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

• National Native American Heritage Month

• Movember

• Child Safety and Prevention Month

• Prematurity Awareness Month

• National Child Mental Health Month

• National Diabetes Awareness Month

• National Education/Scholarship Month

• National Epilepsy Awareness Month

• National Family Caregivers Month

• National Family Literacy Month

November 1- All Saints’ Day

November 1 - Autistic Speaking Day

November 6 - International Stress Awareness Day

November 8 - Jain New Year

November 9 - World Freedom Day

November 9 - World Adoption Day

November 11 - Veteran’s Day

November 13 - World Kindness Day

November 14 - Ruby Bridges National Walk to School Day - Wear Purple

November 16 - International Day for Tolerance

November 16 - Dutch American Heritage Day

November 19 - International Men’s Day: a day uplifting the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and their respective communities

November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20 - World Children’s Day

November 28 - Thanksgiving

November 29 - Native American Heritage Day

Deepavali, (translation – rows of lamps) is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists all over the world. It is celebrated on Amavasya, new moon day in October or November. Multiple stories are linked to this celebration with a common theme of victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is the day Lord Rama returned to his homeland after 14 years in exile and defeated the demon king Ravana. It also marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura and freed the people of his kingdom. Jains believe this is the day Lord Mahaveer attained enlightenment.

It is a time of fun and celebration with family and friends. People decorate their homes and offices with various lights, cook delicious food, exchange gifts, and share happiness. Businesses consider Deepavali as the first day of the financial new year. Courtyards are decorated with colorful rangoli, and lamps are lit throughout the front yard. People dress in new clothes, eat delicacies, light lamps, and as the sun sets, they light firecrackers. Growing up this was one of my favorite holidays that always brought the community together.

Ruby Bridges Day, also known as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (RBWTSD), is celebrated on November 14th to honor Ruby Bridges' historic walk to school in 1960. The day is a chance to teach children about the civil rights movement and inspire them to make positive changes in their communities. Some ways to celebrate include:

• Walking to school: Students can walk to school in honor of Bridges.

• Discussing activism: Schools can engage in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying.

• Sharing books: Booksellers can share books about activism, dialogue, and local action.

• Taking pictures and videos: People can take pictures and videos to share on social media.

• Continuing conversations: After the event, schools can continue conversations about racism, bullying, and activism throughout the year.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous communities across the United States, while also acknowledging their significant contributions and enduring resilience. Within Farmington Public Schools, this month is an opportunity for students, educators, and families to learn about the rich heritage and diverse perspectives of Native American tribes, as well as to reflect on their role in shaping our shared history. By recognizing and honoring this month, we not only celebrate our Indigenous students, staff, and families but also deepen our commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive school community. Embracing this learning helps build greater understanding, respect, and unity among all of us.

Veterans Day, observed on November 11th each year in the United States, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918. In 1954, recognizing the contributions of veterans of all wars, the U.S. renamed it to Veteran's Day.

At its core, Veteran's Day is about gratitude, reflection, and acknowledgment of those who've dedicated themselves to protecting the values and freedoms we hold dear. In the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the day also reminds us of the myriad backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of those who've served. Military personnel come from all walks of life, representing a broad spectrum of the American tapestry. On this day, we celebrate both their shared commitment and their unique stories, advocating for their rights, well-being, and continued integration into the fabric of our society.

Founded in Detroit in 2010, Pretty Brown Girl’s mission is to empower Black and Brown girls while encouraging self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional & intellectual well-being. Ranked by NBC News, featured in Essence, and listed in New York Magazine, Pretty Brown Girl (PBG) is a movement designed to positively impact and serve as a catalyst for the development of Black and Brown girls.

Having empowered more than 100,000 girls nationwide, PBG stands as a champion in fostering self-confidence, leadership, and overall well-being among Black and Brown girls. Pretty Brown Girl has been a proud partner of Farmington Public Schools since 2016, empowering more than 1,500 students through our transformative programs. To learn more about Pretty Brown Girl, visit www.prettybrowngirl.com.

Dear Educating Parents and Teachers,

As the Thanksgiving Holiday draws near, you may want to include some holiday-themed instruction to build more color into your day. The traditional narrative of a joyous celebration between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people presents a challenge to all educators in ensuring we don’t share harmful stereotypes with our students.

Please take a moment to consider the impact that the resources and activities you’ll be sharing with students will have – and the messages they might send. To support you in your endeavor, here are some “Do” and “Don’t” guidelines, with resources and ideas, that you may find useful.

Don’t – Create culturally insensitive crafts.

Please do not create or color headbands, bead necklaces, deer-skin clothes etc. Often, many activities found through Pinterest or Googling perpetuate inaccurate indigenous iconography, clothing, and practices.

Do – Emphasize Gratitude

Did you know that November is both National Gratitude month and Native American Heritage month? See “Gratitude” below for lesson ideas.

Don’t – Teach historically inaccurate info

There are many grade-level, accurate, student appropriate articles to read on Newsela. They can be found in one place, here. *create a free account

Do – Focus on food

Food connects us across cultural boundaries and is foundational to many celebrations. Learn more about how Harvest Celebration turned into a national holiday (Newsela) Also, author Pat Mora has published a collection of Haiku poems that celebrates uniquely American foods. (Yum! MMMM! Que Rico! America’s Sproutings / Epic

What can we learn from Indigenous values and ways of life, such as respect for the land, community, and storytelling, and how can we incorporate these principles into our lives and school environment?

In what ways have Indigenous communities experienced historical injustices, and how can acknowledging this history contribute to healing and understanding within our community?

What are some contributions from Native American cultures that we see in our daily lives today, and why is it important to honor these contributions accurately and respectfully?

How can we respectfully celebrate Native American Heritage Month in ways that center Indigenous voices and perspectives, and what role can each of us play in promoting understanding and appreciation in our school community?

What actions can we take as individuals and as a community to ensure that Indigenous histories and cultures are recognized, respected, and integrated meaningfully into our education throughout the year—not only during Native American Heritage Month?

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.