I wanted to take a moment to bring an item to our community’s attention for consideration. The District’s newly established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, made up PK – 12 staff, administration, and LHS student representation, is currently planning ways in which the District will recognize Juneteenth Day.

Students and staff will spend time in June to learn more about this important day in History and celebrate together as a school family.

President Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021 recognizing June 19th as a Federal Holiday. Juneteenth Day is the oldest nationally celebrated day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It is observed to remember the date in which Union soldiers brought the news of the emancipation of African Americans to Galveston, Texas in 1865. Juneteenth Day is often also referred to as: Juneteenth National Independence Day and Emancipation Day. This is a special time when families celebrate together to reflect upon the past as well as take time to focus on the future. As is tradition, this day is often honored by families gathering together to celebrate African American culture and tradition with both great food and music.

Our current District calendar shows our last day of school and our LHS Graduation as being held on Friday, June 17, 2022. However, since our calendar adoption last spring, New Jersey has designated Friday, June 17, 2022 (not Monday, June 20, 2022) as the workday in which our state will recognize Juneteenth Day.

Since we want to respect our families and give our school community voice on this issue, we have a few options for THIS year. (This question only effects our current calendar as we will make adjustments in future years in advance.)

For 2021 - 2022, we have the option of:

1. Adjusting our calendar to recognize Juneteenth Day on Friday, June 17th by closing school for the day as a sign of respect for this important day in our country’s history. Since Districts are required to educate students for 180 days, adjusting the calendar will impact both the date our families will also celebrate the last day of school and high school graduation. Graduation and the last day of school will then be moved to Monday, June 20, 2022.

This decision may significantly impact our families, too, as families have prepared for Graduation that evening.

2. Maintain our current calendar for this year; however, moving forward we will align our calendar to New Jersey's day of recognition.

This is a very short survey with a specific question focus. However, if you would like to provide additional thoughts and commentary, please email the Superintendent directly, Dr. Kristin P. O'Neil. koneil@lindenwold.k12.nj.us

We feel solving this current issue is best served by reaching out to our learning community stakeholders: LHS Seniors who will be graduating, our Staff, and our Families. Please take time to share your voice on the below survey. Your perspective and opinion matters.

For families who enjoy learning more about our country's important history, please review the below links to learn more about Juneteenth Day.