International Day of Peace

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981 in order to designate a period of non-violence and cease-fire. The day is recognized around the world each year, and it is meant to strengthen the ideals of peace. Many practice a "mo......More

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981 in order to designate a period of non-violence and cease-fire. The day is recognized around the world each year, and it is meant to strengthen the ideals of peace. Many practice a "moment of silence" at noon on this day, creating a Peace Wave across the various time zones in the United States. Multicultural Children's Books about Peace

Domestic Violence Prevention Month

Domestic Violence Prevention Month reminds us all of the need to support survivors and to allow space for the voices of victims to be heard. Domestic violence affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nat......More

Domestic Violence Prevention Month reminds us all of the need to support survivors and to allow space for the voices of victims to be heard. Domestic violence affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality, and it is prevalent in all communities. Millions of children are exposed to domestic violence, which can lead to long-lasting negative effects on emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning. Books to Read with Your Children

Bullying Prevention Month

Let's promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion! Wear orange this month to spread the idea of Unity, and talk with people in your life about how to prevent bullying. First celebrated for only a week, Bullying Prevention Month is now a month-long campaign, bringing comm......More

Let's promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion! Wear orange this month to spread the idea of Unity, and talk with people in your life about how to prevent bullying. First celebrated for only a week, Bullying Prevention Month is now a month-long campaign, bringing communities together nationwide. Week-by-week Downloadable Activity Kits 

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Recognized every October since the 1980s, this month was established to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and to raise awareness about their abilities and accomplishments. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down Syndrome in the United States. ......More

Recognized every October since the 1980s, this month was established to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and to raise awareness about their abilities and accomplishments. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down Syndrome in the United States. Teach Kids Why We Celebrate & How to Make a Difference

Dyslexia Awareness Month

This awareness month aims, in part, to eradicate the misbelief that dyslexia is a disorder of some kind. Dyslexia is, in fact. a learning impairment that causes challenges with writing, reading, and spelling. The impairment was first identified as "word blindness" by a ......More

This awareness month aims, in part, to eradicate the misbelief that dyslexia is a disorder of some kind. Dyslexia is, in fact. a learning impairment that causes challenges with writing, reading, and spelling. The impairment was first identified as "word blindness" by a German neurologist all the way back in 1877. The word "dyslexia" became more widely used in the 1930s. Knotted silver ribbons are generally used for promoting, educating, and expressing support for those who experience dyslexia. The Dyslexia Resource for Educators, Parents, Etc. 

Family History Month

This month-long celebration provides a perfect opportunity to talk with kids about family genealogy. The month was created based on a bill introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch in 2001. Senator Hatch is quoted as saying, “By searching for our roots, we come closer together ......More

This month-long celebration provides a perfect opportunity to talk with kids about family genealogy. The month was created based on a bill introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch in 2001. Senator Hatch is quoted as saying, “By searching for our roots, we come closer together as a human family.” Family History Interview Questions

Filipino-American Heritage Month

Celebrated each October, Filipino-American Heritage Month recognizes the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the nation, and they play a significant role, having fought ......More

Celebrated each October, Filipino-American Heritage Month recognizes the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the nation, and they play a significant role, having fought in solidarity with various communities and participated in multiple social justice efforts, including, Civil Rights and Voting Rights, Environmental Rights, and the United Farmworkers Movement. Resources to Learn about Filipino-American History

Italian-American Heritage Month

Over 26 million Americans of Italian descent currently reside in the U.S. — making up America's seventh largest ethnic group. Celebrated by proclamation of the President and U.S. Congress, this month is meant to celebrate the achievements of Italian Americans, particula......More

Over 26 million Americans of Italian descent currently reside in the U.S. — making up America's seventh largest ethnic group. Celebrated by proclamation of the President and U.S. Congress, this month is meant to celebrate the achievements of Italian Americans, particularly in the arts, science, and culture. Must-Read Italian Heritage Kids Books 

LGBTQ History Month

October was chosen, in part, as a time to celebrate and teach about LGBTQIA+ history because National Coming Out Day (October 11) occurs during this time. George Chauncey, Chair of the History Department at Yale University is quoted as saying, “LGBT History Month sends ......More

October was chosen, in part, as a time to celebrate and teach about LGBTQIA+ history because National Coming Out Day (October 11) occurs during this time. George Chauncey, Chair of the History Department at Yale University is quoted as saying, “LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation’s teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history." LGBTQ+ History Month for Kids - You and Your Identity (YouTube Video)

National German Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15th)

As early as 1683, German American began to settle in Pennsylvania. Famous German pioneers and inventors include: John Steinbeck, Carrie Marcus Neiman, Milton Hershey, Eberhard Anheuser, Marlene Dietrich, Gussie Busch. ......More

As early as 1683, German American began to settle in Pennsylvania. Famous German pioneers and inventors include: John Steinbeck, Carrie Marcus Neiman, Milton Hershey, Eberhard Anheuser, Marlene Dietrich, Gussie Busch. German for Children - Important Words and Phrases (YouTube Video) 

National Principals Month

Polish-American Heritage Month

October holds significance to Polish-American history as it marks the month when the first Polish settlers came to Jamestown, Virginia. The first wave of millions of Polish people migrated to America between 1800 and 1860. Today, there are about 9.5 Polish Americans aro......More

October holds significance to Polish-American history as it marks the month when the first Polish settlers came to Jamestown, Virginia. The first wave of millions of Polish people migrated to America between 1800 and 1860. Today, there are about 9.5 Polish Americans around the globe. Facts and Information about Poland

Maintenance & Custodian Appreciation Day

Every October 2, we recognize the hard-working people who help to take such good care of our buildings and facilities. Often our first line of defense against germs and illness, maintenance and custodial staff are more important than ever to the work of the school distr......More

Every October 2, we recognize the hard-working people who help to take such good care of our buildings and facilities. Often our first line of defense against germs and illness, maintenance and custodial staff are more important than ever to the work of the school district (and beyond!).  National Today suggests the following activities to recognize custodians/maintenance staff:  Have building residents pitch in for a gift card for custodians/maintenance staff Ask students to create thank you cards for their schools’ custodians  Let the supervisors for facilities staff members know their workers are doing a great job  Order lunch to be delivered for the building’s custodians/maintenance staff.

No School (Yom Kippur)