We often hear students say that we don’t talk about events in school and as a result, they can sometimes feel that no one sees them or even worse no one cares about their feelings. As leaders, fostering an environment where students, staff, and families feel visible is critical in today’s world."
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack R. Smith & Deputy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, April 14, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
So much has happened in the month since our last newsletter. It makes many of us want to turn off the news to protect our sanity, or to feel skeptical that we can personally do anything to address systemic racism. We share those feelings.
The truth is that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is not immune to systemic racism. As you read and listen to the experiences of our colleagues and students below, there is work ahead of us to create a culture in which all students, families, and staff feel seen, safe, and included.
What can we do?
- Listen to one of these short videos to expand your understanding of different experiences in MCPS.
- Explore and use tools and resources to have conversations about race and inclusion with staff and students.
- Deepen your knowledge about the issues that affect the MCPS community by reading an article from Past Issues of EquityMatters! including: An Educator's Guide to This Moment; Addressing Anti-Asian Hate; Hispanic Heritage Month; LGBTQ+ in MCPS, June 2020
Start by listening to the stories below. In this issue:
- The Counter Story voices from Arab American students and staff
- Dr. Joan's Gems that this month features articles, books, and lesson plans that honor Arab American Heritage Month
- MCPS Unsung Sheroes and Heroes that feature SEIU essential staff who have been in the frontlines keeping MCPS working throughout the pandemic.
- Religious & Cultural Commemorations highlighting Ramadan
- Events and Announcements with several events to learn about the experiences of Asian American students and staff
- More Equity Resources
With appreciation,
Troy, Daryl, Deanna, Edvin, Ericka, Joan, Maniya, Marya, and John
The Counter Story
The Counter Story this month features a teachers and students who share their perspective of what it means to be Arab American.
The Counter Story is a monthly column that features the voices of MCPS students, families, and staff who are often marginalized in the media, curriculum, and our classrooms. Counterstories help us to interrupt our explicit and implicit biases, and to inspire us to action.
Mrs. Amani M. Elkassabany, staff development teacher, Thomas S. Wootton High School
Salma Tagnaoti is a Grade 12 student at Thomas S. Wootton High School.
What Arab American Heritage Month Means to Me
Ms. Hala A. Fayyad, special education teacher, Cresthaven Elementary School
"I came to the United States from my beautiful country Lebanon to join my husband in 1981, together we created a family with two precious children...What does Arab American Heritage Month mean to me, I am one of 3.5 million Arab Americans that reside in the USA, and one of approximately 10,950 in the Washington, D.C. vicinity. The Arabs' contributions to their communities are countless."
What Learning to Speak Arabic in America Taught Me About Being Arab American
by Mrs. Amani M. Elkassabany, staff development teacher, Thomas S. Wootton High School
In this powerful essay, Staff Development Teacher, Amani M. Elkassabany, writes "While we were learning English at India Kaw Valley Elementary School in Lawrence, Kansas, my parents were making sure we still spoke Arabic at home. Along with lessons in Arabic pronunciation and vocabulary, learning to speak Arabic in America also taught me some important lessons about being Arab American."
Dr. Joan's Gems
April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) and it is a time to recognize the contributions, achievements, history, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. Throughout the country, cultural institutions, school districts, state legislatures, municipalities, and Arab Americans and others will engage in events that celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and numerous contributions to our society made by Arab Americans.
Arab Americans: History, Culture, and Contributions
“The Arab American community is vibrant and diverse and continues to impact American society...This book offers a glimpse into the nationwide community while simultaneously combatting the misinformation and stereotypes about Arabs and Arab Americans that exist in media and political rhetoric.”
Lesson Plans From the Arab American National Museum
The Arab American National Museum "offers a variety of lesson plans for educators to utilize, that educate classrooms about Arab Americans without excluding the story and history of other communities."
Books With Arab American Themes and Characters
MCPS Unsung Sheroes and Heroes
"It's easy to miss the invisible engines that keep the wheels turning in the organizations where we work or the communities that we live in."
Lim Lay Hsuan and Lustin OOI T.Y., 5 Common Characteristics Of Unsung Heroes
We know that our unsung sheroes and heroes often work silently but steadily among us all. It takes many dedicated and resourceful people to support and serve our students, their families and community, and our staff in the school system. What would it be like without these unsung sheroes and heroes in our school district? Please remember to say, "Thank you!" whenever you have the opportunity to let our colleagues know we see them and respect their invaluable contributions to the system.
Ms. Jenny (Jackie) F. Amaya Diaz, building services manager, Richard Montgomery High School
Mr. Paul K. Aniugo, supply worker, Division of Food and Nutrition Services
Ms. Christine M. Blanton, cafeteria manager, Montgomery Blair High School
Religious & Cultural Commemorations
One way to connect with students, staff, and families is to have awareness of the holidays and commemorations they observe. The EIU Calendar provides you with dates and resources for many of these observances. See below for holidays coming up this month.
Let us know how you commemorate these holidays and please send resources for holidays and celebrations that are missing from the calendar.
Ramadan
April 12-May 12
Information and resources about Ramadan
by Manal Agabein, Resource Teacher for Special Education at White Oak Middle School and Farhana Shah, ESOL Content Specialist at White Oak Middle.
White Oak Middle School Students Talk About Ramadan
Assuring Muslim Students COVID-19 Won’t Dim the Ramadan Lights
MORE Equity Resources
Past Editions of EquityMatters!
EIU Lending Library
The Equity Initatives Unit is excited to announce its new Professional Development Collection. This is a lending library for you to borrow books to support your equity journey. Just click on the link below and then hit borrow.
Online Equity Modules
Below are modules that provide the skills and practice needed to address complex equity problems. The modules are designed to be self-paced or done as a team. Participants can recieve PDO credit.
- How to Talk About Race -- PDO #89781 EIU
- Planning Effective and Culturally Responsive Meeting -- PDO #89783
- How to Be an Antiracist -- PDO #89782
Equity Resources Padlet
Haven't found what you're looking for? Check out our Equity Resources Padlet. It's a live site that continues to be updated.
Your Feedback
Please take two minutes to give us your feedback on this newsletter and to let us know what kinds of resources you would like to see.
Credits:
Cover Photo (https://www.arabamericannews.com/2020/05/02/four-u-s-reps-including-tlaib-and-dingell-introduce-arab-american-heritage-month-resolution/); The Counter Story (https://scenearabia.com/Culture/Influential-Arab-Americans-Digital-Age-Social-Media-Perceptions); Ramadan Mubarak (https://uaenationalday.info/happy-ramadan-mubarak-images/);