In addition, we continue to develop new relationships with school districts and virtual schools, understanding their needs so that every student in the state has equitable access to Holocaust education.

Today, not only is there a rise in antisemitism, there is a decline in living testimony as we are approaching a time when Holocaust survivors will no longer be with us. The Holocaust Center’s content focuses on Holocaust victims’ and survivors’ personal stories to help our visitors understand how the Holocaust could have happened.

We invite each of you to visit and hope through your experience you gain tools to stand up to hatred, antisemitism, and genocide. Together, we envision creating a more tolerant and empathetic society."

The Zekelman Holocaust Center’s 2024 Summer Academy for Educators is set for August 6-8, 2024, and it is now open for registration! The Academy will take place at The Zekelman Holocaust Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. It is free for all participants and includes lunch and snacks. Participants will receive classroom resources and up to 20 SCECH hours. Participants can register for one or two sessions, a full day, or for the whole week. To learn more about this year’s sessions or to register, please visit the center’s website.

Questions about Summer Academy or registration may be directed to Rick Schaffner, manager of Outreach and Teacher Education, at rick.schaffner@holocaustcenter.org.

In both our community, and school community, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and reflect. It's a month dedicated to honoring the invaluable impact of AAPI individuals to our shared history and culture. This month serves as a spotlight on the unique traditions, languages, and customs that enrich our community.

For students in Farmington Public Schools, AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the rich work of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures through engaging activities, educational workshops, and celebratory events. It's a chance to learn about the resilience and achievements of AAPI individuals throughout history, from groundbreaking inventors and artists to pioneering activists and leaders. By recognizing the importance of AAPI Heritage Month, Farmington Public Schools embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity, pushing toward a sense of unity and belonging among all members of the community

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is an invitation to pay attention to the history, identities, and stories of Asian and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) peoples. It is also a chance for educators to better understand and support AAPI students. And as AAPI people continue to be victimized by increased acts of racist violence in the wake of the pandemic, educators face additional challenges around how to support students from those communities⁠, lend historical context to these harrowing events, and stand against anti-Asian racism. -Facing History & Ourselves

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.

In May, we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing (NSLH) Month. Communication plays a vital role in our lives, whether we speak, use sign language, or rely on devices like hearing aids or AAC devices. NSLH Month, held in May (and again in October for Audiology Awareness Month), is a time to explore the wide range of options and technology available for effective communication.

Originally called Better Hearing and Speech Month, this month-long observance was established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 1972. It traces its roots back to National Hearing Week in 1927, organized by the Federation of Organizations for the Hard of Hearing. Over time, it evolved into Better Hearing Month in 1958, and finally became Better Hearing and Speech Month in 1972. Just last year, ASHA renamed it National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, reflecting a more inclusive approach to all forms of communication.

From the start of the school year you have been carrying the weight of these complex times, building and maintaining community in your classrooms, bringing students of all different cultures and perspectives together to learn with excitement, curiosity and empathy, with the purpose of leading them to understand their role in the world. And, most importantly, helping your students find hope when it may seem to be in short supply. I want to personally thank you and I want you to know how much YOU and your commitment and dedication to Farmington Public Schools is valued and appreciated.

1. Bring a gift to your teacher
   Many associations, like National PTA, offer suggestions for gifts to give to teachers and provide fun printable thank-you notes and flyers. Other great ideas to honor your teacher’s work include gift cards, donations, baked goods, decorating their classroom door or teachers lounge, volunteer in a classroom, or use the official hashtag #ThankATeacher
   
   

2. Reach out to a former teacher
   We all remember at least one former teacher fondly, and chances are they remember you and would love to know what you’re up to. See if they are still teaching at your old school and plan to pay a visit, give a call, or even add them on social media to keep up with them! It’s a great chance to let them know the impact they have had on your life.
   
   

3. Donate to teachers
   Many associations have made it their mission to support teachers with school supplies and making ends meet. Some of the best organizations to send a little extra to this week include Donors Choose, Fund for Teachers, and the National Education Association Foundation. You can even specifically fund particular subjects, like the arts or math and sciences!
   

Tips courtesy of NationalToday.com

On May 14, 2024 Farmington Public Schools' (FPS) Student IDEA will be hosting their annual Student Diversity Conference. A number of our secondary students have been committed to building a great day of learning for nearly 450 students from FPS and surrounding communities.

On April 27th, Farmington Public Schools experienced a vibrant day of diversity, knowledge, and presentation of gifts at the Tamil Language Celebration. Nearly 500 students, community members, and District partners came together to highlight and celebrate.

On May 2, 2024, FPS held the 31st Annual FPS Awards of Excellence Breakfast where we honored students that demonstrate outstanding scholarship, exemplary citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities. Each exceptional student invited and honored an FPS staff member that has made a difference in their lives.

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.