Current Commemorations

May is...

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health awareness month is an annual event held in May to raise awareness about mental health and well-being.  It aims to reduce stigma, promote support, and educate the public about mental health conditions.  The District envisions an environment where every student has equitable access to timely, effective, and culturally responsive mental health and wellness services seamlessly integrated into the school community. 

Review resources and increase understandings around these supports by visiting the District's School Mental Health website.

AAPI Heritage Month

AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the collective accomplishments of Asian Pacific Islanders who comprise many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages, and cultures. Based on Board Rule 1102.

Please visit Los Angeles County Office of Education, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, The Asian American Education Project, and Asian Pacific Heritage for more information. 

We have curated select lessons to highlight notable AAPI folks and cultural events: 

Stories of Excellence - Rob Bonta - Introduces students to the first Filipino American to Serve in the CA Legislature. 

Stories of Excellence- Kim Ng - Introduces the first woman executive in Major League Baseball.

Obon - Learn about the Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of the ancestors. Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the solar calendar. 

Dawali - Learn about the Indian festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik- the darkest night of the year.

Bodhi Day - learn about this Buddhist holiday, recognized on the eighth day of twelfth moon of the lunar year. 

Lunar New Year - learn about the new year celebrated by many Asian countries. Lunar New Year starts on the new moon nearest the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

Ramadan - Ramadan begins on the first sighting of the crescent moon in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. 

Jewish Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month pays tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture, and society. Please visit Jewish American Heritage Month for more information, as well as the SORA application available through the Schoology menu to find a curated list of children's books under a search of Jewish Heritage Month available through the Los Angeles Public Library. For additional information about responding to antisemitism in schools, please go here.

We have curated select lessons to highlight notable Jewish folks and cultural events below, in addition to available resources through Division of Instruction: Board Resolution, Booklist, Instructional Resources, Curriculum

Stories of Excellence - Janet Yellen - Meet the first woman to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

Stories of Excellence - RGB - Introduces students to the late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg who tirelessly fought for women's rights throughout her career.

Stories of Excellence - Harvey Milk

The First Second Gentleman - Douglas Emhoff

Xenophobia Antisemistism

Rosh Hashanah -  Learn about Jewish new year observed on the first day of the month of Tishrei.

Hanukkah - Learn about this Jewish commemoration which starts on the 25th day of Kislev.

Shavuot - Learn about the Jewish celebration recognized on the sixth day of Sivan.

Addressing Antisemitism in Public Schools

• Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA) aims to achieve "universal recognition for the heritage and history of the 850,000 indigenous Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa." JIMENA’s lesson plan has been adopted by the California State Department of Education.
• The Roots and Impacts of Antisemitism lesson plan
• Facing History focuses on using lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. 
• On May 25, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.  Along with this newly released strategy, the administration announced over 100 new actions and over 100 calls to action to "combat antisemitism, including new actions to counter antisemitism on college campuses and online."

Additional commemorations can be found below.

June is...

PRIDE! 

Pride Month honors the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, which was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement.
Pride Month recognizes how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country. Pride Month is celebrated internationally. Click the image on the right for more resources! 

Please visit the Library of Congress for more information, as well as the SORA application available through the Schoology menu to find a curated list of children's books under a search of LGBTQIA Youth available through the Los Angeles Public Library. 

We have curated select Advisory Lessons to highlight notable LGBTQ folks and cultural events below. 

Say Gay - Engage students in critical thinking about the different laws regulating SOGIE in schools.

Stonewall - Introduces students to the Stonewall Riots

All Are Welcome - Teaches students how to create SOGIE affirming classrooms 

Gender Roles - Encourages students to explore gender roles and how they are imposed by society.

Stories of Excellence - Elliot Page Introduces students to the world famous actor who came out as transgender in 2020. 

Stories of Excellence - Harvey Milk Introduces students to LGBT Activist and politician. 

Stories of Excellence - Sylvia Rivera Introduces students to Transgender Rights Activist 

Stories of Excellence - Marsha P Johnson Introduces students to Transgender Rights Activist. 

Stories of Excellence - Jeanne Manford Introduces students to LGBT Rights Activist and the founder of PFLAG. 

Stories of Excellence - Pauli Murray Introduces students to LGBT and Civil Rights Activist who broke many barriers and is often overlooked in history. 

Stories of Excellence - Layshia Clarendon Introduces students to WNBA star who came out as transgender in 2020 and received praise and support from their contemporaries. 

Stories of Excellence - Caster Semenya Introduces students to the Olympic Athlete who changed history in her battle to eliminate gender policing in the Olympics. 

Teaching LGBTQ History; Videos; More on Teaching LGBTQ History Provides instructional resources for California educators, students and families.

LGBTQ Rights Timeline in California History

Division of Instruction LGBTQ Resources PRIDE Month Resources.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed to celebrate African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

Please visit History for more information, and Common Sense Media and Learning for Justice for additional resources.

Please feel free to use our Juneteenth advisory lesson to teach this important date to your students. 

Division of Instruction Resources Juneteenth Resources.

Additional commemorations can be found below.

Tulsa Race Massacre 

July is...

Muslim American Heritage Month

Muslim American Heritage Month was instituted by the city of Los Angeles to promote and encourage awareness of the significant contributions made by the city's Muslim population in culture, social services, education, politics, business, technology, and the arts.  

Addressing Islamophobia in Public Schools

• Countering Islamophobia: Learning for Justice
• Confronting Islamophobia in Education: Intercultural Education
• Educating for Cultural Literacy and Mutual Respect: Islamic Networks Group (ING) Ing.org, joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to discuss understanding and countering Islamophobia, January 2021 
• A History of Muslims in America: Islamic Networks Group (ING) Ing.org
• Muslim Contributions to Civilization
• How to Help When Muslim Students Get Bullied: We Are Teachers
• Rethinking Islamophobia: Rethinking Schools
• Stereotypes, Media, and Islamophobia: Facing History and Ourselves
• Dismantling Islamophobia - Harvard Graduate School of Education

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month 

Black, Indigenous and People of Color Mental Health Month exists to bring awareness to unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness.  

Additional commemorations can be found below.

August is...

Inclusive Back to School

The Los Angeles Unified School District prides itself on being a welcoming and affirming district for students and families of all types and identities.  We are excited to welcome ALL of our students and families back to school this year with this reminder, that ALL are welcome at LAUSD schools.   

Additional commemorations can be found below.

September is...

Latinx Heritage Month  

Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Latinx Americans and the many contributions they have and continue to make to American culture. The month-long celebration from September 15 - October 15 was designated by presidential proclamation (36 United States Code 126).

Please check out our array of Advisory lessons celebrating the Latinx people, their accomplishments and culture! 

Teach Central America Week is October 7-11

Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time for mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members to unite and promote suicide prevention awareness.

Please note, September 8-14 is National Suicide Prevention Week.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Check out the LAUSD School Mental Health website for more information. 

Additional commemorations can be found below.

October is...

LGBT History Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) History Month marks and celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. In the United States, LGBT History Month is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th. Head on over to GLSEN for additional resources!  Click here

The Office of Human Relations, Diversity & Equity SOGIE & GSA page has a plethora of resources for educators, administrators, students and parents.

Additionally, the Advisory Lesson page offers a multitude of LGBT+ lessons for educators to share with students.  Some of the most pertinent lessons can be found below. 

Harvey Milk - Introduces students to LGBT activists and politicians. 

Marsha P. Johnson - Introduces students to Transgender Rights Activist 

Sylvia Rivera - Introduces students to Transgender Rights Activist 

Stonewall Riots - Introduces students to the historical events that occurred in the summer of 1969. 

LA Unified School District is committed to fostering an affirming learning and working environment for our LGBTQ+ students, staff and families.

Learn more about how from the following resources ...

• • • • • Printable Flyer (English and Spanish)
        • Printable Fact Sheet (English and Spanish)

Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day!

In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, HRDE would like to highlight the incredible work that PACER is doing to unite school communities for kindness, acceptance and inclusion!  Team up with your school to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying! Find more resources at Pacer.org

Additionally, check out our Bullying page for an array of resources for educators, administrators, students and parents. 

The Advisory Lesson page has push-and-play lessons that may help amplify important skills and traits to increase kindness, empathy, and civility.  Some of the most pertinent lessons can be found below:

All Are Welcome

I Disagree! 

Let's Talk About Feelings 

When your classmate is getting roasted

Additional commemorations can be found below.

November is...

Native American History Month

National Native American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month remembers the contributions of the Indigenous People and Alaska Natives and honors the heritage of our continent’s first inhabitants. Check out the Library of Congress to get more information! 

The Office of Human Relations, Diversity & Equity has curated a collection of Advisory Lessons for educators to share with students.  Some of the most pertinent lessons can be found below. 

Let's Talk About Thanksgiving - Learn about some of the historical inaccuracies about Thanksgiving. 

National Day of Mourning - Learn about the day of protest held by Native Americans to mourn ancestors and the theft of their lands.

The Tataviam People - Introduces students to the Tataviam people, Indigenous to the San Fernando Valley.  

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day - This slide deck has been produced by the District's Multicultural Multilingual Education Department and contains a variety of curriculum resources (e.g., pod casts, documentaries, interactive resources, literature) and lesson plans.

Homeless Youth Awareness Month

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month provides an opportunity to bring attention to the experiences of over 13,700 homeless students attending LAUSD schools. 

Check out the LAUSD Student Support Programs and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for more information.  

Additional commemorations can be found below.

December is...

Holiday Equity Month

Human Relations, Diversity & Equity asks all educators to remember that there are many ways to celebrate the winter season. Christmas is recognized around the world and is a "cultural and commercial phenomenon."  Read more about the History of Christmas over on History.com.  See a curated collection of Advisory Lessons for educators to share with students to help recognize the many winter holiday celebrations in the school community. Supplemental resources are curated from multiple sources and do not constitute an endorsement of LA Unified School District, Student Attendance & Support Services, or Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, nor should omission be considered intentional. 

Universal Human Rights Month

Universal Human Rights Month promotes action that advances respect for human rights at home and abroad. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. For more information, check out the official United Nations page. 

Additional commemorations can be found below.

January is...

National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Human trafficking is a crime in which force, fraud or coercion is used to compel a person to perform labor, services or commercial sex. It affects all populations: adults, children, men, women, foreign nationals and U.S. citizens, and all economic classes.

For additional resources, please refer to Student Support Programs. 

Poverty Awareness Month

January is Poverty Awareness Month, a month-long initiative to raise awareness and call attention to the growth of poverty in America.  For more information about poverty in America, and what you can do to make a difference, check out Heartland Alliance. 

Martin Luther King Day

 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: What are you doing for others? Transform Dr. King’s life and teachings into a service that empowers and strengthens local communities. Observed the third Monday of January or Friday in week of which January 15 occurs. (Ed Code 37220, Board Rules 1101, 1102) https://americorps.gov 

See also National Day of Racial Healing for resources and information.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Established by the United Nations to recognize the 6+ million Jews and other victims systematically murdered in Nazi Germany.

Remembering and Honoring the Holocaust   

January 29, 2025 - Lunar New Year 

Lunar New Year is the longest and most important celebration in many Asian countries. Festivities traditionally start on the first day of the lunar month and continue for two weeks. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (Ed Code 37220) 

Lunar New Year Educational Resources

Lessons from Asian American Project

Additional commemorations can be found below.

February is...

Black History Month

Black History Month was created in 1926 as a month-long celebration to reflect on the history, teachings and achievements of African Americans. The acknowledgment of Black History Month is supported by LAUSD Board Rule 1102.  Human Relations, Diversity & Equity has developed a plethora of resources to support the inclusion of Black History into the curriculum year round.  Please check out our lessons and Standing With Black Students, Staff and Families pages for more resources. Furthermore, Common Sense Media has curated a list of Books about Extraordinary Black Women in American History.   Additionally, check out these 38 Ways to Intentionally Celebrate Black History Month. 

Some pertinent resources and lessons can be found below. 

Black History Celebrations

Black History Month: Smithsonian Institution

Invisible Changemakers of Industry

MMED/AEA Black History Month Interactive Calendar

Body Positivity Month

February is body positivity month, a time to celebrate you and your body!

Body positivity is not just about how you feel about yourself on the outside. It is about appreciating what your body does for you. And it does a lot more than you think. Read more about the movement here. 

All Are Welcome - Welcoming Classrooms for all

Let's Talk About Feelings - Normalizing feelings 

Loving Yourself - A lesson about body image and finding the best in yourself

February 1 - National Freedom Day

The day that commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.  

National Freedom Day Resource

13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

January 29, 2025 - Lunar New Year 

Lunar New Year is the longest and most important celebration in many Asian countries. Festivities traditionally start on the first day of the lunar month and continue for two weeks. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (Ed Code 37220) 

Lunar New Year Educational Resources

Lessons from Asian American Project

February 19 - Day of Remembrance - Japanese Incarceration

The anniversary of Executive Order 9066 that authorized the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Programs seek to educate the public about the fragility of civil rights during wartime. 

Day of Remembrance Resource

February 14 - #NoOneEatsAloneDay

A day of action and school-based program that encourages youth to sit with others, find new friends, and model ways to end social isolation in the lunch room.

No One Eats Alone Day Resource

Ramadan 

(February 28 - March 29, 2025)

Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an. Marks the beginning of a month-long fast that Muslims must keep from dawn to dusk.  Please share the Ramadan lesson with your students.  

Additional commemorations can be found below.

March is...

National Women's History Month

National Women's History Month celebrates the rich and inspiring heritage of the contributions of women to the United States. For information and materials, visit National Women’s History Project at www.nwhp.org  Additionally, check out our lessons for more resources.  

Some of our most pertinent Stories of Excellence Lessons can be found below.

Ramadan 

(February 28 - March 29, 2025)

Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an. Marks the beginning of a month-long fast that Muslims must keep from dawn to dusk.  Please share the Ramadan lesson with your students.  

March 21st - World Down Syndrome Day

March 21st signifies the unique triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

March 31st - Transgender Day of Visibility 

Celebrates transgender people through stories of excellence, contributions, and resiliency.

March 31st - Cesar Chavez Day

This commemorative holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of civil rights and movement activist Cesar Chavez (Education Code 37220, Board Rule 1102). See California Department of Education's extensive resources, Los Angeles County Office of Education's resources, Cesar Chavez Foundation's lessons, the Cesar Chavez Educator Toolkit, in addition to the lesson below:

Additional commemorations can be found below.

April 30, 2025 is Denim Day  

Resources

Download the entire toolkit here!

April is...

Autism Awareness & Neurodiversity Awareness Month

Autism Awareness & Neurodiversity Awareness Month highlights the need for education and awareness about neurodiversity as well as other topics within the autism community. Human Relations, Diversity & Equity has a lesson about Neurodiversity.  The University of California and California State University systems have partnered to develop resources on neurodiversity as well.

https://magrid.education/autism-awareness-activities/

https://www.autismnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Mini-Lesson-Plans-2019.pdf 

National Arab American Heritage Month

The National Arab American Heritage Month initiative was launched in 2017. In 2021, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 37 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. President Biden recognized the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month with a special commemorative letter.  Please find additional resources about responding to Islamaphobia at schools here. 

Children's Book List - Arab American Heritage Month - Adapted from the Conscious Kid 2024 & Curated Content from the LA Public Library 

Please visit the Arab American Foundation and History for more information, as well as the SORA application available through the Schoology menu to find a curated list of children's books under a search of Arab American Heritage Month available through the Los Angeles Public Library.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month calls upon all people to share responsibility for protecting each other from sexual assault, supporting victims when it does occur and bringing perpetrators to justice.  Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center for more information.

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Recognizes the responsibility to protect students from abuse and neglect by becoming knowledgeable, well-trained and prepared on procedures for filing suspected child abuse reports.  To move beyond compliance and towards compassion, and to promote the safety of children and the support of families, find more information at: https://www.childwelfare.gov/.

April 4th - Day of Silence

Participants take a vow of silence to bring attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender biased name-calling, bullying and harassment. The day is also recognized at the National level on April 11, 2025, this year.  The campaign seeks to shed light on what LGBTQ youth experience in school systems, and has expanded to consider workplaces, universities, and sporting events.

Human Relations, Diversity & Equity has a lesson plan that engages students in reflection about standing up for the dignity and respect of LGBTQ+ people for National Day of (No) Silence (toolkit available). 

April 10th - Dolores Huerta Day Honoring Dolores Huerta for her life dedicated to advocating for workers' rights, social justice, and civic engagement, empowering historically marginalized communities.  Find some resources curated by the District's Division of Instruction here.

April 22nd - Earth Day Engage in the community and raise awareness with participants around the globe to take care of the planet from environmental concerns.  Learn about the annual day demonstrating support for environmental protection: Earth Day. 

April 24th - Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Commemorates the 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire who perished between 1915 and 1923. (Education Code 37220).

See the Board Resolution. Human Relations, Diversity & Equity has a lesson plan that teaches the history of Armenian Genocide Day: Armenian Genocide Day.

Additional commemorations can be found below.

Department Contact

Coordinator: Judy Chiasson, Ph.D Office email: humanrelations@lausd.net Phone: (213) 241-0754

 

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