AB/AR Awareness
AB/AR Awareness
Embedded Files
As we continue our journey in "AB/AR for All: Honoring Our Humanity," this Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a call to action. We honor the contributions, resilience, and excellence of Black communities while also deepening our commitment to anti-racism and equity in our schools.
This month carries even greater significance as we reflect on our recent AB/AR training on the N-word and racial epithets. The discussions we engaged in were not just about policy—they were about the lived experiences of our Black students, families, and colleagues and our shared responsibility to create learning environments free from racial harm.
Continuing the Conversation During Black History Month
Continuing the Conversation During Black History Month
This Black History Month, let’s go beyond celebration—let’s commit to action. As we move forward with AB/AR implementation, policy enforcement, and classroom practices, let’s reflect on:
🔹 How we are ensuring Black students feel seen, heard, and protected in our schools.
🔹 How we are actively addressing racial harm when it occurs.
🔹 How we are creating spaces of belonging where every student, regardless of background, can thrive.
Let’s keep this work moving forward together.
Black History Month Educator Resources:
Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action & Potential Black History Month Events in HUSD
AB/AR for Students
AB/AR for Students
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month
February is a time to honor the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black people throughout history and today. Black History Month is not just about the past—it’s about celebrating Black excellence, resilience, and culture while also reflecting on the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
How You Can Learn, Reflect, and Take Action This Month:
How You Can Learn, Reflect, and Take Action This Month:
📚 Learn About Black Changemakers – Read about leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, and many more. Discover hidden figures in history who have shaped the world in science, politics, art, and sports.
🎥 Watch a Movie or Documentary – Films like Hidden Figures, Selma, 42, and Black Panther showcase powerful stories of Black strength, activism, and culture.
🗣 Talk to Friends and Family About What You’ve Learned – Sharing knowledge sparks important conversations and encourages others to learn, too!
💡 Celebrate Black Innovators and Artists – Explore the impact of Black musicians, inventors, athletes, and writers who have influenced the world.
🏫 Support Black Voices in Your School and Community – Participate in school events, attend guest speaker talks, or engage in classroom discussions about Black history and culture.
❤️ Reflect on the Importance of Unity and Allyship – How can you be an advocate for justice and equality? Small actions—like standing up against discrimination, supporting Black-owned businesses, and learning about systemic issues—help create change.
📝 Take Action – Whether it’s writing about an inspiring Black figure, creating art that honors Black culture, or finding ways to promote inclusion at school, your voice and actions matter!
Black History Month is a reminder that Black history is American history, and it deserves to be honored year-round. Let’s celebrate, learn, and grow together this February and beyond!
AB/AR for Staff
AB/AR for Staff
At a time when fostering inclusivity and respect in schools is more important than ever, educators at Harder Elementary are taking proactive steps to ensure students understand diversity and stand up for what’s right. Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Harder's Dr. Ortiz and Mr. Malik on a racial complaint resolution effort, where we discussed ways to empower young learners to appreciate differences and advocate for fairness in their school community.
As part of this effort, 3rd-grade teachers are receiving targeted resources to help guide their students in meaningful discussions about identity, inclusion, and representation. These materials—available through our Newsela partnership via Clever—offer age-appropriate articles and videos that make complex topics accessible and engaging for young minds.
Among the highlighted resources are articles exploring diverse representation in media, such as:
Diverse Emojis inspire inclusion
The New Spiderman has diverse background
Teen makes a big push for more books with Black female lead characters
To bring these topics to life in the classroom, educators are encouraged to facilitate discussions and reflective activities that help students connect what they learn to their own experiences. Key questions being explored include:
What does diversity mean, and why is it important?
How can we show respect for people who are different from us?
What can we do if we see someone being treated unfairly?
Through this work, we hope to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in students, equipping them with the tools to speak up, embrace differences, and contribute to a culture of respect in their school.
As we continue this critical work, I encourage all educators to explore these resources and find ways to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their classrooms. If you’re interested in additional support or collaboration, please reach out—I’m happy to assist!
Acknowledging Black History Month in February!
Here are some resources to support you as you do with your students!
AB/AR for Families/Community
AB/AR for Families/Community
Engaging Families with AB/AR at the Families United Conference
At this year’s Families United Conference, we had the opportunity to share our district’s ongoing AB/AR initiatives with families and gather their invaluable feedback. A key focus of our discussion was the racial epithet ban administrative regulations, ensuring that the policy remains dynamic, community-informed, and responsive to the needs of our students.
Families played an essential role in this conversation, sharing insights on how schools can create affirming spaces where language, culture, and identity are honored and protected. We discussed the impact of racial slurs and hate speech on students’ well-being and academic success, emphasizing the power of collective action in building a school culture rooted in dignity, respect, and belonging.
Through these discussions, we continue to strengthen the partnership between families and schools, ensuring that our policies not only reflect educational equity but are also shaped by the voices of those most affected. We appreciate the engagement and commitment of our families in this critical work and look forward to continued collaboration as we refine and implement these efforts.
Here is your chance, please take a moment to share your thoughts, as this will help inform the finalization of our Administrative Regulations to accompany the policy.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the rich histories, contributions, and resilience of Black communities. This year, we encourage families to celebrate by exploring Black excellence, culture, and activism—past, present, and future.
Families can engage at home by:
🔹 Exploring Black History Together – Read books, watch documentaries, or visit virtual exhibits that highlight Black changemakers, inventors, and cultural icons.
🔹 Celebrating Black Art and Music – Listen to music by Black artists across genres, explore Black visual art, or attend local events showcasing Black creativity.
🔹 Supporting Black-Owned Businesses – Whether it’s dining at a Black-owned restaurant or shopping from a Black entrepreneur, supporting Black businesses strengthens communities.
🔹 Engaging in Conversations – Discuss the significance of Black History Month and how Black history is American history. Encourage children to share what they’re learning in school.
🔹 Taking Action – Advocate for equity and inclusivity in your schools and communities by uplifting Black voices, engaging in service, or learning about ongoing racial justice efforts.
Thank you for celebrating along with us!
Page updated
Report abuse