CULTURAL DIVERSITY CELEBRATIONS TRANSITION GROUP/FOCUS: E, M, H
Overview Cultural diversity celebrations promote inclusion, diversity, and equity throughout a school and student body.
Timeframe Throughout the year
Outcomes • • • • • •
Creates a culture of inclusiveness for all ethnic and cultural groups within a school Celebrates diversity among the student body and staff Builds strong relationships between students, staff, families, and school communities Increases feelings of belonging and trust for staff, students, and families Honors various cultures and their contributions to society Fosters a positive school culture
Implementation 1. Create a core planning committee for each celebration. This committee should consist of the same staff members to ensure consistency across all events; however, the overall team may change from event to event to reflect the ethnicity/culture being celebrated. 2. Create a schoolwide calendar that will include tentative dates for all celebrations and events. The planning team should research observances, ethnic, cultural, and historical events that are relevant to the student population, school, community, or district. (e.g., Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, etc.). 3. Engage student leaders and families to collaborate with the core planning committee to assist in the planning of all celebrations, activities, and details. Recruit, identify, and invite volunteers from the community to partner with the planning committee to assist with specific events. 4. Engage key departments within the school to support certain activities as part of the celebration. For example, consider how the art, dance, media, and/or English departments may be utilized in event planning and the day of the event. 5. Use the school and district communication plan to announce and promote all events. 6. Provide authentic learning opportunities at each event that can be transferred to the classroom. This can be done through a collaborative list of writing tasks, class discussions, and/or projects.
Considerations and Tips for Success • • • •
Research all activities and details that will be included in each celebration to ensure they are culturally sensitive and appropriate prior to hosting each celebration. Reach out to family members to participate in celebrations as presenters, volunteers, and/or organizers. To create community partnerships through this event, consider collaborating with local universities or community colleges and international student organizations. Opportunities should be given for the planning teams, students, and others involved to receive feedback and to reflect on each event.
RELEASED SPRING 2022
22
