September 12th Newsletter
Community Engagement and Belonging (2023)
By this time my blood type is pumpkin spice...☕️
“It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” — Winnie the Pooh
Happy fall! 🌰 🍂
Welcome to the 2023-2024
On behalf of University Liggett School (ULS) and Community Engagement and Belonging, I would like to welcome you back for an amazing school year. I love the start of the school year and my favorite season is Fall, so I always enjoy this time of the year! This year as I serve my second year as the Director of Community Engagement and Belonging and my 20th year as an educator, I am excited to celebrate this milestone by continuing to build our Equity work here at ULS.
Twice a month I will create a newsletter to keep the community updated and informed with information pertaining to CEB, events, various inclusive celebrations and recognitions, and learning opportunities etc. If you have any ideas, events, etc. that you would like to pass along to me to share in the newsletter please contact me. The Smore newsletter is a live document so it can be adjusted at any point. Please take some time to explore this newsletter.
I look forward to working with all staff, faculty, students, and community in the area of curriculum development, clubs and groups, engagement, events, learning, and so much more. I also look forward to sharing with you all the learning that will take place in classes this year. Communication is key, please feel free to connect with me via email if you need anything.
-Michelle Cureton, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, mcureton@uls.org
Inclusive Celebrations and Recognitions
Month-Long Celebrations:
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Daily Celebrations and Recognitions:
- September 4: Labor Day
- September 5: International Day of Charity
- September 6: Arbaeen/Arba'in
- September 8: International Literacy Day
- September 11: National Day of Service and Remembrance
- September 11-18: Paryushana Parva
- September 12: Ethiopian New Year
- September 15 – 17: Rosh Hashanah
- September 16: Mexican Independence Day
- September 17: Constitution Day
- September 18: International Equal Pay Day
- September 19: Ganesh Chaturthi
- September 22: American Indian Day
- September 24 – 25: Yom Kippur
- September 26 – 27: Mawlid al-Nabi
- September 29: Mid-Autumn Festival
- September 29 – October 6: Sukkot
- September 29 – October 14: Pitru Paksha
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.
Rosh Hashanah September 15-17
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion.
Mexican Independence Day: September 16
On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked by a national holiday in Mexico, a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolution’s leader, and an array of performances from fireworks to dance routines.
Native American Day: September 22
Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 22 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation of the U.S.A. came into being. However, the history of the Native Americans is written in blood and violence. After centuries of persecution, not much is left of the tribes and many have integrated into modern society. Those still in touch with their roots, will remember these events and honor their ancestor’s sacrifices. Native American Day is a holiday that hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.
Yom Kippur: September 24-25
Otherwise known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism. The holiday lasts approximately 25 hours and is typically observed with fasting and prayer in alignment with the themes of atonement and repentance. On Yom Kippur, people observing the holiday are asked to abstain from food and drink (among other routines or hobbies)
“It’s like going
— Robbie Coltrane
“Life starts
– F. Scott Fitzgerald