Cultural and Diversity Committee 

The Cultural and Diversity Committee's focus is to celebrate and raise awareness of all of the different backgrounds represented in our school. The committee's goal is to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment by promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to ensure that all individuals feel valued and respected.

 

We would love to learn more about the cultures and diverse backgrounds of the GFES community.

 

Please click HERE to share more about your family and to volunteer to help the committee. 

 

MONTHLY CELEBRATIONS OF DIVERSITY AWARENESS

 

DECEMBER 

 

Bodhi Day - December 8th

Monday, December 8, is a religious and cultural observance day recognizing the Buddhist holiday of Bodhi. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. 

 

Chanukah - Sundown on December 14th - Sundown on December 22nd

This Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple's menorah for 8 days.

 

Christmas - December 25th

Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts.

 

Kwanzaa - December 26th - January 1st

Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration held from December 26 to January 1 that honors African American heritage, unity, and community through seven guiding principles.

 

NOVEMBER
 

All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos (November 1 and 2)

On November 1st and 2nd many in our community observe All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world. 

 

National Adoption Awareness Month (All of November)

National Adoption Awareness Month recognizes the importance of adoption and celebrates families formed through adoption, while raising awareness about children and youth in need of permanent, loving homes.

 

National Adoption Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving)

National Adoption Day is observed to celebrate families created through adoption and to raise awareness about the adoption process and its positive impact on children and communities.

 

Native American Heritage Month (All of November)

Native American Heritage Month honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples, and provides an opportunity to learn about their rich traditions and lasting influence.

 

OCTOBER 

 

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (October)

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and break down stereotypes and misconceptions about learning disabilities. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals with learning disabilities and to advocate for their needs.

 

Full Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6th)

The Asian Full Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of the most important traditional celebrations across East and Southeast Asian cultures. It falls on October 6th this year and marks the end of the autumn harvest. The celebration emphasizes themes of family reunion, gratitude, and abundance. Key elements of the Mid-Autumn Festival include mooncakes, lanterns, and various regional variations. For more information provided by FCPS, please click here.

 

Diwali (October 19th-23rd)

Diwali is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It marks the start of the Hindu New Year. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word “dipavali” meaning “row of lights”. The day marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. It is celebrated over five days , with the third day being the most important. Diwali is typically celebrated by dressing in colorful traditional clothing, lighting the inside and outside of homes with rows of lamps or other lights, and fireworks. There are also worship services, a large traditional feast, and a gift exchange. Diwali begins October 19 and ends October 23.

 

Native American Heritage Month

On the second Monday of October and the month of November, people all over the United States celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month. Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

  

 

FIND OUT MORE WITH THE FOLLOWING BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 

(This section is under development.)

 

Diwali:

Diwali in My New Home - Shachi Kaushik

Binny's Diwali - Thrity Umrigar

 

Hispanic Heritage Month:

Abuelita’s Gift – Mariana Rios Ramirez

The Ofrenda That We Built – Jolene Gutierrez and Shaian Gutierrez

Gustavo The Shy Ghost – Flavia Z. Drago

Martee Dares to Dance – Harry Shum Jr. and Shelby Rabara