

The Farmington I.D.E.A.

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In this space you will find resources, ideas, and places for your contributions.
May Daily Celebrations and Recognitions
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Jewish-American Heritage Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
May 5 — Cinco de Mayo
May 5 — Visakha Bucha Day
May 14 — Mother’s Day
May 17 — International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 21 — World Day for Cultural Diversity
May 29 — Memorial Day
What is AAIP Month?
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month is a month-long celebration in the United States that is observed every May to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old and have both shaped the history of the United States and had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history. Every May during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and its partners share those histories and the continuing culture thriving in parks and communities today. President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution for the celebration on Oct. 5, 1978. In 1990, George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend Asian American Heritage Week to a month. On May 14, 1991, a public law was passed unanimously by congress and then signed by Bush, proclaiming May 1991 and May 1992 as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. By 1992, May was officially designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Local Events to Celebrate AAIP
- DIA: https://dia.org/events/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month
- Chamber of Commerce: https://www.apacc.net/events
- Virtual Events: https://unexpectedvirtualtours.com/aapi-history-month/
- The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/
Detroit Institute of Arts
DIA to screen taiko drum concert for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month series.
Learn more here.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month!
Save The Date For A Special Virtual Forum May 17th!
Learn more here.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Stories, Facts, History & More | PBS
Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers. Enjoy this collection of films, some premiering in May as well as some gems to revisit. These documentaries celebrate the light and love in our diverse AAPINH communities. www.pbs.org
The Social Justice Question Corner
- Is there Representation? Ensure that AAPI students are represented in the curriculum by including their histories, cultures, and contributions in the lesson. It is important to avoid stereotypes and generalizations and to represent AAPIs as diverse and complex individuals.
- Is there Cultural Sensitivity? Be aware of cultural differences and avoid activities or materials that may be offensive or inappropriate. It is also important to respect and acknowledge different learning styles and communication styles.
- Is there Language Accessibility? Consider the language proficiency of AAPI students and provide support and resources as needed. Providing bilingual materials or language support can help ensure that all students can participate in the lesson.
- Is there Community Involvement? Consider involving AAPI community members or experts in the lesson to provide a more authentic and diverse perspective. This can also help build relationships with the AAPI community and create a more inclusive learning environment.
- Interdisciplinary Connections? Consider how the lesson connects to other subject areas, such as history, social studies, or literature, to provide a more comprehensive and integrated learning experience.
- Personal Relevance? Finally, consider how the lesson connects to the personal experiences and interests of AAPI students to make it more engaging and meaningful. This can help create a sense of belonging and identity for AAPI students in the classroom.
Jewish American Heritage Month
This May heritage month honors American Jews and their contributions to the United States. If you’ve never celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month before, consider participating by visiting a Jewish museum or a site of historical interest, making a Jewish recipe, or listening to a Jewish podcast. Click here to view toolkit.
Jewish American Heritage Month Resources
The theme of mental health awareness month 2023 is “Look Around, Look Within!"
Teacher Resources
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. While Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in the U.S., a more universal day is also celebrated by the WHO on October 10, and it is known as World Mental Health Day.
Local Resources for Families
- The Family Center resource sheet
- The Family Center podcasts about suicide prevention, technology and children/teens, teen anxiety, and family dynamics.
- The Family Center webinars about the dangers of vaping
- The Family Center articles about parenting and family issues
- Resources for Helping Youth Cope after a mass shooting
Mental Health Resources
Free Mental Health Services:
- Oakland University SEHS Counseling Center: http://oakland.edu/counseling/sehs-cc/
or 248-370-2633; email: sehscounseling@oakland.edu - Central Michigan University: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/ehs/unit/cccd/Pages/default.aspx or 989-774-3532
- University of Detroit Mercy: https://liberalarts.udmercy.edu/counseling-clinic/index.php
or 313-993-1626 - OU students only: Oakland University Counseling Center (Graham):
248-370-3465 oakland.edu/oucc/
Free/Low Cost Mental Health Services:
- Easterseals Michigan: 248-475-6400
- CNS Healthcare services: 248-745-4900
- MDHHS website has county by county listings:
- https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_2943_52115-203750--,00.html
Crisis Lines:
- National Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255
- Text: 741741
- Common Ground: 800-231-1127
- Youth Mobile Crisis Unit (Oakland County) for ages 0-21: 877-800-1650
- Veteran's Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 press 1
- Veteran's text: 828255
Psychiatric Hospitals:
- Havenwyck (Auburn Hills, MI): 248-373-9200
- Harbor Oaks (New Baltimore): 586-725-5777
- Behavioral Center of Michigan (Warren): 586-261-2266
- Henry Ford Kingswood (Ferndale): 248-398-3200
- Pine Rest (Grand Rapids): 877-242-1879
- (several other hospitals, such as Beaumont, St. Joseph Mercy, Ascension Providence, and McClaren, have inpatient behavioral health units as well)
Shelters:
- Homeless/transitional living shelters throughout Michigan can be located by visiting: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/michigan.html
- Oakland County: 800-231-1127
- Macomb County: 586-477-1855; 586-415-5101; 586-465-1212
- Wayne County: 313-571-4707; 313-463-2000; 313-873-0678
- Matrix Off the Street: 313-285-1900/3131-873-0678
Domestic Violence:
- Haven (Oakland County): 877-922-1274
- Wayne County: 734-722-6800
- Hotline: 800-799-7233
- chat: thehotline.org
- Sexual Abuse Hotline: 800-656-4673
- Substance Abuse Services:
- Oakland: Oakland Community Health Network: 248-858-1210
- Macomb: Macomb County Community Mental Health: 586-469-5275; CARE of Southeastern Michigan: 586-541-2273
- Wayne: Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority: 313-833-2500
- findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
LGBTQ+:
- The Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- Affirmations: 248-398-7105
Apps:
- Virtual Hope Box
- Relax Melodies
- Calm
- Insight Timer
There's 100's more, search for Mindfulness, calming, relaxation, mood tracking.
**While many of these are specific to the tri-county area, most have a list of resources in other counties throughout Michigan. You can also contact the United Way by dialing 211 who maintain a significant resource list, not just related to mental health, but also encompassing financial and other needs.**
For more information, please contact Gregory Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
for Farmington Public Schools at gregory.smith@fpsk12.net
Farmington Public Schools shall not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status in any of its programs, services, activities or employment. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 32500 Shiawassee, Farmington, MI 48336.