Cultural & Religious. Calendar OFFICE OF EQUITY FOR SCHOLAR & FAMILY SUCCESS EACH SCHOLAR: A VOICE. A DREAM. A BRIGHT FUTURE.

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1 Cultural & Religious Calendar OFFICE OF EQUITY FOR SCHOLAR & FAMILY SUCCESS EACH SCHOLAR: A VOICE. A DREAM. A BRIGHT FUTURE.

2 Federal Way Public Schools is rich in culture with a scholar community that can speak more than one hundred different languages. We are a school district that embraces diversity, values each and every scholar s experiences, and honors every family s religious beliefs and traditions. This diversity is reflected in the national observances celebrated every month. The purpose of this calendar is to provide our staff with insights into our scholars diverse cultural and religious beliefs and practices. Please continue to send your child to school during holiday times. You can share with your child s teacher and/or counselor any specific needs your child might have during this time. This a living document that will be revised throughout the school year based on the feedback and input we receive from scholars, families, and staff members. Please provide feedback and/or suggestions on our cultural calendar by ing NONDISCRIMINATION and EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Federal Way Public Schools complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunities. Contact information and procedures for filing a complaint or to seek further information can be found at: Strategic Plan Goal 2 Whole Child: Thriving, confident, responsible individuals Every scholar will be empowered and prepared to develop personal responsibility in order to be positive, productive members of society. Pillar 2 Safe climate and strong relationships with families and community Our second pillar recognizes that schools can t do it alone. Therefore, we will embrace parents, caregivers, and the entire Federal Way community as vital partners in the education of all our scholars. We will nurture trust and mutual respect among home-school-community through shared responsibility for scholar success, proactive communication, and meaningful stakeholder voice. Don t let absences add up! Just two (2) absences every month adds up to 20 school days! Students who miss 10%, or 18 days, in a school year are at risk of falling behind academically. Here are 3 simple tips to help you and your child get ready for school every day: Set your alarm, leaving extra time for unexpected delays. Lay out clothing and supplies for the next day. Make sure your transportation plan is in order. MISSION In an environment of high expectations, high support, and no excuses, the staff of Federal Way Public Schools will continually learn, lead, utilize data and collaborate to ensure our scholars have a voice, a dream and a bright future. OUR CORE BELIEFS We believe every scholar can learn at the highest level. We believe our scholars must have voice, see themselves in their schooling, and be connected to the adults that teach them. We believe race, socioeconomics, language, cultural background, and other exceptionalities should not be predictors of scholar achievement. We believe what we do in the classroom every day has the greatest impact on scholar learning. We believe we must continually learn and grow in our practice if we are to meet the needs of all scholars. We believe we must intentionally collaborate and use data as a guide to improve our practice. We believe our families are critical partners in each child s learning. Revised 10/13/2016 Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 2

3 FWPS SCHOOL CALENDAR SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY First Student Day No School Student Led Conferences, No School Data Day, No School Last Day of School/Early Dismissal Early Release KEY Early Dismissal Jan 26 End of Semester NON-SCHOOL DAYS Oct 14 Teacher In-Service Nov 11 Veterans Day Nov Thanksgiving Break Dec 19 Jan 2 Winter Break Jan 16 MLK Day Jan 27 Semester Break Feb Mid-Winter Break Mar 10 Teacher In-Service Apr 3 7 Spring Break May 29 Memorial Day May 30 Snow Makeup Day DON T LET ABSENCES ADD UP! Just two (2) absences every month adds up to 20 school days! Students who miss 10%, or 18 days, in a school year are at risk of falling behind academically. Here are 3 simple tips to help you and your child get ready for school every day: Set your alarm, leaving extra time for unexpected delays. Lay out clothing and supplies for the next day. Make sure your transportation plan is in order. OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 3

4 RELIGION WHEN THEY FAST HOW THEY FAST WHY THEY FAST Baha i Buddhist Catholic Eastern Orthodox Hindu Jewish The Baha i fast takes place during Ala, the 19th month of the Baha í year, from March All the main branches of Buddhism practice some periods of fasting, usually on full-moon days and other holidays. Catholics fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from meat on all Fridays in Lent. For many centuries, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat on all Fridays, but since the mid-1960s, abstaining from meat on Fridays outside of Lent has been a matter of local discretion. There are several fast periods, including Lent, Apostles Fast, Dormition Fast, and the Nativity Fast, and several one-day fasts. Every Wednesday and Friday is considered a fast day, except those that fall during designated fast-free weeks. Fasting is commonly practiced on New Moon and Full Moon days and during festivals such as Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja, and Durga Puja (also known as Navaratri). Women in North India also fast on the day of Karva Chauth. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the bestknown fast day. The Jewish calendar has sixother fast days as well, including Tisha B Av, the day on which the destruction of the Jewish Temple took place. Abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Depending on the Buddhist tradition, fasting usually means abstaining from solid food, with some liquids permitted. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, two small meals and one regular meal are allowed; meat is forbidden. On Fridays in Lent, no meat is allowed. For the optional Friday fast, some people substitute a different penance or special prayer instead of fasting. In general, meat, dairy products, and eggs are prohibited. Fish is prohibited on some fast days and allowed on others. Depends on the individual. Fasting may involve 24 hours of complete abstinence from any food or drink, but is more often an elimination of solid foods, with an occasional drink of milk or water. On Yom Kippur and Tisha B Av, eating and drinking are forbidden for a 25-hour period, from sundown to sundown. On the other fast days, eating and drinking are forbidden only from sunrise to sundown. To focus on love of God and spiritual matters. A method of purification. Theravadin and Tendai Buddhist monks fast as a means of freeing the mind. Some Tibetan Buddhist monks fast to aid yogic feats, like generating inner heat. Teaches control of fleshly desires, penance for sins, and solidarity with the poor. The Lenten fast prepares the soul for a great feast by practicing austerity. The Good Friday fast commemorates the day Christ suffered. Strengthens resistance to gluttony; helps open a person to God s grace. A way to enhance concentration during meditation or worship; purification for the system; sometimes considered a sacrifice. Atonement for sins and/or special requests to God. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 4

5 RELIGION WHEN THEY FAST HOW THEY FAST WHY THEY FAST Mormon Muslim Pagan Protestant (Evangelical) Protestant (Mainline) The first Sunday of each month is a fast day. Individuals, families, or wards may hold other fasts at will. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is a mandatory fasting period that commemorates the period when the Qur an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Various Muslim customs recommend days and periods of fasting in addition to Ramadan. No organized fast days, but some pagans choose to fast in preparation for Ostara (spring equinox). At the discretion of individuals, churches, organizations, or communities. Not a major part of the tradition, but fasts can be held at the discretion of communities, churches, other groups, and individuals. Abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals and donating food or money to the needy. After the fast, church members participate in a fast and testimony meeting. Abstain from food, drink, smoking, profane language, and sexual intercourse from before the break of dawn until sunset for the entire month. At the discretion of the individual, some totally abstain from food, others reduce how much they eat. Though some people abstain from food or drink entirely, others drink only water or juice, eat only certain foods, skip certain meals, or abstain from temptations, edible or not. Discretion of those fasting. Closeness to God; concentration on God and religion. Individual or family fasts might be held to petition for a specific cause, such as healing for one who is sick or help with making a difficult decision. Some Muslims fast every Monday (some say Thursday) because Prophet Muhammad was said to do this, and some fast during the month of Sha baan, which precedes Ramadan, and especially during the three days leading up to Ramadan. Intended to purify a person energetically; often used to raise vibrational levels as preparation for magical work. Ostara fasting is used to cleanse oneself from heavier winter foods. Evangelical fasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people fasting for spiritual nourishment, solidarity with impoverished people, a counterbalance to modern consumer culture, or to petition God for special needs. For spiritual improvement or to advance a political or social-justice agenda. One example: the ELCA s Campaign of Prayer, Fasting, and Vigils. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 5

6 Observances by Month Click on the month to go straight to that month s content. SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH We are committed to providing learning environments in which your child, and each of our approximately 23,000 student-scholars, learn at high levels with the academic and socialemotional supports they need to graduate collegeand-career ready. SUPERINTENDENT DR. TAMMY CAMPBELL Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 6

7 September September 5 September September 12 September 12 October 15 September 15 September 16 September 17 October 3 September 23 Labor Day honors contributions made by members of the workforce. Eid Al-Adhal is a three day festival, also called the Feast of Sacrifice honoring the conclusion of Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca. This feast honors Ibrahim s devotion in offering his son to God. Ethiopian New Year NATIONAL HISPANIC-LATINO HERITAGE MONTH Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua Mexican Independence Day commemorates the 1810 revolution that ended Spanish rule. Papua New Guinea Independence Day Oktoberfest Saudi Arabia National Day Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 7

8 October October 2 October 3 October 3-4 October 9 October 11 October 12 October October 20 October 22 October 23 October 24 October 25 October 30 October 31 Al Hijra / Muharram (New Year) is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the start of a new year for all Muslims. Iraq National Day; Republic of Korea National Foundation Day Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, commemorates the world s creation; the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Rest, abstinence, repentance, and prayer mark this holiday. Uganda Independence Day Vijay Dashami (Dasera) is a Hindu festival in India that celebrates victory of good over evil. Ashura in the Islamic calendar honors Moses and the exodus of his people from Egypt, Noah s departure from the ark, and when the grandson of Muhammad was martyred. Yom Kippur is the holiest of holidays on the Jewish calendar. Fasting and repentance are typically observed. Sukkot is also called the Feast of Tabernacles, which begins at sundown on October 15 and ends at sundown on October 23. It is a time of remembrance celebrating the forty years of travel by the Jewish nation in the desert enroute to Israel. Sikhs celebrate their spiritual guide, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Baha i believers celebrate the birth of the Bab, a prophet of their faith. Dussehra (Dusera) marks the beginning of a ten-day Hindu festival celebrating Rama s defeat over evil. Muslims celebrate Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Hussain, grandson of Mohammed the Prophet, who died fighting for social justice. Shemini Atzeret, is observed by the Jewish people following Sukkot. It means, the eighth day of assembly and is a time when prayers are extended for a productive harvest. Simchat Torah is referred to by the Jewish people as a day for Rejoicing in the Torah in which the cycle of weekly Torah readings has ended. It is observed with joyous celebration. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. This popular holiday celebrates good overcoming evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Homes are typically decorated with candles, lights, sweets, and gifts. Halloween, or Samhain is a Pagan acknowledgement of death, ancestors, and turning to winter. It is also observed as a maintream holiday in a number of countries. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 8

9 November November 1 November 2 November 3 November 4 November 9 November 11 November 12 November 16 November 20 November 25 November 27 All Saints Day honors Christian saints, who are men and women who lived holy lives, some martyred for their faith. Christians commemorate All Souls Day to remember their departed loved ones. In Mexico, the holiday is called Dia de los Muertos (October 31 and November 2). National Day for the Federated States of Micronesia National Day for Tonga Cambodian Independence Day Veterans Day is a national holiday honoring all military veterans. It is also called Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other countries, marking the end of World War I. Birth of Baha u llah, the founder of the Baha i faith. Members may refrain from work on this day. International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations Transgender Day of Remembrance honors those who have died due to violence and transphobia. Feast of Christ the King is primarily a Roman Catholic observance although Anglicans, Lutherans, and Protestants celebrate this day as well. National Day for Bosnia and Herzegovina First Sunday of Advent is observed by Christians, and is the beginning of a season to prepare for the birth of Christ. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 9

10 December December 1 December 2 December 3 World AIDS Day National Day for Romania National Day for Laos, United Arab Emirates International Day of Disabled Persons December 21 Yule, winter solstice, celebrated by Pagans December 25 Christmas, Eastern Orthodox, Christian, Protestant and/or Cultural Observance, Pagan Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 10

11 January January 1 January 1 January 5 January 6 January 7 January 14 January 15 January 16 January January 27 January 28 New Year s Day : first day of the Gregorian calendar; Solemnity of Mary, Catholic; Holy Name of Jesus, Feast of St. Basil, Eastern Orthodox Temple Day, Buddhist: prayers for good fortune are extended on this day. Guru Gobind Singh Ji s Birthday: the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, who initiated them as the Khalsa, also known as the pure ones Epiphany, celebrated by Eastern and Western Christians around the world, commemorates the journey of the Magi to the newborn Jesus and of Jesus baptism by John. Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany. Christmas, Eastern Christians, celebrates the birth of Jesus thirteen days later than other churches because they follow the Julian calendar. Makar Sankranti, Hindu, is a major harvest festival celebrating the lengthening days. World Religion Day, Baha i, promotes interfaith harmony and understanding for people of all religions, and begins at sundown. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s birthday: Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1964, advocated non-violent social justice No Name-Calling Week is a national promotion ending name calling and bullying. UN Holocaust Memorial Day: annual International Day of Commemoration marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration camp in Republic Day of India: commemorates the date the Constitution of India became law, coinciding with India s Declaration of Independence. Lunar New Year: Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese New Years are celebrated. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 11

12 February BLACK HISTORY MONTH / AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH February 1 February 2 February 11 February 14 February 15 February 16 February 25 February 26 March 1 February 27 National Freedom Day commemorates the passage of the 13 th Amendment, abolishing slavery in Imbolc, Pagan, celebrates the returning light and the very beginning signs of spring, with an emphasis on the Celtic Goddess Brighid. Tu B Shvat, Jewish: New Year s Day for Trees is devoted to environmental awareness and work, like planting trees. Valentine s Day: day of romance Race Relations Day, National Council of Churches, promotes the importance of interracial relations and understanding. Susan B. Anthony Day: a pioneer in the Women s Rights Movement Nirvana Day, Buddhist, honors the day Buddha achieved complete Nirvana upon the death of his physical body. Presidents Day honors all U.S. Presidents. Maha Shivaratri, Hindu, honors the Great Festival of Shiva. Ayyam-i-ha or Intercalary Days, Baha i: four days are spent preparing for spiritual days of fasting, celebrating, charity work, and giving of gifts. Clean Monday, Eastern Christians, is referred to as The Great Lent, which starts forty days prior to Orthodox Easter. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 12

13 March NATIONAL WOMEN S HISTORY MONTH March 1 March 2 12 March 8 March 12 March 13 March 17 March 20 March 21 March 31 Ash Wednesday, Western Christian: the first day of Lent marks forty days of spiritual preparation for Easter (excluding Sundays). Nineteen-Day Fast, Bahai: the faithful believers ages fast from sunrise to sunset, accompanied with prayer and meditation. International Women s Day celebrates women s accomplishments in the political, economic, and social arena worldwide. Magha Puja, Buddhist, commemorates the meeting of more than 1,200 Buddhist monks in the presence of Buddha. Holla Mohalla, Sikh, is an annual festival marked by a martial arts parade. Holi, Hindu: festival of colors commemorates spring and is also called Holaka or Phagwa. St. Patrick s Day, Christian, celebrates the Patron Saint of Ireland. Ostara, Pagan: the spring equinox, when day and night are equal and balanced, celebrates spring, fertility, life and reemergence into activity. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a day calling all to action. Nowruz, Zoroastrian, is an Iranian festival celebrating the New Year and the first day of spring. Cesar Chavez Day celebrates the achievements of the Mexican American labor leader, activist, and farm worker whose voice for social justice resonates today. Cultural & Religious Calendar Federal Way Public Schools 13