The Farmington I.D.E.A.

Welcome to the 2023-24 IDEA Newsletter where you will find a place of belonging, inspiration, education, and space for your contributions…

Hanukkah (Jewish): Begins at sunset on December 7, the start of an eight-day Jewish festival of lights, which offers an opportunity to explore Jewish traditions and resilience.

Las Posadas (Mexican): Religious festival in Mexico and some parts of the U.S. during the Christmas season. Las Posadas begins 16th and ends December 24th.

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

Kwanzaa (Black/African American/Pan-African): 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

December 1: World AIDS Day: This day is observed to support those living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities: This day focuses on the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, promoting accessibility and inclusion.

December 5: International Volunteer Day: A day to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers worldwide.

December 10: Bodhi Day (Buddhist): This day commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment and is a time for reflection and meditation.

December 10: International Human Rights Day: A day to celebrate and advocate for human rights around the world.

December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe: This day is significant in the Catholic faith, particularly

among Mexican communities, celebrating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in Mexico.

December 15: Bill of Rights Day: This day commemorates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, promoting civil rights and liberties.

December 24: Advent (Dec 3 - Dec 24) (Christian): The period leading up to Christmas, observed by Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

December 31: New Year's Eve: A day to celebrate and usher in a new year (recognized around the world, with diverse, celebratory and cultural experiences and traditions)

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. Read more here: Launchsmore.com

Go beyond the basics with opportunities for SEL and deeper understanding. Read more here:

launchcommonsense.org

The following selection was excerpted from Celebrate! An Anti-Bias Guide to Enjoying Holidays in Early Childhood Programs. Adapted by permission, ©Julie Bisson (Redleaf Press, St. Paul, Minnesota). There are three common pitfalls to avoid when trying to create a fair balance among different holidays. Read more here: launchsmore.com

Human Rights Day is a special day that recognizes and celebrates the fundamental human rights that every person is entitled to. It’s observed every year on December 10th and is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in protecting human rights around the world. It is also a day's recommitment; ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect. This year's Human Rights Day theme is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” and the call to action is #StandUp4HumanRights.

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

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that typically falls in December. The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication" or "consecration" in Hebrew. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday, and each night, a candle is added to the menorah until all eight candles, plus the central "shamash" (servant) candle, are lit. The holiday holds significant cultural and religious importance for Jewish communities worldwide.

Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration that reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. Typically observed from December 16th to December 24th, this nine-night festival involves processions, music, and prayers. Each night, participants, often led by a couple dressed as Mary and Joseph, go from house to house, symbolizing the couple's search for lodging. The hosts, representing innkeepers, initially turn them away until reaching the designated "inn" where they are finally welcomed. Las Posadas fosters community spirit and commemorates the anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

Christmas is an annual Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th each year. For Christians, Christmas holds profound significance as the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of their faith. It symbolizes the fulfillment of a divine promise and the arrival of the Messiah, who is seen as the embodiment of God's love and salvation for humanity. Christmas is a time for believers to reflect, expressing gratitude for the gift of Jesus and the hope, joy, and peace He brings to the world.

The season is marked by religious services, including special Masses or worship gatherings, where the faithful come together to celebrate the birth of Christ through hymns, prayers, and biblical readings. Beyond its spiritual dimension, Christmas is an opportunity for Christians to embody the teachings of Christ, emphasizing themes of love, generosity, and compassion in their interactions with others. The exchange of gifts, acts of kindness, and the coming together of families and communities during this festive period reflect the Christian values of love and goodwill associated with the birth of Jesus.

Kwanzaa is a winter holiday that celebrates African-American heritage. It was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga. The name Kwanzaa comes from the words matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruit” in Swahili, referring to the first crops of the harvest. In Africa, the first fruit festivals are celebrated in accordance with the summer solstice (winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere). Some might consider Kwanzaa as an alternative to Christmas. However, Kwanzaa was not created with the purpose to give black people their own religious holiday as an alternative to Christmas. Many African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa in addition to Christmas. Maulana Karenga defined the seven principles of Kwanzaa, calling them “Nguzo Saba” (the seven principles of African heritage). Together, the seven principles make up Kawaida (meaning tradition). Each of the seven days during Kwanzaa symbolically represents one of the seven principles on which the holiday builds.

These principles are:

Umoja (Unity)

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)

Nia (Purpose)

Kuumba (Creativity)

Imani (Faith)

Kwanzaa is also distinguished by seven symbols including:

Makka (mat), a traditional straw or woven textile. It represents the base or the foundation on which the other symbols are placed

Kinara (candle holder) holds seven candles

Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles)

Mazao (crops)

Mahindi (corn)

Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup)

Zawadi (gifts)

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.