R15 Equity & Inclusion Newsletter

May the 2023-2024 school year be one of belonging and thriving for each and every Region 15 student, staff, and family! Please enjoy this monthly communication as one way to stay updated on some of the ways we are working to foster inclusivity and belonging in our school district.

Region 15 is guided by four theories of action. The first is listed here on the left. We are hopeful you will join us in embodying a mindset of welcoming in our community.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15 and was first observed in 1968 and enacted into federal law as a month-long celebration in 1988. It offers the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the knowledge, richness, experiences, and diversity of Hispanic and LatinX families. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the following Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

In the video below, you will hear some of our Region 15 students and families' voices in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month!

The following months have been designated by Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, and Public Law, which will be acknowledged in this monthly communication:

September 15th - October 15th National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month

October Italian-American Heritage Month

November National American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

February Black History Month

March National Women's History Month

March Irish-American Heritage Month

April Arab American Heritage Month

May Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May Jewish American Heritage Month

May Military Heritage Month

May National Mental Health Awareness Month

June Caribbean-American Heritage Month

June Immigrant Heritage Month

June LGBT+ Pride Month

July Disability Pride Month

Region 15 Public Schools encourages all staff and students to respect and appreciate one another's heritages and diversity. We welcome the opportunity to provide learning experiences that create awareness of and sensitivity towards holidays, celebrations, and cultural observances. The following is intended to provide information regarding secular holidays on which Region 15 Schools are closed, as well as major festivals and holy days for many of the religious traditions represented in the Southbury and Middlebury communities.

* All Jewish and Islamic holidays begin at sundown on the previous day

September 4: Labor Day - U.S. Holiday, celebrated the first Monday in September in recognition of US workers

September 6: Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu, Celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of the God Vishnu

September 16-17: Rosh Hashanah* - Jewish, Beginning of the Jewish New Year and first of the High Holy Days; marks the beginning of a 10-day period of repentance and spiritual renewal

September 25: Yom Kippur* - Jewish, The "Day of Atonement" marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah.

September 27: Mawlid an-Nabi - Islamic, The observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad, which occurs in Ragvi' al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. Celebrated five days later by Shi'a Muslims.

September 30-October 6: Sukkot* - Jewish, The weeklong "Feast of Booths" commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land.

• Southbury Celebration, Saturday Sept 9, 4-9 pm *including music performed by PHS students Kyler Kumi & Katherine Mombo
• Southbury Public Library Children & Teen Events
• A few events to note: Sept 19: 6:30-8:00 Transgender & Gender Diverse Teen Panel
• Sept 28: Build Your Own Sticker Book Latino Americans
• Middlebury Public Library Children & Teen Events