November

Native American Heritage Month Lesson

“Native Americans” are actually countless distinct tribes that lived across the Americas for thousands of years. In 1990, a federal resolution designated November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994, and we now refer to this celebration as “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.”

Sikh American Awareness & Appreciation Month Lesson

Sikhs are people associated with Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, based on the revelation of Guru Nanak. The term Sikh has its origin in the word śiṣya, meaning 'disciple' or 'student'. Sikh Americans have influenced American history, achievement, culture, and innovation. Sikh Americans have had notable achievements and made significant contributions worldwide as farmers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, scientists and much more. Roughly half of the estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the United States live in California, and many among this population are students and parents in our schools.

Day of The Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) Nov. 1-2 Lesson

Day of the Dead (known as Día de Muertos in Spanish) is celebrated in Mexico between October 31st and November 2nd. On this holiday, Mexicans remember and honor their deceased loved ones. It's not a gloomy or morbid occasion; rather, it is a festive and colorful holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. Mexicans visit cemeteries, decorate the graves, and spend time there, in the presence of their deceased friends and family members.

Diwali: Festival of Lights - Oct. 20th - 21st Lesson

Diwali (or Deepavali in Sanskrit), which literally translates to 'a row of lights', is the annual festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It's also the largest celebration in their religious calendars.