October 2023 Community Newsletter
Community Engagement and Belonging (Community)
Hello and welcome to the month of October, my second favorite month of the year. Life tastes sweeter in the Fall... to me at least. Below you will find information about inclusive celebrations and recognitions, an invitation to contribute to our ULS Indigenous Peoples Exhibition, an invitation to attend our first UKnight Council's DEI Community meeting of the 23-24 school year, a few resources to help navigate sensitive and difficult conversations with your children, and a few other resources.
We are in the swing of things and I am enjoying my time working with students in their advisories, through clubs and councils, and everyday interactions. The same is true for our wonderful teachers and staff, I am enjoying working with them as well through delivering professional learning, serving as mutual thought partners, collaborating on curriculum, and of course our everyday interactions are enjoyable as well.
If you ever have any questions or would like to add to this Smore, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience as this is a live document so updates and additions can be added at any point.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cureton
Director of Community Engagement and Belonging
BELONGING ... IS A VERB
Celebrations and Recognitions
MONTHLY
- National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th to October 15th): Honoring Hispanic and Latino Americans and their contributions to U.S. culture
- Global Diversity Awareness Month: Promoting awareness toward various cultures around the world.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advocating for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting awareness and support for women impacted
- National Polish American Heritage Month: Honoring Polish heritage, culture, and contributions
- Filipino American History Month: Honoring the contributions, culture, and heritage of Filipino Americans
- Italian American Heritage Month: Observance to recognize and celebrate the contributions, culture, and heritage of Italian Americans
- LGBTQIA+ History Month: Promoting awareness of the history, culture, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ communities
- Bilingual Child Month
DAILY
- October 2 – International Nonviolence Day
- October 9 – Indigenous People’s Day: Honoring the history, culture, and contributions of the indigenous people of the United States
- October 10 – World Mental Health Day is a day that advocates for mental health awareness and education
- October 11 – National Coming Out Day
- October 14 – Defender of Ukraine Day celebrates those who have fought for the freedom of Ukraine
- October 15 - Navrati begins (Hindu)
- October 15 – 21 – Safe Schools Week
- October 16 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
- October 17 – Spirit Day is a day is aimed specifically at LGBTQ youth and communal support for them. Wear purple and speak out against bullying!
- October 20 – Sikh Holy Day (birth of Guru Granth)
- October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day
- October 23 – 31 – Red Ribbon Week
- October 25 – Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
- October 31 – Halloween
Navigating Sensitive Topics with Children
Below are resources to help families during difficult situations and world events.
Discussing War with Children
2.) https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/talking-to-children-about-war_0.pdf
Approaching News & Images
1.) "11 Tips for Protecting Yourself from Upsetting Images" (Great Good)
2.) “How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War” (Common Sense Media)
We Need Your Help (Indigenous Peoples' ULS Exhibition)
Dear University Liggett Community,
This Fall the Community, Engagement, and Belonging Council (CEBC) is planning to recognize, honor, and celebrate the contributions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples with an emphasis on Native North Americans. We are asking for your help to make the exhibition an inclusive community project.
If you are willing to loan the school an item related to Indigenous Peoples to put on display, it would be deeply appreciated. Items we are looking for include but are not limited to art, historical documents, postcards, artifacts, letters, photos, or souvenirs from family trips.
The goal is to highlight and honor the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in a meaningful way. The exhibition will be on display in the main lobby and display cases from the middle of October through Thanksgiving. The time in November overlaps with National Native American Heritage Month. There is no limitation on the format of the works. We request a short label and introduction to the work to provide context to the piece. Thank you very much for your consideration and help in advance. The CEBC members along with Michelle Cureton will make the determination of the appropriateness of all artifacts in the exhibit.
If you have a piece to share please contact Andrea Champagne at achampagne@uls.org. We will be collecting contributions until Tuesday, October 17th.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Cureton, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging at mcureton@uls.org or Andrea Champagne, Chair of the Community Engagement and Belonging Council & Equity Coach at achampagne@uls.org.
To see a few highlights and examples from previous exhibits you can click on the following links:
Asian American Pacific Islander Exhibit
Black, African, People of the African Diaspora Exhibit
In Partnership,
University Liggett Community Engagement and Belonging Council (CEBC)
Note: Indigenous Peoples include Native Americans, Inuit, Aboriginals, and thousands of others.
Indigenous Peoples' Day October 9
Monday, October 9, 2023, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Many states and cities recognize this day and even choose to observe it over Columbus Day. This is a day to learn, to observe, to reflect, to create, and to connect through story and creation. It’s also a day to move beyond recognition and toward action and accountability. For decades, people have honored and recognized Columbus Day with the belief that Christopher Columbus was the first explorer to arrive in America. While historians and history books have often depicted this as truth, we know that prior to Columbus's arrival in what is now known as the "Americas," Tribal nations and Indigenous Communities had populated the western hemisphere for years. We know that Indigenous people experienced enslavement, theft, murder, and the attempted eradication of history and culture for thousands of years. Under the leadership of Governor Whitmer, Michigan first recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2019. President Biden became the first president to issue a proclamation in 2021 and 2022 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. This year, Indigenous Peoples' Day falls on Monday, October 9, 2023. Below, you will find resources that can be utilized for additional information and learning.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Since 2006, in the United States, October has been designated Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can occur in many ways; it may be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digitally via email, text, social media, etc.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that students who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem and isolation, perform poorly in school, have few friends in school, have a negative view of school, experience physical symptoms, and experience mental health issues. Effective bullying prevention efforts involve students, parents, teachers, and community members to address larger issues of disrespect, bias, and violence that can contribute to bullying issues in schools. A community-wide effort shows students that adults care about what happens to them and that they are not alone.
For more information, please see:
NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION UNITY DAY 2023
On the third Wednesday of October, plan to wear and share the color orange—as a tangible representation of the supportive, universal message that our society wants to prevent bullying, and is united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Let's show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. Unity Day is October 18.
Community Engagement and Belonging Monthly Mantras
Starting this month, a member from the Community Engagement and Belonging Council will offer monthly mantras and quotes for all to read. Please enjoy these for the month of October.
Courtesy of CEBC Member, Alan Rivera.
- Selena Quintanilla-Pérez: "The goal isn't to live forever, but to create something that will."
- Frida Kahlo: "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world, but then I realized there are many people out there just like me who feel weird and misplaced. We have to find each other and create a culture where no one ever feels out of place."
- Gabriel García Márquez: "Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers and how one remembers it to tell."
- Sandra Cisneros: "There is no end to the stories. There are only beginnings."
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: "Write what you love, and love what you write."
- Sonia Sotomayor: "I am not a woman of color, but a woman of color who has made it."
- Julian Castro: "The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan."
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: "We are here to dismantle the corrupt systems that maintain the injustice and inequality that have for so long plagued our communities and produced so much human suffering."
- Gloria Estefan: "I believe that the greatest gift you can give your children is the freedom to be themselves."
- Rita Moreno: "I'm not a survivor, I'm a thriver."
- César Chávez: "We are all connected, and we must work together to create a better future for all."
- Dolores Huerta: "Si se puede!" ("Yes, we can!")
- Edward James Olmos: "I am an actor, and I am here to tell stories that need to be told."
- Oscar de la Renta: "Elegance is the only beauty that never fades."
- Antonio Banderas: "I don't care if I'm the best actor in the world. I just want to be the best actor I can be."
- Penélope Cruz: "I'm not perfect, but I'm real."
- Jennifer Lopez: "Don't wait for someone to give you permission to do something you want to do in life."
- Salma Hayek: "I'm not afraid to fail. I've learned that failure can teach you more than success ever will."
- Ricky Martin: "I'm proud to be Latino, and I'm not afraid to show it."
- Marc Anthony: "I'm a survivor. I've been through a lot, but I'm still here."
- Shakira: "I'm a dreamer, and I believe that anything is possible."
- Pitbull: "I'm a hustler. I work hard, and I play hard."
An Inclusive & Celebratory Halloween
As Halloween approaches, let's guide ourselves and students in celebrating creatively while respecting diverse cultures and avoiding cultural appropriation in their costume choices. It's essential that costumes do not diminish or stereotype others' traditions or histories. Cultures, their symbols, and traditions are not costumes; they're a rich heritage to be respected. Let's use this opportunity to foster an environment of inclusiveness and mutual respect, ensuring our celebrations are fun and respectful for all. Wishing everyone a mindful and joyful celebration!
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to in the United States as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
Filipino American Heritage Month
Filipino American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States throughout the month of October. This observance aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions, culture, and heritage of Filipino Americans in the United States. It was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009 through a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. October was chosen because it commemorates the arrival of the first documented Filipinos in the United States, who landed in Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1587.
During Filipino American Heritage Month, various events, festivals, exhibitions, and cultural activities take place across the country.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Since the 1980s, October has been designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.
For more information about Down Syndrome or Down Syndrome Awareness Month, please see the following resources:
ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush.
Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes Italian-Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation. Each year Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades. The largest parade occurs on Columbus Day in New York City and has over 35,000 marchers!
LGBTQ History Month
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson.
POLISH AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
We celebrate Polish American Heritage Month in October, but it wasn’t always that way. Congress first deemed August as Polish American Heritage Month in 1981. Later, it moved to October to commemorate the first Polish settlers — as well as the deaths of General Kazimierz Pułaski and Tadeusz Kościuszko (military leaders who fought in the American Revolution). The switch also enabled schools to participate in celebrations. Whether you’re Polish American or not, it’s important to mark the culture of a people who helped shape this country.
RED RIBBON WEEK : "BE KIND TO YOUR MIND"
This is a month-long event to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Red Ribbon Week is also held the last week of October. This is a time to promote a drug-free life. During the week of Oct. 26th, we will have a different theme each day. Students are encouraged to dress up to show their support for a Drug-Free America or for bullying prevention. Click HERE for the Pledge and Additional Red Ribbon Week Information.
ULS Community Engagement and Belonging (CEB) Councils: About Us
The work of Educational Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is central and a continuously embedded focus for University Liggett School. We have many affinity groups and clubs in place and four councils that will continue and some begin during the 2023-2024 school year. Please look for updates on the Community Engagement and Belonging webpage and through the monthly Smores.
ULS DEI Statement:
At University Liggett School, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stems from our respect for the dignity, worth, and value of all individuals. This commitment is essential to our mission, which guides our actions and policies. It is an indispensable element of our goal to develop students who are active citizens in a pluralistic world. Our commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is evident in the way we educate, communicate, connect, and the degree to which we are continually, rigorously taking action to create a space where all feel heard, valued and embraced by our school community.
CEBC (Community Engagement and Belonging Council) Faculty and Staff Council: The purpose is to intentionally champion a community of belonging through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. We believe this dynamic work is necessary to ensure that everyone's voice is heard, that everyone is treated equitably. We strive to build a culture that values each other and encourages broader exploration and deeper understanding of the people and world around us. We ask questions to hold ourselves accountable in driving the school’s DEI mission forward. Our support for teachers and the school community includes developing and promoting curriculum, professional development, and activities that foster an inclusive and justice-oriented environment.
SCEBC (Student Community Engagement and Belonging Council)Student Council: The purpose is to promote, spread, and advocate acceptance and respect of everyone in the University Liggett School by planning and participating in events that exemplify the council motto of accept and respect.
UKnight (DEI Parent/Family Council): The UKnight Leadership Council’s purpose is to support the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging mission statements and goals of University Liggett School and the DEI (CEB) Council through: community education, community building, and elevating students experience, voice, and identity.
*new PULSE (Partnering for a University Liggett School Education): The purpose is to engage and educate families on topics that are relevant and relative to the ULS Community and student learning. This will serve as a Parent/Family University.