The month of October holds deep significance, offering an opportunity to honor and uplift multiple intersecting histories and identities. This month, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Filipino American History Month, and LGBTQIA+ History Month—each reminding us of the strength, diversity, and resilience that shape our shared story. 

Long before colonization, Indigenous Nations lived, stewarded, and celebrated on these lands, and their ongoing leadership, sovereignty, and cultural vitality continue to guide our collective future. Filipino Americans, whose first recorded presence in the continental United States dates back to October 18, 1587, have long contributed to the cultural, political, and social fabric of this nation. Meanwhile, LGBTQIA+ communities across time and place have courageously asserted their dignity, fought for visibility, and advanced movements for justice that benefit us all. Recognizing these layered histories—and the people who embody them—deepens our collective commitment to equity, belonging, and mutual respect within our schools and communities.

The following grade-banded mini-inquiries are designed to engage students in learning connected to these October commemorations. Each inquiry centers storytelling as a powerful tool for understanding identity, honoring community, and fostering empathy across differences. Through inquiry, students explore lived experiences, migration, heritage, and the resilience of communities whose voices have often been marginalized. Together, these learning opportunities invite us to build stronger relationships and a more inclusive vision of who we are—within our classrooms and beyond.