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

 

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.

 

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 Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving)

 

Native American Heritage Month (All of November)

 

DECEMBER 

 

Bodhi Day - December 8th

 

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

 

Christmas - December 25th

 

Kwanzaa - December 26th - January 1st

 

 

 

 

 

FIND OUT MORE WITH THE FOLLOWING BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 

This section is under development.

 

Diwali:

Diwali in My New Home - By: Shachi Kaushik

Binny's Diwali - By: Thrity Umrigar