Acknowledging the celebration of joy through Women's History
In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we present this resource to help educators engage students in thinking broadly and critically about the experience of women. In highlighting the significant events as well as people that have made a substantial contribution to women’s experience, instruction should incorporate various elements of the curriculum including history, literature, first-person experiences, the arts, and equity. (ADL)
We integrate the women’s perspective throughout the school year as we continue to use a balanced approach to sharing perspectives.
Holi - Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the "Festival of Love", the "Festival of Colours", and the "Festival of Spring". It originated and is predominantly celebrated in Nepal & India but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Indian subcontinent.
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season.
March 17, 2023
St. Patrick’s Day - Is a day dedicated to the celebration of Irish Culture. On this day people wear green to show their Irish pride.
March 22, 2023 - April 21, 2023
Ramadan - Ramadan is a month-long holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world.
Join our equity learning community! Explore some of the books, articles, videos, and websites we have found valuable in building diversity, equity, and integration in Westwood.
Suggestions for Supporting Students during Ramadan
Remember that when someone is fasting, breakfast begins before sunrise so people will be up very early in the day and may be quite tired by the end of the day.
A warm greeting is always welcome. You can extend greetings by saying: “Happy Ramadan,” “Ramadan Mubarak” (blessed Ramadan), or “Ramadan Karim” (generous Ramadan). Similarly, for Eid-ul-Fitr we say “Happy Eid” or “Eid Mubarak.”
Prayer: Mid-day prayer (Zuhr prayers) typically falls during school hours, so students may need 7-10 minutes to perform these prayers in a private space.
Assessments: Avoid scheduling assessments or events (such as field trips) on Eid ul-Fitr. Providing additional time to any student observing Ramadan during assessments given during Ramadan if a student requests it.
Mealtimes: Students observing Ramadan should have the option to study and/or read in the library during their assigned snack or lunch period or recess (if too hot outside).
Physical Education: Students observing Ramadan have the option to be excused from participating in physical education if they choose to do so. Alternative assignments could be provided.
Outdoors: When Ramadan falls during the warmer months of the year, be mindful in situations that involve extended hours in the heat. Providing an indoor alternative, if students request.
Libraries: Provide books about Ramadan.
Information originally developed by Nadine Tassabehji, PhD, RD, LDN, for the Fiske School Community; updated and revised with contributions from Sara Sheikh, Nadine Tassabehji, Seri Latiff, and Amber Iqbal.
Educators throughout the district have participated in courses and book studies to guide our work and thinking:
Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy by Gholdy Muhammad
Unconscious Bias In Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism by Tracey A. Benson and Sarah E. Fiarman
Education Across Borders: Immigration, Race, and Identity in the Classroom by Jalene Tamerat, Marie Lily Cerat, and Patrick Sylvain
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
We work with IDEAS: Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for Students as a M.A.S.S.: Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and professional development partner for DEI.
Westwood works with MPDE: Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education to meet and recruit educators of color as prospective candidates for faculty and staff positions.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Boston’s free African American community led the nation in the movement to end slavery and achieve equal rights. Their houses of worship, homes, schools, and Underground Railroad sites make up Boston’s Black Heritage Trail. A virtual tour is also available through the National Park Service website.
The Diverse BookFinder is a comprehensive collection of children's picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) and includes trade books published since 2002.
The resources in this section are meant to be a guide, an introduction to something new, or deepen your understanding if you are interested in supporting educational equity.
"Education broadens our horizons and enables us to confront realities we'd never before anticipated."
Betsy DeVos
This Netflix series features celebrity readers sharing children’s books by Black authors to spark child-centered conversations about empathy, equity, and love.
This Disney video features ABC news cast members sharing the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a courageous civil rights leader who inspired millions of people.
Students learn best when they are in school communities where their individual perspectives are valued.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character: that is the goal of education."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
