Disability History and Awareness Month (RCW 28A.230.158) takes place during October to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, and to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities. In our schools, we provide educational activities that increase awareness and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. Learn more on the OSPI website. 

Educational Movie Night: Intelligent Lives

Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m., 9600 Sharon Dr., Everett (Teaching and Learning Center, room 134, behind Explorer Middle School)

November is Native American Heritage month, a time to intentionally celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these Americans, including American Indian and Alaska Native cultures and peoples and the veterans who have defended our nation.

To help honor this important month in our district, we encourage educators to set aside time throughout the month to center important Indigenous individuals, movements, and organizations. As an aide, all elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers received a slide deck of daily (and brief) classroom activities that can be used throughout the month of November. Developed in collaboration with the District’s Indigenous Family Committee, the slides are a celebration of past, present, and future Indigenous peoples. 

As far back as the late 1970s, Congress has enacted legislation, and subsequent presidents have issued annual proclamations designating a day, a week, or a month to celebrate and commemorate the Nation's American Indian and Alaska Native heritage. In 2009, Congress passed, and the President signed legislation establishing the Friday following Thanksgiving Day of each year as "Native American Heritage Day." Learn more about Native American Heritage Month on the U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs website.

Educational Movie Night: Unspoken, America’s Native America Boarding Schools

Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m., 9600 Sharon Dr., Everett (Teaching and Learning Center, room 134. behind Explorer Middle School)

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration and recognition of achievements by Black Americans and the central role they played in U.S. history. Historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black Americans initiated the effort. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. Learn more about Black History Month. 

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and commemorating the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which were pivotal in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It involves various events such as parades, marches, and festivals, aiming to promote equal rights, celebrate diversity, and recognize the contributions and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals. Pride Month also serves as a platform to raise awareness about ongoing issues faced by the community and to advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society. Resources and more information on Pride Month can be found at the Library of Congress. To learn more about advocating for LGBTQ+ students with disabilities use this resource that is a guide for educators and parents/guardians on supporting LGBTQ students with an IEP or 504 plan produced by the Human Rights Campaign, The National Association of School Psychologists, The National Association of School Principals, The National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Education Association.