Winter Solstice

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In ......More

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In pagan traditions, this solstice marks the rebirth of the Sun King or Sun God after a journey through the underworld. Festivals of light often mark the day, with themes of reflection, rebirth, light and warmth. Setting Solstice Traditions (Green Child Magazine)

Yule

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of ligh......More

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of light. Rituals for Yule include the burning of logs during the 12 days of Christmas, hanging wreaths and lighting candles, as well as the drinking of Wassail, a spiced alcoholic beverage similar to mulled cider. Children's Books for Yule

Sheb al-Yalda/Yalda Night

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphin......More

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphing over evil and good over both. Food is a key element of a Yalda celebration with many Iranians believing that starting the winter off with summer fruits will prevent one from becoming sick during the chilly season. Pomegranates and watermelon frequently grace the Yalda table with their vibrant red colors. An Introduction to Yalda Night (YouTube)

No School (Early Winter Break)

Christmas

Celebrated on this day by the Western Church, the annual Christian festival celebrates Christ's birth. The word "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's Mass" or "Cristes Maesse" as it was first recorded in 1038. A Mass service (also called Communion or Eucharist) t......More

Celebrated on this day by the Western Church, the annual Christian festival celebrates Christ's birth. The word "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's Mass" or "Cristes Maesse" as it was first recorded in 1038. A Mass service (also called Communion or Eucharist) takes place when Christians recognize that Jesus died and then came back to life. Now celebrated around the world, Christmas provides a time for family and friends to come together and be grateful. Surprising Origins of Modern-Day Christmas Traditions (Lesson for grades 9-12) (Education World)

Kwanzaa

Lasting for seven days (December 26-January 1), because of the associated seven principles and primary symbols for the holiday, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It honors African heritage that exists with African-American culture. The colors of......More

Lasting for seven days (December 26-January 1), because of the associated seven principles and primary symbols for the holiday, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It honors African heritage that exists with African-American culture. The colors of Kwanzaa (red, blue and green) represent "unity" for people of African descent. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili language, and it means "first fruits." The holiday is often celebrated with story-telling, dancing, gift-giving and a large feast. What is Kwanzaa? How is it Celebrated? (YouTube Video)

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is celebrated on the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is common for people to celebrate with food, dancing, and fireworks. The Line Islands (part of Kiribati) and Tonga, represent some of the first places to welcome the New Year, while B......More

New Year's Eve is celebrated on the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is common for people to celebrate with food, dancing, and fireworks. The Line Islands (part of Kiribati) and Tonga, represent some of the first places to welcome the New Year, while Baker Island (an uninhabited atoll part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands) and American Samoa are among the last. STEM Activities for New Year's Eve

Gregorian New Year's Day

Some 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon the start of a new year was celebrated in late March on the day when there was an equal amount of lightness and darkness. Over time, world civilizations noted the changing of the new year mostly based on astronomical or agricultura......More

Some 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon the start of a new year was celebrated in late March on the day when there was an equal amount of lightness and darkness. Over time, world civilizations noted the changing of the new year mostly based on astronomical or agricultural events. In Egypt, the year began based on the annual flooding of the Nile and rising of the star, Sirius, while Chinese New Year has come to be marked based on the arrival of the second moon after the winter solstice. It was Caesar who initially instituted January 1 as New Year's Day. The day is now celebrated in a variety of ways, including the eating of a dozen grapes (Spain and Spanish-speaking countries), feasting on round-shaped cakes (Netherlands, Mexico, Greece, etc.), and watching fireworks (United States). Video: Kids Try New Year's Traditions from Around the World 

National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month puts attention to the national need that exist for the mentors and the tremendous impacts that mentor can have on the mentees they support. Since its launch in 2002, the U.S. President and Congress have recognized Mentoring Month, as have these ......More

National Mentoring Month puts attention to the national need that exist for the mentors and the tremendous impacts that mentor can have on the mentees they support. Since its launch in 2002, the U.S. President and Congress have recognized Mentoring Month, as have these other well-known supporters include the late Maya Angelou, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, General Colin L. Powell, Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Russell and Usher. Former President Barack Obama shared this proclamation of the month in 2015.  Toolkits and Videos on Mentoring

School Board Appreciation Month

School board members set the policies for our schools and make important decisions affecting curriculum, financing, and staffing. This month is designated as a time to thank them for their service and to raise awareness of the critical roles and responsibilities they ho......More

School board members set the policies for our schools and make important decisions affecting curriculum, financing, and staffing. This month is designated as a time to thank them for their service and to raise awareness of the critical roles and responsibilities they hold in advancing efforts in our schools. Ideas to Honor Your School Board